Grade: A | Genre: Sci-Fi Action Summary: Revenge of the Sith deservingly receives a PM rating of "A" not necessarily because of the engaging dialog, which it isn't, or the superb acting, which it lacks, but for harking back to the days of Empire when emotional story telling was the focus. Admit it, there's a little Padawon geek in all of us. We've all owned at least one action figure or have experienced Star Wars in one form or another. Sure, we may think we're too cool to dress up on opening day but are secretly envious of others decked out in their storm trooper uniforms or waving their light sabers. When the fanatics get up and perform choreographed fight scenes, we cheer them on and are glad we got to see these geeks live out their fantasy for us all to see. That was the scene last night at the 12:01 AM showing of Episode 3 - Revenge of the Sith. It was a gathering of Star Wars fans, young and old, bonded by our love for the "space opera" we've followed for so many years. The days leading up to the final installment of the intergalactic epic have been hard on all of us but rest assured young Jedi, your patience has finally been rewarded. I think I even saw that Star Wars Kid from the video that floated around the Internet in my theatre.

Revenge of the Sith is what the first two episodes should have been. The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones left much to be desired as they lost sight of the story telling that embedded the original trilogy into our hearts forever. All of us are in some way students of the sci-fi saga and understand the events leading to Episode IV - A New Hope. However, what we didn't know and have been waiting so long to discover is how young Anakin is tempted by the Dark Side and wages a new war against himself and the Jedi Republic of which he trained all his life to be a part.

Yoda still kicks butt! Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith Starring: Hayden Christensen, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Ian McDiarmid , Samuel L. Jackson, Jimmy Smits, Frank Oz Director: George Lucas Buy Revenge of the Sith. Must Haves The Star Wars Saga Lord of the Rings Email this article to a friend

In a disturbing scene where Anakin (Hayden Christensen) faces off against the evil Count Dooku (Christopher Lee), while rescuing the deceitful Chancellor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid), we get a glimpse into his conflicted psyche. As he takes a position of advantage over Dooku, he must choose to either seek his revenge for losing his arm by Dooku or going the way of the noble Jedi Knight by taking the Count into containment. With much prodding from the menacing Chancellor, Anakin loses himself in his murky convictions and decidedly takes a life on which he was supposed to have mercy. You'll remember that this isn't the first time Anakin has sought revenge as evident in the last episode when he brutally murdered sand people responsible for kidnapping and killing his mother.

His troubles become even more profound as Anakin discovers he is a father-to-be upon his arrival home to his beloved Padme (Natalie Portman). Her presence allows us to see Anakin semi-comfortable in his own skin even though he is still a lost soul desperate to find himself. He begins having visions of Padme's death during labor (or so it seems) and vows to do whatever it takes to protect his wife from eminent death. This proves to be the beginning of his fall from grace as the Dark Side is able to lure him away from the Republic by playing his fears and love for Padme against him.

Revenge of the Sith deservingly receives a PM rating of "A" not necessarily because of the engaging dialog, which is isn't, or the superb acting, which it lacks, but for harking back to the days of Empire when emotional story telling was the focus. George Lucas must have been aware of the criticsm the previous Episodes received and decided to tell the story the way he knew his fans would want to hear. You are blown away buy the cyber battles, but are totally engaged by Episode III's emotion that spills over from the screen. It's a dark and violent look into a world close to it's end and at the beginning of an evil empire poised to rule the galaxy. So much happens in Episode III that you feel like Lucas has been saving his best for last. He does an excellent job crossing all his t's and dotting all his i's. All your questions are answered as Lucas stays true to the world he created.

It's hard to believe that the Saga is over. However, George Lucas has made the statement that Episodes XII, XIII and IX are in his head, so don't be surprised if a new set of films are created for the enjoyment of future generations to come.

Originally Posted: May 19, 2005

Buy or rent Star Wars Episode III now.