Special effects does not a movie make. I really wanted to like this film, but it thwarted me at every turn. Bad acting, bad writing, bad directing. The special effects are terrific and the costuming is good, but they can't carry the film.

The Dark Redemption is set two days before the beginning of Episode IV: A New Hope and features the now legendary Mara Jade from the books that followed the original trilogy. The plot centers around the spice mines of Kessel and stolen plans for the Death Star. The idea is classic Star Wars, but a little too classic. Instead of spinning an original story it borrows heavily from the original films to the point of plagarism. It's embarrasing.

Mara Jade, a rebel agent and jedi, is somehow being seduced by the dark side and the Emperor, but how is never really made clear. Further the sets don't match the quality of the environment that the special effects promise. Frankly, I've seen better sets in episodes of Doctor Who. But in Doctor Who that kind of cheesey clunkiness is charming. Here it is simply pathetic.

There is no redemption for The Dark Redemption.

review: March 15, 2004
last update: April 6, 2004
webmaster: Lars Lee

Utinni! "Yeehaa!"

Hubba "Yum yum."

Piece of Stuff "Not bad if you overlook the broken bits."

Broken Droid "Needs fixed."

Bantha Poodoo "Avoid at all cost."

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