The fans hit the Sith

Lots of fun going to the 12.01am screening of Star Wars 3 on Wednesday night. The local multiplex had sold out 5 screens to idiots like me, Dani and Todd who abandoned all thought of sensible sleep patterns in order to beat all those people queuing for months on Hollywood Boulevard by a good few hours. The place was packed by 11.15, so we were sat way too close to the screen, especially for the opening space battle which was slightly nauseating as a result. Thoughts in no particular order:

1) SW goes political! There’s a scene where Anakin paraphrases GW Bush’s “You’re either with us or against us” line and Obiwan answers that “Only a Sith Lord thinks in absolutes”. Blimey. The Grauniad pointed out that Lucas’ favoured political system appears to be a theocratic ruling council “kind of like Iran”.
2) The best bit was Yoda’s nonchalant dismissal of a couple of imperial guards, which got a big laugh and a cheer.
3) The story is no longer about Luke transforming from farmboy to Jedi warrior, but Anakin’s downfall and eventual redemption. Looking forward to watching them with our kids, who will have fresh eyes.
4) Some nice segues into the original movie – Chewie, Captain Antilles, a familiar-looking corridor. Although the stuff with the wookiees was rather undercooked.Some poor acting, rubbish dialogue and all that – but still the best SW movie since The Empire Strikes Back.