Still doesn't top the originals

Rating: 5/10 (6 June 2005)

One of the most eagerly anticipated movies of my life, Revenge of the Sith in some ways cashes the check that was promised but bounced with The Phantom Menace (1999). Certainly the superior film of the prequels, Episode III offers mind-blowing digital effects and an incredibly dark tone as we see Anakin Skywalker make the transformation into Darth Vader. Among the highlights include the opening space battle and Anakin's betrayal of the Jedi council (boy is that dark...). Lucas has also attempted to make the visual transition between this film and Episode IV by re-using similar sets and costumes (even Anakin is sporting a 70s style mullet), so that the jump from CGI smoothness to cheap plastic and matte-work seems less congruent.
However, Episode III does not entirely satisfy. While its tone makes even Empire feel light and upbeat, Sith drags unbearably at times, with scenes (that could be heavily trimmed) feeling very drawn out. Furthermore, the dialogue is pure Lucas nonsense and Anakin's transformation into Vader borders on the absurd. Christensen's awkward shambling in the suit, together with the weakest Vader line of the series ('Is Padme...alright?') threatens to sink the film. That said, Lucas's visual flair and handling of the action sequences recalls his New Hollywood origins, and the story threads of the later films are nicely dealt with. A good, but not great, beginning for the original Star Wars trilogy.