Episode III: A Spectacular End to a Childhood.

Rating: 10/10 (2 June 2005)

Episode III has been one of the most anticipated films of all time. The saga is now complete. What do we do now? I am 25 years old and my first introduction to the galaxy far, far away, was when my father brought home our first VHS system, also included was the original 20th Century CBS/FOX copy of "Star Wars." From the opening moments of the imperial star destroyer filling the frame, I was hooked. Not only because of the great story telling and wild imagination, but I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life: become a filmmaker. With the release of Episode III, I found that sense of excitement again, but it's too late. In a perfect world, I would have experienced that sensation with Episodes I and II. Not to say I hated the first of the prequels, in fact I enjoy them. But Episode III was the story and action I was waiting for. The great return of Darth Vader. Spoiler Alert: The only complaint I have about the downward decay of young Anakin was that he doesn't become truly evil. A word which has been driven into our minds since Obi-Wan's speech to Luke in "A New Hope." Anakin does commit some brutal acts, but not how I expected. Spoiler Alert: Anakin's fall to the dark side mirrors what any of us humans could go through. All of us make bad decisions forced out of love. I was surprised to see Anakin turn evil in order to save Padme from "certain death." I wanted to see Anakin forget all he knew, and only care about one person, himself as ruler of the galaxy. Spoiler Alert: When Padme passes on from "losing her will to live," Darth Sidious informs Vader that he killed her in his anger. Outraged from the news, Vader belts out a horrific cry that shatters everything around him. I wanted to see prior to that, Darth Sidious informing Vader about his current state, i.e. explanations about the infamous Vader costume. And only because Vader doesn't fully understand the transformation, I wanted to see Vader violently confront Sidious. Almost a thing like, "what have you done to me." That sort of thing. And in a feeble attempt to save his own life, Sidious could persuade Vader to take out his anger against the galaxy. The film manages to downsize Vader's evilness. We know him as a horrific figure in the night, not a love stricken sissy hidden beneath a mask. And the screen time Vader is actually present, way too short. I only saw these things because as a follower of the films, it's what I wanted to see. As the film goes, the pacing was unbelievable. Time flew by and I was once again transported back to my childhood. The dialogue was nicely shaped up. The only dialogue I cringed at was Padme's delivery of "Hold me, like you did by the lake on Naboo." Other than that, excellent come back from Episode II. The fights were as stellar as one could hope. The infamous Anakin vs. Obi-Wan lived up to the hype. I only wish Lucas left in the original running time of 25 minutes, inter-cut with the Sidious vs. Yoda clash. The montage of the Jedi slaughter was amazing. John Williams' score really surpassed the previous ones. The new track, "Battle of the Heroes," is simply perfect. On May 19th, my childhood ended, but no regrets. I could only wish to create such an incredible force (no pun intended) as Lucas did. I heard a rumor that when Episode III is released on DVD, it will include six new scenes. I could only hope for a re-release with the added scenes sometime down the road. Overall, Episode III was worth the wait. Wish it could have been longer, a 3 hour running time would have been a great way to go out. The film is a worthy entry into the Star Wars saga. I only hope it conquers "Titanic." If any film could, Episode III is it. 10 out 10, way to go Lucas. All I can say is," thank you."