It begins like any other Star Wars movie. An optical illusion of writing introduces us to the doings of characters as we prepare to follow their adventures through space in the comfort of a reasonably empty 6pm playing.

The next 150 minutes are barely consumed by the conclusion: a cast list that runs down at some Formula 1 racing speed. Much of the movie is dominated by debates and arguments, each ending with unsuccessful agreements and finding Anakin Skywalker take Senator Amidala on a tour of the universe as he meets his mother in her dying moments and dangerously attempts to disobey orders and ignore requests.

The movie starts ten years after the events of The Phantom Menace and Anakin has matured and is under the apprenticeship of Obi-Wan Kenobi. They are set the task of protecting Senator Padme Amidala, but as Obi-Wan Kenobi undertakes investigations into the Senator's dangers, Anakin returns to his home planet of Tatooine with Padme to discover that his mother has been kidnapped and just moments from death. He is challenged to overcome his secret love for Padme and follow the requests given to him by the Emporer.

Light-savers clash like swords as the movie comes to a daring climax. The duration of these battles lacks the suspense of other Star Wars movies, but proves the power of the little Yoda. "Mediate on this, I will."

By Michael Sergel

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