Star Wars: Episode III--Revenge of the Sith

This may well be the best of all six Star Wars movies--with the caveat that you need to have seen the other five—thanks to the remarkably cunning dexterity and gravitas with which George Lucas snaps into place every remaining puzzle piece in his 30-year story arc. Hayden Christensen shines as Anakin Skywalker, whose compounding crisis of conflicting loyalties (between the Jedi Order and deceptively kindly Senator Palpatine, the future Emperor) tear him apart, leading him to slip ever more rapidly toward the Dark Side of the Force during the zenith of the Clone Wars. The sensations of betrayal and inevitability that fuel his climactic duel against former master Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) are positively goosepimply, even though the outcome has been known since 1977. These elements, coupled with much improved dialogue, fewer video-game-like scenes, and genuinely compelling emotions make up for a myriad of small shortcomings (Yoda's goofy backwards diction has become distractingly cute), a few larger ones (Natalie Portman's role has been reduced to fretting and crying), and a couple "what was George thinking?" moments (Obi-Wan rides a giant lizard). This film delivers on the decades-long promise of the Star Wars franchise with more than just incredible special effects and spectacular light saber duels--it redefines the entire saga. Highly recommended. (R. Blackwelder)