A Tragedy of Great Proportions

Rating: 9/10 (19 May 2005)

Definitely the best of the first 3 Episodes, this is a very dark and cruel chapter in the saga. As advertised, it's action packed and the dialog pauses are well matched with other sequences happening at the same time elsewhere.
It's nice that some of the animated action of the Clone Wars series is brought to this film; fights are more aggressive and acrobatic, General Grievous is impressive and the special effects sequences are smooth and very detailed. I missed the heavy tattoos made to Anakin during the Clone Wars...that would've bring the deep impression that Darth Maul brought when he first appears. Nevertheless, he's pumped-up and good looking.
In conclusion, the movie is phenomenal in Star Wars terms. I won't say it's better than Empire Strikes Back, which many people consider the best, but it's certainly up there. Regarding children, I wouldn't take kids of less than 8 or 10 years old because Anakin was first presented as a hero to be emulated. Here the image is very different, evil, death, and deception are everywhere...and Anakin is very cruel. For everyone else, it will be a sad, but fulfilling experience.