Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 1/2 Content: +2 1/2

The long-awaited Revenge of the Sith wraps up Lucas Star Wars saga that started in the middle, took us to the end, and finally backtracked to the beginning. Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) and Padams (Natalie Portman) deepening love story gives the plot substance, and the Jedi battle scenes dramatic special effects will have boys of all ages dreaming of Jedi grandeur. While Episode III outshines Episodes I and II, it doesnt measure up to the early Star Wars blockbusters. But it does answer the fateful question fans have been asking ever since Darth Vader uttered the shocking words, Luke, I am your father. What caused Anakin Skywalker to turn to the dark side? The answer unfolds as the Jedi Councils search for the Sith Lord leaves them worried about the impressionable Skywalker. Will the young Jedis skills lead the Empire to victory, or will his desire to hold onto everything cost his people everything?

Though multiple fight scenes, several dramatic deaths and the burning of one characters body in lava are too much for young children, the story of Anakins temptation to turn to the dark side provides an excellent object lesson for both teen and adult viewers. The plot of this film offers far more than lightsaber duels and galactic battles. The films greatest conflict rages not between the Empire and its enemies, but in the heart of the Empires hero Anakin. This war between good and evil pits his desire against his duty, drawing him from what he wants to what he knows to be right. As teens watch him make the wrong choice for a seemingly noble reason, they will be challenged to make the right choice even when its cost seems too high. Though the film contains no nudity or questionable language, the violent nature of the fight scenes prevents a perfect score in acceptability.

Preview Reviewer: Suzanne Keffer
Distributor: 20th Century Fox