Let me boil it down for everyone:
V >
III = IV > III > II > I
Did you all get that?
I was immensely satisfied.
No, Jar Jar does not talk (although, curiously, Ahmed Best is still credited). I was a little disappointed by this - his actions in the second movie obviously had very serious consequences and I think the character is elevated by that.
Yoda knows how to make an entrance.
Natalie Portman is the hottest pregnant woman EVER. She was also the weakest link in terms of acting - Hayden Christiansen stepped up substantially IMO. Acting in general was better than in I and II. Not great in some cases, but at least acceptable for everyone.
Kenny Baker (R2D2), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) and Anthony Daniels (C-3PO) are all credited above Christopher Lee and Samuel L. Jackson.
I can't say too much about the actual content of the movie, knowing that probably half the people who visit this site will see it sometimes soon.
One thing that was missing in RotS was humor. This movie takes itself MUCH more seriously than other Star Wars movies do. And, OK, I thought Lucas went overboard with the slapstick in episodes I and II. But even the original movies had Leia's sniping wit - "Aren't you a little short for a Storm Trooper?" and the like. The weight of the world really does hang over each and every line.
On the other hand, Vader's first labored rasp sent chills down my spine. I don't think I would've been in the proper frame of mind for that moment if there had been a "3PO gets disassembled" joke in the preceding hour of film.
The scoring is just phenomenal. This movie brings together the themes from ALL the movies, and uses them appropriately. I really felt it when the sinister chorus of the Emperor's Theme began, and the driving crescendo of horns and percussion that is "Duel of the Fates" was never so rousing as at the climax of this movie. Anakin and Padme's Love theme, fittingly, never rises from its diminished key, and of course the close of the film gives both Luke's theme and Leia's - what a great touch. There is an emotional connection - for me at least - with almost every moment of music in this film. How often can you say that?
Also have to say that a lot of the best cues from the movie didn't make it to the soundtrack album. Boo!
Overall though, there is NOT much to complain about. Lucas manages to pull off a complex and entertaining story with a great deal of emotional weight. The action is more lively and imaginative than any other film in the series. I'm proud to say that I'm a fan.
Thank you, George.