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Jonathan Avants (Phantom Tollbooth) says, "We're given more of what Lucas does best—sensational action scenes that capture and enthrall the imagination. Perhaps the only disappointing feature of Revenge of the Sith is how frustratingly close it gets to being a true masterpiece. The film is held back from greatness by overall poor dialogue."

David Kenney (Relevant) raves, "Does Episode 3 deliver? Yes … oh my gosh, yes. The first 30 minutes alone are enough to scream, 'Thank you, Mr. Lucas!' Star Wars fans get the movie that they have always wanted. The performances given in this movie were much better than seen previously."

But Kevin Miller (Hollywood Jesus) objects. "If this film didn't have the Star Wars label on it and it had been written by a relatively unknown screenwriter, do you really think anyone would have bought the script, much less made it into a movie? Set your nostalgia aside for a moment, and you'll see what I mean. It's okay, you can admit it: This film stinks!"

At the same site, Ed Travis notes "zero romantic chemistry" and "the excellent look and feel of the character- and imagination-driven original trilogy." He also notes "many questions worth asking. What makes someone a hero? What might someone hold on to so hard that it could destroy them? Just why do dark things tempt humankind? These are some of the great questions of life and faith. Ultimately, Star Wars remains such a huge phenomenon because those elements of humanity we all relate to shine through in a fantastic and imaginative way."

Tom Price, also at Hollywood Jesus, says, "Ultimately, Revenge of the Sith is like its principal character—dark, flawed, very interesting and perhaps worthy of redemption as time will tell."

Most mainstream critics continue to praise this as a worthwhile conclusion and the best of the prequels.

A ready-to-download Movie Discussion Guide related to this movie is available at ChristianityTodayMoviesStore.com. Use this guide after the movie to help you and your small group better connect your faith to pop culture.

© 2005 Christianity Today International. All rights reserved. Click for reprint information.

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