Lucas claims that Star Wars fans will have tears in their eyes when the movie ends. Having just read the novelization, I have to agree with him. This is a tragedy, and it reveals what a tragedy the entire six-movie cycle has been. Perhaps the worst part of it is that, unlike previous movies, we all know what has to happen here. We know that all of the Jedi (except two) will die. We know that the Chancellor must become the Emporer. We know that poor, trusting Anakin Skywalker will turn on his closest friends and become the evil and mechanical Darth Vader. We know that Padme will deliver twins and die. We know that their galaxy is about to be thrust into a period of painful oppression. And we know that all of this is happening because of the ambitions of exactly one man.

I consider myself a stoic, and I found myself having surpisingly strong feelings of dread as I picked up the novel.

I'm looking forward to the movie, but it isn't going to be a "feel good" experience.