DESPITE all the ominous signs, the force is well and truly back behind George Lucas for this triumphant conclusion - after the initial disappointments - to the trio Episodes I to III.

The Phantom Menace may have tested even the most devoted of fans with the dreaded Jar-Jar Binks, but the best has absolutely been saved until last.

Of course, it has the benefit of presenting all the great backstory which we know so well from Episodes IV to VI, Darth Vader's origins and the resurgence of the Empire, which began all this fuss back in 1977.

When we kick off, Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) is progressing well within the Jedi ranks, fighting the Clone Wars and enjoying the secrecy of his marriage to Padm (Natalie Portman).

But when she informs him that she's expecting a baby, he begins to be plagued by dreams in which she dies in childbirth.

Supreme Chancellor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) senses his unease and his frustration with the Jedi Council as they restrict his progress in his best interests, but Anakin thinks they are trying to reign his power.

When Palpatine then claims the powers of the Dark Side can prevent people from dying, Anakin risks his relationship with his mentor Obi-Wan (Ewan McGregor) and begins a journey towards evil down a path from which he can never hope to return.

And while all this is going on, the Jedi knights attempt to capture General Grievous, the leader of the Clone Army, who has fled.

Rest assured, all light sabre fans will be more than satisfied with the amount of proper action in this instalment.

There are loads of inventive battles, which provide endless opportunities for "gasp" moments, applause and even a few cheers as Yoda does some cool moves and everyone else seems to have learned how to jump as far as Wonder Woman and do backwards somersaults at the same time.

Even Chewbacca gets a few moments to call his own.

Revenge of the Sith drags the franchise back from the wilderness, regaining ground with fans and critics alike.

The story here is a compelling one, focusing on the loss of faith of a young man, and, as such, it's very touching.

Christensen and Portman have a lovely on-screen chemistry which reaps rewards for the tragic elements of their tale, but some younger audience members may find it all a bit tough to take, so graphic are some of the more dramatic scenes.

The universally-good cast all more than do their bit with hammy dialogue and some naff literal circling of each other during battles, but it's McDiarmid who steals the show, once again, as the ultimate "boo hiss" baddie.

The big moments, namely Darth Vader's "birth", are all handled superbly.

On this evidence, there's not a fan alive who wouldn't still be gasping to see Episode VII and beyond.