Amazing & Spectacular!

Rating: 9/10 (15 July 2005)

As a fan of the old Star Wars Trilogy and one of those not too shattered by how glamor was given higher priority to quality in 1999's Episode I and 2002's Episode 2, I somewhat hoped Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith would be better than those. And I must say, it helped to be hopeful :-) The fact that this movie had to be a mere filler between the romance ruined Attack of the Clones and Star Wars IV: A New Hope (1976) probably helped a good deal. I'm also certain George Lucas finally heard the pleas of Star Wars fans not to wither away from the class that the original trilogy had, and how glamor and romance were not as important as the concept of "a long time ago, in a galaxy far far away..." Indeed, Star Wars III delivered very well. Good special effects, continuity (another lacking factor in episodes I & II), better acting, better makeup, less annoying characters (Jar-Jar, thank you for not speaking), and much better and maturer acting by Hayden Christiansen & Natalie Portman somehow managed to keep viewers attentive about the movie from the beginning to the end. From how Anakin was a hero of a Jedi to what drove him to the dark side - was illustrated exceptionally well. His transformation into the sith Lord Vader was the highlight of the movie, as was the final fight scene between Anakin and Obi Wan Kenobi. Ewon McGregor played a role much older to himself but did a superb job as the Jedi Master. Samuel L. Jackson filled in well as Mace Windu, as did the animated and automated Yoda, R2D2 and C3PO (a little annoying but he was "helpless"). It has always been a delight to see Yoda preach and fight. The introduction of Chewbacca and Plo-Koon the wookies was also well done. They could have added Hans Solo's introduction as well (he was a young pilot then according to the book X-Wing), but glad they did not as an actor would have to be as sarcastic and carefree as Harrison Ford from the old trilogy.
Finally, the introduction of the black robe asthma-struck tyrant Darth Vader was dark and cold, appropriate and well timed.
Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith was obviously the best of the new trilogy, and almost at class with the old ones. Three cheers to George Lucas - bravo!