After George Lucas’s first two "Star Wars" prequels received lukewarm responses from fans, it looks like he will end the series on a triumphant and satisfying note with the concluding chapter. Early reviews from the nation’s print, online, and broadcast critics, are gushing praises for "Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith."
This grimmer chapter, chronicling Anakin Skywalker’s decent into the dark side and transformation into Darth Vader, has scored an exceptional 86% on the Tomatometer. Despite some clunky lines, critics think the character-driven Episode III is an exhilarating rollercoaster ride and a satisfying sendoff of a beloved series. Todd McCarthy of Variety calls it "the best in the overall series since ‘The Empire Strikes Back.’" Kirk Honeycutt of Hollywood Reporter says, "The final episode of George Lucas’ cinematic epic ‘Star Wars’ ends the six-movie series on such a high note that one feels like yelling out, ‘Rewind!’"
Compared to the previous two prequels, both of which are in the low to mid-60’s on the Tomatometer, Episode III’s 86% is a major improvement, and the only prequel chapter to be Certified Fresh. When it is released next week, there’s also a very good chance that it’ll be the best reviewed film in wide release. For comparison, "The Empire Strikes Back" scores 98% on the Tomatometer and the original "Star Wars" scores 93%.
Tomatometer Scores for the Star Wars series:
86% – Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
65% – Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
62% – Star wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
80% – Return of the Jedi
98% – The Empire Strikes Back
93% – Star Wars
