* * * * {4 Stars!}
First I will give you the short version. I loved it. Not because I thought the lightsaber fights were great or because I thought the CGI use was better or even because Jar Jar was silent. I loved this movie because it had what all great movies have...dramatic story and character development. I was very deeply and emotionaly involved in the story of Anakin, Palpatine, Obiwan, Yoda and Padme. I cared what happened. I was sadened by Anakins fall. In short it really moved me.

Now on to the details.

Action Sequences.
Despite all of the reports I heard about the opening battle looking like a video game, I personally thought it looked great. Having us travel with Obi-wan and Anakin through the action was a great touch, as was seeing flack and dog fights a-la WWII. On my first viewing, I actually felt the action moved a little to fast. While this eliminated the danger of slow or boring parts of the movie, it also had me wanting to slow some things down. The rematch with Dooku for example was far too short. It did not give you anything more about Dooku's character development. A loss. What saved the scene was Palpatines very naughty request to kill Dooku.

General Grievous
I had been introduced to this character in the Clone war cartoon. In the cartoon, he comes off as almost invincible and bloodthirsty. He is quite different in the movie. He is a cowering, coughing coward. I know that he is a forshadow of Vader (being a cyborg) and that he mainly serves to show how powerful and wise Obi-wan has become. I think if I had come to see him for what he is from the start he wouldn't be so dissapointing. Still he is a great villan for Obiwan to defeat.

Master Kenobi {the negotiator}
Always my favorite character (apart from Luke). You see why he is a Master and on the Jedi council. He has indeed become wise and powerful. When he jumps into the hornets nest of General Grievous and his droids you realize he has no fear. Ewan's portrayal of him as a wise master and a man who loves his former apprentice is nothing short of excellent.

Palpatine/Sidious
The Emperor from Return of the Jedi is back! If you have any doubts that you get to see Darth Sidious in all his glory have no fear, Ian McD delivers! It is clear from the movie that Sidious is in fact a coward and a liar. When Mace is about to finish him off, yes he fakes the weak old man routine. But not just to turn Anakin, more to have Anakin save him. He tells Anakin the Jedi are relentless, and tries to flee from his fight with Yoda. He is Satan to Anakin's Faust. He is a liar, a deceiver and a destroyer. He is also brilliant. He plays the other characters like fiddles.

Anakin Skywalker
When things go dark Hayden does a great job and I am proud of him. And yes, the turn is convincing because it is clear that Anakin never completely turns to the darkside. He is only doing what he is doing to save Padme. His own anger, fear and ambition help drive him to slaughter the Jedi. But he does not suddenly a Sith Lord who embraces the dark side. He takes what he believes is the only course he can. He does have misgivings and regret. And that makes his turn believable and oh so tragic. I truly feel bad for him almost to the point of tears when he is encased in the Vader suit. It is a classic tragedy. Seeing this movie of course gives a whole new dimension to the scenes from the original trilogy where we see Vader and his actions.

Master Windu
I love SLJ. I think he's just a cool brotha. I like the way he plays Mace. He plays him with righteous Anger. Mace clearly woops Sidious in saber battle but he never sees the real issue at hand. That being the real nature of Anakin's internal struggle. His forbidden love of Padme. Sidious does and uses it and Anakin's fear to get Anakin to save him from death at the end of Mace's blade. "You are under arrest my lord". Best line of the movie for me.

Yoda
True to his character in all the other films and quite the little warrior. I love the scenes with him and the wookies. He is great in his confrontation with Sidious (verbally and physically). But much to learn he still has. When he is near tears after realizing what happened in the temple it is a great "acting" moment for Yoda.

Padme's role was greatly reduced but she has one of the most heart tugging scenes/lines in the entire movie. "Anakin you're breaking my heart".

In the end this was a tragedy and it left me feeling very sad. But that is why it is a great movie. It made me feel for the characters. I was emotionally involved. Most of the major issues are tied up in a satisfactory manner for me

Great job George, and thank you.