A fine conclusion to an uneven prequel trilogy

Rating: 9/10 (17 June 2005)

The original Star Wars trilogy has been an indelible part of many a childhood memory. Millions entered the theater for the prequel films with great anticipation and trepidation. Suffice it to say there was little hope of these films living up to their substantial hype, much of it created in our own minds.
The previous prequels, on their own, were decent, albeit disappointing, flicks. Revenge of the Sith definitely stands far and above them. It abounds with rousing action and tweaks of nostalgia.
All of the annoyances we've heard about the five previous films are present here, most notably George Lucas' notoriously tin ear for dialog (from a stilted "You're breaking my heart!" to the unfortunately placed "No!" with multiple vowels). I can forgive the childlike dialog, though, since these films bring out the child in me. Once the action kicks in, it's one heck of a ride.
My personal nitpicking which prevents me from scoring this a perfect 10: Anakin and Padme's romance, which is a central element to the plot of the film, is sorely lacking in the passion department. Their on-screen chemistry is practically nonexistent. Anakin's seemingly abrupt conversion to the dark side and his reasons for doing so may certainly strike some as a bit unconvincing.
Also, I can imagine many people rightfully find it rather disappointing and unnerving to discover that one of the most reviled screen villains of all-time began as a whiny, petulant teenager; Darth Vader is little more than a testosterone fueled Veruca Salt in a galaxy far, far away. Within the context of the original trilogy, however, this seems rather fitting. Like father, like son.
While I can point out a few dozen problems I had with it, it's one of the few films I've seen within the last decade that I can honestly say I would actually consider giving repeat viewings in the theater.
If you want to see Revenge of the Sith, and haven't already, I highly recommend it.