Star Wars: Episode 3 - Revenge Of The Sith

****1/2

Reviewed by: John Gallagher

Revenge Of The Sith
"Worth the wait."

Well, we knew this day would come when we had to watch the closing moments that sealed off the final chapter in the now six part galactic soap opera that is Star Wars. We've had our ups (the sight of Natalie Portman and her multitude of almost revealing dresses) and our downs (Jar Jar Binks didn't come to a sticky end) and through it all we have paid witness to some of the most spectacular backdrops and characters any man could ever create.

Those (like me) who didn't really enjoy the first two prequels (The Phantom Menace and Attack Of The Clones), and are waiting in agonising terror as to whether George could pull it off, result is... Oh hell, yes, he can.

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I have to admit that I went in thinking it was going to be like the others, but am glad to say I was proven wrong. The scenario is the same as any other Star Wars movie. Take amazing looking backdrops, insert weird looking characters and throw in some kind of plot. This one isn't any different except that it just happens to be the one movie that must tie every other episode together and make sure to include everything, so that we are not left asking questions at the end.

It starts off with one of the best opening space battles you are ever likely to witness and in the thick of it all are our two heroes, Anakin (Hayden Christensen) and Obi-Wan (Ewan McGregor), as they make their way through hordes of rebel ships to get to their destination and save Chancellor Palpatine from General Grievous. The action continues and doesn't stop as Anakin confronts his biggest decision, whether to turn to the dark side, or stand with the Jedi.

The dark side grows stronger as the movie takes us to the final battle between Anakin and Obi-Wan on the lava soaked planet of Mustafar - believe me it's a battle you won't ever forget. R2-D2, C-3PO, Chewbacca and a whole host of other characters spanning the movies turn up in this final instalment to take us into the three movies we already know and love. This is a must for Star Wars fans and for anyone who wants to see one of the best films of the year.

It's not just the backdrops and the plot that carry the movie; the characters have a hand in it, too. From the comedic shenanigans of R2 at the beginning, when he just can't seem to get a break, to the self-pitiful Anakin as he tells us once again that life isn't fair and that everyone is against him (NOTE: to those who thought he was annoying in Attack Of The Clones, he doesn't whine so much this time). You also have the chance of seeing Yoda kick ass again, as well as watch Samuel L Jackson finally get into some lightsabre action.

There's so much in this movie that it would be a crime to tell you everything. All I can do is say that it was worth the wait and implore anyone who enjoys great cinematic experiences to go and see it while it's hot. If that doesn't sway you, then the promise of Christopher Lee doing a somersault might.

Reviewed on: 20 May 2005
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Star Wars: Episode 3 - Revenge Of The Sith packshot
Anakin's personal struggle against the Dark Side becomes more difficult as rebellious robots and an enemy within threaten to topple the Republic.
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Read more Star Wars: Episode 3 - Revenge Of The Sith reviews:

Stephen Carty ****
Scott Macdonald ****
Symon Parsons ****

Director: George Lucas

Writer: George Lucas

Starring: Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen, Ian McDiarmid, Samuel L Jackson, Jimmy Smits, Anthony Daniels, Christopher Lee, Keisha Castle-Hughes, Silas Carson, Temuera Morrison, the voice of Frank Oz

Year: 2005

Runtime: 140 minutes

BBFC: 12A - Adult Supervision

Country: US

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