The Force is strong with this one...

Rating: 9/10 (23 May 2005)

*contains mild spoilers*
There is something indescribable about any Star Wars movie which brings out the child in most people. Although the previous two recent prequels of Lucas's epic have met with very valid criticisms- the fact that there is something indefinably spine-tingling about the very sound of a light sabre being unsheathed is undeniable to most.
Cynics might argue that the sound of cash registers ringing to the happy tune of marketing millions are the chief motivation of the continuation of the saga. There is no arguing that the first outing had it not been a success would have most likely been the last. Subsequent instalments have in truth not seemed to be the labour of love that A New Hope obviously was, but are no less entertaining or magical part of the Star Wars mythology.
What we are buying into however is not a new computer game or a DVD, but rather a youthful dream and a carefully engineered mythology which has the ability to touch the youngest padawan to the eldest master. George Lucas is selling us our very own dreams and aspirations, and the queue to buy into them will possibly never end.
Whether this is right or not seems irrelevant faced with the prospect of finally watching concluding chapter of the world's best known space adventure.
Revenge of the Sith by my reckoning is a fitting end- and a real accomplishment to all involved in it's technical production. We have all come to expect jaw- dropping and exceptional visual effects from Lucas, and in this there is no disappointment to be found as far as this movie is concerned. It is clear that Lucas will accept no standard that is not perfection. With this in mind, credit must be extended to all of those diligent and talented individuals involved in realising the contents of Lucas' imagination upon the big screen. Technically, I doubt that better could have been achieved.
As we all know however, effects alone do not a compelling story make. I breathed a sigh of relief this time around- as did many. Characterisation is greatly improved, dialogue is more believable and performance reflects both improvements. The cast seem to have at least been given the tools that they require this time in order to produce a more immersing and believable conclusion.
Of course it is natural that the audience is going to intrinsically feel a greater empathy with the central characters, since we have all been familiar with them for quite some time now. This alone is not enough for us to empathise and truly care of their fate.
Performances from Hayden Christensen and Natalie Portman flower a little more and at least -seem- more adult. It is all a little more convincing but do not go along not expecting an emotive performance worthy of Meryl Streep here. The dialogue is still utterly painful at rare fleeting moments, and does let them down in a cringe-inducing way. This is only accentuated by the fact that such god awful appalling dialogue is not the norm in Revenge of the Sith- or at least if it is awful it is in better context and less noticeable. The shuddering cheesiness is mercifully- at least kept to a minimum.
None the less I found myself for the first time believing that the relationship between Padmé and Anakin had some true emotional substance. What the dialogue lacks is made up by (shock!) some surprising romantic chemistry this time, rather than what previously seemed to be two underwhelmed adolescents on a pity date.
With the theme of romance covered we move on to another aspect of Star Wars that is required to make it complete. The face of an easily recognisable evil is provided this time by Chancellor Palpatine. One of the great strengths of this movie is Ian McDiarmid's simply wonderful performance as Palpatine who oozes an almost tactile on- screen villainy which any audience will gladly lap up.
The movie as a whole is an entirely enjoyable ride, and should you sit down and watch the others the collective entirety is a commendable achievement in cinema.
As ever, all is enhanced by an iconic commanding symphonic musical score from John Williams. Other highlights include a mind bogglingly visual space battle, all within seconds of the opening credits. Purists and die-hards will be satisfied and more with this, and the light sabre fight to end them all between Obi- Wan and his errant charge Skywalker.
My own personal favourite scene has to be without doubt- the parallel deaths of Anakin and Padmé, and the parallel births of Vader, Leia and Luke. Emotive, artistic and beautifully directed. A timeless piece of popular mythology realised.
For what is is, and what it was intended to be- this is a great movie which has little room for improvement ...and yes...my spine still tingles every time I hear that "light sabre sound"
Commendable 9/10