Lucas's "Wars" take to the stars

After a long two-years "Star Wars" fans have waited and prayed that "Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith" would outshine the disappointing Episodes I and II. Thankfully, Lucas is not one to let down his public and managed to create a cinematic tribute to "Star Wars" that almost outshines the original Episodes IV, V and VI.

From the very start, Lucas immerses movie-goers with epic battles inherent to the original "Star Wars" by kicking off the film with a twenty-minute battle complete with graphics and imagery that would put the stunning destruction of the Death Star in the first-ever released "Star Wars" to shame. There on, lightsaber fights and celestial fighter acrobatics dazzle and amaze throughout the remainder of the film enough so to keep the most inattentive glued to the screen.

As story begins, Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) continue on their quest to save Supreme Chancellor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) and bring an end to the clone wars, along with the galactic separatist movement, by assassinating the feared part-robotic General Grievous (Matthew Wood, voice) and dark Count Dooku (Christopher Lee).

Although after the epic battle above Coruscant the war seems to be coming to a long-awaited end, Palpatine decides to befriend Skywalker and, against the will of the Jedi, assigns the future Darth Vader a seat on the Jedi council.
Betrayal and conflict ensue as Skywalker learns Palpatine's dark secret. Driven by the desire to save his pregnant wife Padmé (Natalie Portman), Skywalker hastily converts to the dark side, to become Palpatine's apprentice, and is hence known as Darth Vader. The film then quickly becomes a set up for the next episode as alliances are broken and the Galactic Republic crumbles.

Knowing what eventually happens, who dies and who wins, many would think that that plot would be a bore, but Lucas was able to use that old movie magic to create a film with enough plot twists and turns to keep "Episode III" interesting. During the first-half of the film, it is easy to forget that the selfless, loving Skywalker becomes the most feared creature in the "Star Wars" universe.

Although Lucas may not be known for his scouting talents when it comes to picking actors, luckily, Obi-Wan's little apprentice managed to move on to acting 1b just in time for "Episode III," now able to crank out some basic emotions. Still, Christensen made it clear that his time was better spent growing out his hair and going off to the gym than practicing lines. Portman also turned out a slightly disappointing performance and seemed almost confused with her character.

Then again, acting in "Star Wars" has always taken a back seat to action, graphics and the all-important light saber duels, and Lucas gave the audience just that. Most of the scenes throughout the film incorporate light beams or weapons of some kind to keep the adrenaline pumping while the blurred and faced-paced climactic lightsaber duels blend together into a surreal mesh of light and sound. With all these battles, the plot miraculously holds together and never slows down.

Despite all the new ships and costumes, visual effects director Brad Alexander gives veteran "Star Wars" fans a taste of old-school imagery whether it be the octagonal window-design of Anakin's star fighter to the wedge-shape of the soon to be Star Destroyers.

The brilliant cinematography (directed by David Tattersall) and detailed graphics are nothing, however, without the exquisite original soundtrack by veteran film-score composer John Williams. Brazen horns and longing violins under Williams baton echo throughout the epic film, sending chills throughout the audience before doubling back with a sweet melody reminiscent of both the old and new "Star Wars" films.

Be warned that although many would consider "Star Wars: Episode III" a cinematic masterpiece, it is still a science fiction thriller by no means worthy of an Oscar for the acting or any deep-rooted lyrical social commentary. Regardless, it is still a "Star Wars" movie that, thanks to Lucas's old movie making magic, lends itself more so to the original episodes with lightsaber duels and epic battles to spare.

"Star Wars: Episode III- Revenge of the Sith" (142 minutes) is rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence and intense images.