A Huge step up from episodes 1 and 2

Rating: 8/10 (9 June 2012)

After the annoying catastrophe that was Jar Jar Binks in episode 1 and the wooden acting and cheesy love story that was episode 2, I can honestly say that George Lucas has given what the original fans of the series have waited for all these years.
Honestly, I don't think I need to say what happens. You just really need to know the background of these movies to appreciate the story of this one. Anakin becomes Darth Vader. Luke and Leia are born. Padme dies. Everybody knows this, and yet, Lucas is able to weave the stories together in this instalment.
Episodes 1 and 2, as mentioned above, had some major weak moments. The weakest thing in this entry is Hayden Christensen. He has definitely improved from episode 2, but he still overacts his scenes, particularly those when he is mad and transforms to the dark side. He is the main reason why this movie does not deserve a perfect score.
All in all, though, the acting is quite good. This is Ewan McGregor's best outing as Obi-wan. He's no Alec Guinness for sure, but he does pull off the role nicely here. The same thing can be said for Natalie Portman; this is her best outing as Padme, and she definitely has matured into a fine actress in today's world. Samuel L. Jackson is always great even when he is in movies that really suck, so aside from Christensen, there really is nothing to complain about here.
Overall, it's a great Star Wars movie, an almost complete return to form. Is it as good as the original trilogy? No it's absolutely not! But I can safely say that it comes the closest, and it comes quite close, actually. As for the special effects, well, it's Star Wars; I don't think I need to mention the special effects. All in all, an 8 out of 10 for me.