Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith
Written and Directed by: George Lucas
Starring: Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen, Ian McDiarmid,
Samuel L. Jackson, Frank Oz, and many more!
Rated: PG-13
Opens: Thursday May 19th

To write a traditional review of any member of the Star Wars saga is an effort
in futility. Everyone will go see this film, except for one or two
people who (and they must be genetic freak) decided to skip out on the
phenomena that is Star Wars. For me it started back in 1977 when, at age 2, I 
sat quietly transfixed through the entire movie. I have no memory of this, but 
I am assured that it is true, and I still have my original toy Darth Vader 
(red light saber) to prove it. Now, 28 years later, seeing the definitive end 
of (the beginning) of the series leaves me with a sense of sadness and loss. 
Of course, I can be assured that when 3D holographic technology peaks Lucas's
great grandchildren will re-release the movies with all new characters, eye 
melting special effects and soul shattering sound.

Now I can banter Star Wars trivia with the best of them, but I stay away from
technicalities, like "why can Qui-Gon and Obi Wan use the Jedi 'push' power to 
fight, when the force is for defense only." I also refuse to debate whether or
not the new series is better or worse than the originals. But you might be
wondering, will Episode III resolve all of the outstanding inconsistencies 
between the new and the old? In some ways it does a very good job of tying up 
those loose ends.

Some of the questions that do get answered:
- What's up with C3PO? Why can't he remember anything?
- How can Leia remember her mother while Luke does not?
- What, you didn't see that coming? Or How the Jedi get punked.
- Why is the Emperor so ugly?
- Are Obi-Wan and Yoda pansies? Why did they go into hiding instead of just
taking out Darth and the Emperor? 
- Why do Yoda and Obi-Wan disappear when they die, but other Jedi do not?

Lucas finally figured out that his true audience wasn't the 4 year olds, and 
that Jar Jar and other make Episode I almost unwatchable, while Episode II is
perfect for the elderly who have heart conditions (along with some nice 
tapioca!). There is very little comedy in Episode III but plenty of fighting, 
deception and betrayal. Additionally, while the acting is still terrible (as,
I believe it was in the originals with the exception of very few actors), the 
writing stepped up. Some great one liners and some insightful observations such
as "So this is the way that freedom dies, to the sound of applause." -- Said, 
uncharacteristically well by Padame Skywalker. The fall of Anakin is quick but 
convincing; while the rise of Vader is beautiful, and of course, James Earl 
Jones is back lending his voice to make Darth just perfect.

While it is truly sad to see the end of the series I believe that, if at all 
possible, this time, they got it right and it delivers on its expectations. I
cannot wait for 2036 when Bob Lucas Jr. comes out with Star War 7 in 
holographic 4D with ultra surround.

Dave can be reached at dkerr@detroitbuzz.com