Opened: May 19, 2005

Directed by: George Lucas

Starring: Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen, Ian McDiarmid, Samuel L. Jackson, Jimmy Smits, Christopher Lee, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Frank Oz, Peter Mayhew, Oliver Ford Davies, Ahmed Best, Silas Carson, Joel Edgerton, Bonnie Piesse, Matthew Wood & James Earl Jones

The final episode of the Star Wars prequel trilogy brings a steadier ending to the series than its predecessors had set up. Even so, it still doesn’t match the epic quality of the original series.

After the death of Sith Lord Count Dooku (Christopher Lee), Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) is sent to terminate General Grievous (Matthew Wood). Anakin (Hayden Christensen) fears for his wife Padmé’s (Natalie Portman) life after having visions of her dying in childbirth and puts his faith in Supreme Chancellor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid), who says he can help save her.

This film focuses on the final transformation of Anakin from Jedi trainee to – not-so-spoiler alert – Sith Lord Darth Vader. It’s hard to believe in Christensen with his lack of true emotions, but his final battle alongside McGregor’s Kenobi is well-executed.

Final say: A darker, but better film. ★★★☆☆