*** 1/2/****
Dir: George Lucas
2005 Color English 140 Min
Rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence and some intense images.
Everyone talks about this being Lucas’ redemption after disappointing fans with Episodes I and II. Personally, I have never thought that he needed to be redeemed. I am a big believer that George can do whatever he wants, and honestly doesn’t owe anyone anything.
That being said, this movie, by far, is the best of the prequels and dare I say probably better than Episode VI? No nasty Ewoks or wasting of Han Solo’s character here. Everyone (including Jimmy Smits!) gets some good quality time here. One caveat tho: George still needs to get someone else to write his dialog. Of course all of the Star Wars movies suffer from this flaw.
If you have been in a cave for the last 28 years or so, this movie follows Anakin Skywalker and his path down the slippery slope to the Dark Side of the Force. This movie is also a nice bridge to the original Trilogy and features a lot of nice touches that really tie the two trilogies together: The first use of the Vader-grip, token passing of Anakin’s lightsaber, Yoda mentioning teaching Ben about haunting people after they die, Bail Organa’s ship – the same as from Episode 4, Who knew Chewbacca and Yoda were so close? and much much more.
We saw the movie at the same theater complex that we saw Episode II. Lev bought tickets online and without knowing, we ended up in the digital theater. It was amazing picture quality, though I think the sound could have been a tad louder. None of the coloring issues from the last movie – I am sure this is what it will look like when it comes out on DVD in the fall. I certainly wish all movies were digitally projected – no jumps or spots on the screens at all. Another bonus is that Lev was among the first 100 in line at the theater, and since most people were in the Analog theaters, we were not rushed to find a seat and got choice seats. I did feel left out though since Target was giving away Episode III beach balls, and the audience spent the hour or so waiting for the movie by tossing them around the theater. The best part was that the Grove’s exit was much easier to get out of than the last time, and I was home and in bed in just over an hour from leaving.
To wrap up: Even if you were disappointed by the first two prequels, go see this one – it is worth it.