n this final installment of the Star Wars prequel trilogy, the Clone Wars have raged for two years. The galaxy is divided between Count Dooku's Confederacy of Independent Systems and the Republic, which is led by Chancellor Palpatine. In the political unrest, Palpatine schemes to end the Jedi order, dissolve the Republic, and declare himself Emperor of the Galactic Empire, using his clone army and Sith Warriors to do so.

Lured by the power offered by Palpatine, Anakin draws closer to the Dark Side. To complicate matters, he and Padme are parents to twins Luke and Leia. Fearing that Anakin may turn to the Dark Side, Obi-Wan confronts his former student, trying to dissuade him from joining ranks with the Sith. Obi-Wan and Anakin face each other in a duel that leaves Anakin wounded and presumably dead.

Palpatine seizes the opportunity and takes the injured Jedi under his wing. Using technology to heal Anakin, Palpatine creates a new and powerful Sith warrior: Darth Vader. With Vader at his side, Palpatine lays waste to the Jedis and Dooku's army, and creates the new Empire. Now, Obi-Wan and the last remaining Jedis must rally to save Princess Padme and the twins (who have been separated so as to remain unaware of each other's existence). Their hope is that someday the next generation can lead a revolution to unseat Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine.

Emotionally Powerful, Visually Brilliant
Star Wars: Episode III is rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence and some intense images, but it should also be said that it is a compelling human drama, with heavy emotions. The lure of the Dark Side is revealed in this prequel, as Anakin struggles with the devil on his left shoulder. It is not a film for young children.

The duels and outer space battles are visually ingenious and exciting — the sort of breathtaking imagery we have come to expect from Lucas. But the violence is sometimes extreme — another reason why little ones should not be in the audience.

The cast includes Christopher Lee as Count Dooku, Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi, Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker, and Natalie Portman as Padme.

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