Star Wars: Episode III - Return of the Sith ***1/2
Cast: Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christensen, Natalie Portman, Ian McDiarmid, Samuel L. Jackson, Jimmy Smits, Frank Oz, Anthony Daniels, Christopher Lee, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew, James Earl-Jones (voice)
Director: George Lucas
Running Length: 2:20
MPAA Classification: PG-13

*** MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS ***

The series started in 1977 is finally completed with "Sith". It is no secret what happens -- Anakin becomes Darth Vader, Darth Sidious becomes Emperor, the Jedi are killed -- the bigger questions are why and how. George Lucas manages to tie up enough loose ends to satisfy, and "Sith" is one of the better films to bear the name "Star Wars".

The movie opens Obi-Wan (McGregor) and Anakin (Christensen) attempting to save the kidnapped Chancellor Palpatine (McDiarmid) from Count Dooku (Lee). Not all is as it seems, and soon the Jedi have their eyes on Palpatine. They fear he will prolong the war to retain power. Meanwhile Anakin is having nightmares of Padme (Portman) dying. Soon, Darth Sidious is taking advantage of both these situations to acquire a new apprentice in Anakin by promising unlimited power.

"Sith" is not a happy movie. The film is darker in tone than every other "Star Wars" movie that has come before it, and the PG-13 rating is well deserved. Fortunately, that is what most fans want. There is loads of action from beginning to end, including the long light saber battle between Anakin and Obi-Wan and another battle between Darth Sidious and Yoda.

Unfortunately, the movie is plagued by the poor acting that has been evident in the previous prequels. The only standouts are Ian McDiarmid and Ewan McGregor. McDiarmid is both reserved and dignified, and over the top evil as necessary to the story. He is the glue that has held the prequels together, and has lent some class to the acting. McGregor looks and sounds more like Sir Alec Guiness, and his pain in palpable when his best friend betrays him.

The effects are astounding. Every inch of the screen is filled with something to see, all the time. The story really delivers as well. Filled with lots of tie-ins to the original series, "Sith" really bridges the gap between Episodes I-III and Eposodes IV-VI.

My biggest complaint is the appearance of the dark attired Darth Vader. The whole movie leads up to this point, and what we get is a bit disappointing. Comparisons to Frankenstein are not entirely off, and that is not a good thing.

In the end, it is a heck of a ride, and a fitting conclusion to a series that has captured the imaginations of many for 27 years. Lucas has said that he will not make Episodes VII-IX, but only time will tell. Until then, we have a complete tale of the rise, fall, and redemption of one of the biggest villians of the 20th century. I highly recommend seeing this film and all the "Star Wars" films if for some reason you have not. Thank you Mr. Lucas.