May 3, 2005. Copyright 2005, Graphic News. All rights reserved

Star Wars comes full circle
By Joanna Griffin

LONDON, May 3, Graphic News:  Even among diehard sci-fi fans, anticipation of a new Star Wars movie has probably never been higher: this month sees the release of Episode III, Return of the Sith -- the very last instalment in the epic series that has established a global cult following since the first film burst onto screens and into the public consciousness almost 30 years ago.

The new movie reunites stars Hayden Christiansen, Natalie Portman, Christopher Lee, Ewan McGregor and Samuel L. Jackson for a final bout of inter-galactic duelling. This time the story focuses on Anakin SkywalkerÕs (Christiansen) transformation into arch villain Darth Vader as a result of his passionate love for Senator Padme Amidala (Portman). Director George Lucas has said it is his darkest Star Wars film yet.

Return of the Sith begins during a battle that marks the end of the Clone Wars. The plot remains shady, but we can expect an apocalyptic scenario as Anakin crosses over to the Dark Side and descends into a fiery hell. Lucas has said the transformation of Anakin, who disappointed some fans and critics in Episode II: Attack of the Clones, is harrowing, and that this movie is richer in psychological content than the other five. Longtime fans are also to be treated to the birth of twins Luke and Leia.

But itÕs not just the characterisation that is different. Owing to its violent content, Return of the Sith is expected to receive a PG-13 rating in the United States -- higher than its predecessors. All the Star Wars movies have been groundbreaking in one way or another, and Lucas abandoned plans to film this one in 3D due to logistics and cost. Nevertheless, we can expect another special effects extravaganza with more light-sabre duelling and other fast-paced action sequences.

In the eyes of the critics, of course, the Star Wars record has been patchy: The Empire Strikes Back (1980) is generally considered to be the best, and Return of the Jedi (1983) the least impressive. After that movie, Lucas took a long sabbatical before filming The Phantom Menace (1999), and Attack of the Clones (2002). That the last film was held to be a critical failure but still took $80 million on its opening weekend illustrates the massive appeal of the series: fans routinely queue up to a month to catch the opening.

In fact, the Star Wars franchise remains the most successful of all time: the five films to date have taken almost $3.5 billion worldwide, outdoing Lord of the Rings, for example, which has taken an estimated $2.9 billion. Whatever the response to his latest Star Wars outing, Lucas is certain to want the series to go out with a bang.

Episode III: Return of the Sith is released worldwide from May 18.
/ENDS

RELEASE DATES

MAY 15: Cannes Film Festival

MAY 16: Premiere, London, England

MAY 18: Belgium, Denmark, France, Switzerland (French speaking region)

MAY 19: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, Finland, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Israel, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland (German speaking region), Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, United Arab Emirates

MAY 20: Ecuador, Estonia, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Lithuania, Switzerland (Italian speaking region)

MAY 21: Taiwan

JULY 9: Japan