Episode III; a Fantastic Ending/Beginning

I saw it all coming. I was not very enthused, as Phantom Menace sucked. I did enjoy Attack of the Clones, but did not love it. I began to think that the reason the original trilogy was so effective, is because I was just a kid when I saw them. Kids are forgiving. The original trilogy still holds up, but is that because it is technically good, or because I have so many fond memories of the original films? When Jedi came out on video, I rented it every other day for at least half a year. I know these movies very well. On the other hand, I could barely tell you major plot points, let alone details about the first two entries in the recent trilogy. They don't hold the same joy/fascination as those films from so long ago.
Yesterday, we trekked to our usual spot, for a 9am showing of Episode III. It wasn't until the trailers began, that I realized how excited I was to see this final film. First off, I believe that the prior two films introduced so many new characters, locales, plot points, that it was difficult to keep everything in check. Episode III is now entering into more familiar territory, and I think that is a major reason for my absolute love of the film. This film was so dark, and so exciting, that I found myself on the verge of tears several times throughout the movie.
I have read reviews about the film, and someone stated that the dialogue was pretty much the same crap as in the previous films. Yes it is, but the love story dialogue was delivered w/ more conviction by the actors. As Padme and Anakin confront each other on the lava planet, Padme (Natalie Portman) is given the line, "You have broken my heart." Bad line, but oh, how I was suckered into it. She sold me, I was very close to becoming a blubbering mess. Hayden Christensen (who had a hot-ass shirtless moment...yowza!) was much more interesting in this installment, than in Clones. I really believed his inner struggle, and felt a lot of sympathy for him. I was a little let down by the transformation of Anakin into Vader. What effected me more was when Palpatine christened Anakin with his new name. (Another one of those almost cry moments.)
Of course all of the action and effects were wonderful and exciting. But my favorite moments were the more subdued, calm ones. When Palpatine tells of his apprenticeship and how he killed his master, I was glued to the screen. Again, Anakin, the poor soul was just being so misled and manipulated. The other quiet moment occurred between Padme and Anakin. He was in the Jedi Counsel on one end of the city, and she was in her (might I mention, absolutely fabulous) "condo". They both approached the windows of each building, staring longingly across the city, almost talking to one another. No dialogue here, but the music of this scene was incredible. Very intense and telling.
Easily the best part of this experience was Ian McDarmid as Palpatine. His characterization was absolutely on the money and his Palpatine was so foul. So many moments stand out for him; the above mentioned scene in the theatre w/ Anakin, his lightsaber duel w/ Yoda, his nasty smile when Vader is born and told of Padme's death, his battle with Windu (Samuel L. Jackson) which was my favorite. As Windu and Anakin argue, Palpatine's eyes shoot back and forth. Oh so nasty! I also loved the moments before his deformation (is that a word?) when his voice would crack and become more like the Emporor we know and love, but only for a few split seconds.
The ending left me longing for the first trilogy. Lucas really set things up nicely, and for me, he did not miss a trick. All the nostalgia for the first trilogy came flooding back, as Luke and Leia were born, as Vader was masked, as the Death Star was seen being built, as a Peter Cushing lookalike was shown, and as Uncle Owen took a step that Luke would take many years later. Lucas really made up for the mess of Menace and Clones, and in the process made the deepest and harshest of all of the six films. Kudos!