The Bear of the Three New Ones

Rating: 6/10 (20 April 2015)

The only good or even watchable of the three new installments in the legendary Star Wars franchise, this third one is a feast for the eyes, larger than life and finally after two prior failed attempts actually semi-under control by director Lucas, who for all his many talents just simply should not be directing movies. As one colleague commented recently of these films, only George Lucas can make good actors appear to be unable to act. So yes the acting is still deplorable and the storyline overly simple and banal. But it is still one hell of a fun action packed and engaging ride. Especially if one is familiar w the first three films. Definitely worth the watch. Just try to forget those first two ever existed. At the very least this film shows Lucas's visionary cinematic brilliance and his always ahead of the game grasp of modern film technology. It also shows his visionary story telling abilities -- for besides the terrible casting (Samuel Jackson as a Jedi Master is simply dreadful) and the childish dialog, the overall story IS quite a creative achievement. It's nothing less than an iconic film. Though why he has Natalie Portman in the movies at all, since she does absolutely nothing but stare into space or out of windows longingly and forlorned, is a mystery except that she was a necessary vehicle as the mother of the better known Luke and Princess Leigha. And of course this is just one of hundreds of problems with this and the other two "new" movies of the bunch. And yet it still works alright.