Dir: George Lucas. Starring: Hayden Christensen, Ewan MacGregor, Samuel L Jackson, Natalie Portman.

I can't say I'm much of a fan of Sci-Fi and to my shame, or perhaps pride depending on how you look at such things, Star Wars III has been the first film in the series which I have seen. I expected a confusing, dull explosion of light-sabres and characters who I'd never heard of or cared about but, to my surprise, I really enjoyed this film.

Written and directed, naturally, by George Lucas, Star Wars III is, as I have on good authority, the best of the more recent Star Wars films and, according to the somewhat geeky guy sitting behind me in the cinema "the best film of all time." I would perhaps be slightly less praiseworthy but Episode III is undoubtedly a good film.

Following on, as one might expect, from Episode II, the clone wars are continuing and Anakin Skywalker (played well by the delightful Hayden Christensen who apparently is soon to be retiring...) finds himself coming very close to the much-maligned "dark side" in order to save his wife Padme (played by Natalie Portman) and thereby into conflict with his mentor and friend Obi Wan-Kenobi (Ewan MacGregor, who, I think, delivers the best performance in the film). The film has all the old favourites such as Yoda and C3PO and whilst the acting and whole feel of the film is a bit cheesy, I have it on good authority that this is very much in keeping with the other films in the series.

What I liked best about the film is that it was relatively simple for someone like me, a Star Wars virgin, to follow, understand and enjoy whilst at the same time, as the joy of the guy behind me reveals, providing an excellent sequel/prequel for the more dedicated and hardcore Star Wars fans. The film was a bit slow at the beginning (Episode II, apparently, was slow all the way through) but gathers pace in the middle and the second half is a rip-roaringly exciting ride as Anakin turns into Darth Vader... yes that's what the film's about, don't complain that you didn't know this major plot-twist, even I knew before!

Whilst the film will almost certainly be less meaningful for the uninitiated, I strongly recommend that everyone sees it. It is fun, well-plotted, exciting and an excellent entry into the series or conclusion to a lifetime of Star Wars obsession, it has in fact encouraged me to rent out at least the first one made (the sequel to Episode III...confusing?), to see what happens, so it must have had some impact!

So go see Star Wars and leave the cinema happy and humming that Darth Vader song "doo doo doo doo di doo doo di doo..." you know you will be!