Darkness, pain and suffering – a tale of one man’s descent into hell in exchange for absolute power – such is the tale George Lucas promises and such is the experience he delivers.

A fan’s film, there’s so much eye candy I’m diabetic. In this instance not a problem. Since the film is hard to describe without spoilers, I’ll state it simply. Believe the hype. Believe the excitement. Believe in the Force.

The dialog and acting is soap opera grade, maybe a bit less, but that doesn’t matter. Star Wars is more than the story and toys. It’s an outlook. It’s a lesson in karma.

What works about Episode III:

1) Big questions about the characters and series are answered, some with eloquence, some with stunts and some with rocking fight sequences.

2) The effects are beyond cutting edge. Repeatedly, I caught myself thinking – Episode III pushes the envelope of cool visuals. That and the teenagers sitting near me are fighting with full size light sabers.

3) Unlike the Episode I and II, there’s no lag and the story always moves forward.

What needs improvement:

1)At the moment of truth, I expected the Emperor would demonstrate some amazing power unseen at any other time in the series and sway Anakin. We got a display of amazing skill, I just wanted more. Really the only glitch of the whole film and a forgivable one.

Verdict: Full price theater for fans. DVDs for fans. Cable for fans. Video for fans. Not a Star Wars fan? Consider this film anyway.