Better than Star Wars? I think not. But very good? Yep. As another of the lucky souls to have already seen it, I agree it's a thoroughly enjoyable flick.
I do wonder about the eagerness of some critics to view it as an anti-Bush film. I dunno whether it is or not, and don't much care. But I can't help thinking that a lot of Bush-haters are reading rather more into it than is there. Maybe not.
Either way, I don't care. I had a great time, and so will you. I hope to see it again on opening day, where I will stand in line and tease people with hints of the delights to come....
I'm getting the impression it ranks a respectable third place out of all six films.
If so, I can live with that. EMPIRE and STAR WARS are about as high a standard as exists in fantasy film-making.