BY KEVIN GRAY:

As the day grew nearer, my anticipation increased in kind. My heart began to race; my breath became short; I was unable to sleep; nervous energy consumed my daily existence; and all of my thoughts were preoccupied with the promise that I was about to experience the cinematic event of a lifetime. Although it may sound like something of a platitude, I believe it is more than accurate to say that I have waited for more than half of my life to see this film. For it was to be the culmination of one of the most profound, timeless, and classic stories of endowment and promise turned tragic. We know how this episode ends. We know how the icon, that is the center of this story, finds redemption in the end, through the love of, and for his child. What we need now, is to experience and feel the melodrama that elucidates this epic for the ages.

This was where my anticipation lay. This is what I waited for, for 28 years. At least, it feels like 28 years to me. However, it is in the telling of this story that Episode III ultimately fails. Darth Vader is one of the most recognizable antiheros of two generations. His story is consummate and abysmal. His story is intense and heartfelt. His story is emotionally complicated and perplexing. Yet, I get none of that from this film. The final days of Anakin Skywalker's story, and his turn to the dark side feel disjointed, and extempore. [SPOILER]One minute he is ratting out the Sith Lord to the Jedi. The next minute he has turned to the Dark Side, and is killing children.[SPOILER] We miss a turn or two somewhere along this journey to evil. In that, I feel greatly disappointed, and all I can say is "Thank the force for the written word!" I think that I'm going to read the book. What I do get, is some of the best action and special effects that I have ever seen. The opening scene begins where the novel "Labyrinth of Evil" ends. [SPOILER]There is a huge battle over Coruscant, with a prolonged scene of a squadron of fighters flying through the ruckus to reach General Greivous' battleship to attempt a rescue of Supreme Chancellor Palpatine.[SPOILER] This is truly amazing stuff. I want to see the movie again just to see that scene. I think that I may be able to enjoy it more now that the anticipation is gone.

The strength and power of the Jedi is under full display in this film. Anakin and Obi-Wan form a kick-butt team, and wreak havoc on battle droids, Sith apprentices, and each other.

Yoda, for all of his diminutive characteristics, is colossal. I learned to love his character and his power even more than before. However, I wish that we could have seen, and learned more about all of them. We know Yoda; we know Obi-Wan, and we get a little of Mace Windu, but what of Shaak Ti. Shaak Ti, the female Jedi Master known as the calm voice of reason; beautiful as a flower, yet deadly as a viper. [SPOILER]The only glimpse of her that we get is her taking a blaster in the back when the Clone Troopers turn on the Jedi.[SPOILER]

This movie deserved to be at least 3 hours long. There is so much drama that should unfold, but the opportunity isn't there for it to happen. Also, maybe the acting had something to do with this missed target. In the end, however, technology and special effects rule the day in this film Therefore, you should be able to imagine what a visual spectacle it is. George Lucas may not have learned to tell a story better over the years, but his mastery of special effects is without equal. He is the Jedi Master of special effects. The sheer number, and wide range of effects in this film is staggering. It looks real. It feels real. In terms of effects, it takes what was started in Episode IV to heights never before seen in cinema. For this, proud should George Lucas be.