Almost felt like old times...

Rating: 8/10 (26 June 2005)

I was 7 years old when i saw the "original" Star Wars (New Hope) at a drive-in. Seeing that on a HUGE screen with a starry background, entrenched the whole Star Wars phenomenon into my psyche. I have been an on and off fan my whole life. I said that to say I did enjoy Episode III quite a bit. At 35, I figured I would never feel an inkling of what I felt on that starry night in 1977 when I saw Episode III. Well, I felt something. It wasn't perfect, but I could tell George Lucas did put an admirable effort into this film. Mr. Lucas still has a "kid with the best toys on the block" syndrome with all of the special effects, but at least the story tends to keep up with all the glitz and glash.
Ewan Mcgregor and Ian McDiarmad really grow into their roles(Obi-wan Kenobi and Emperor Palpatine,respectively). These two carry the film as far as drama goes. And the one surprise for me is that Hayden Christensen does an admirable turn as the tragic Anakin Skywalker. As one reviewer said earlier you will never see the original Trilogy the same way again. The character of Darth Vader has been a part of Pop culture for a long time. To finally see the history of Vader/Skywalker is entertaining ans saddening to a degree. If you are a true fan, you may be speechless at the end or looking for a refund, but you won't be able to deny that no one will ever come close to George Lucas' Opus again.
The first 30 minutes are truly entertaining and fun while in contrast, the last thirty minutes are powerful but disturbing. Parents please show caution when taking your children. The middle is a hodgepodge of great and mediocre acting, over digitized animation, too little characterization and leftover political fertilizer from the first two Episodes. BUT it all comes together nicely in a spectacular fashion.
I hope George comes to his senses and decides to do Episodes 7-9, but directed by some new talent. We'll see. Anyway, a really good film, not a great film. Enjoy.