A landmark movie in one way...

Rating: 6/10 (4 March 2001)

...CGI. Spectacular example of how CG might one day be used to mix fantasy with reality. Unfortunately, the script, inconsistency and cardboard actors didn't do the effects justice. Unlike Snow White, Toy Story & Jurassic Park, which were all first and best: PM is merely first. But for that reason it's worth seeing in the same way you have to visit Disneyland at least once in a lifetime - for the experience - it's a spectacle.
However, so many of us wanted the child reawakened by a once-genius who has either been spoiled by the experience of 'real-life' or was just lucky that the restraints put on him in 1977 actually made him leave out bits which would have spoiled a classic. (And did when the 'Special Edition' was released.)
What could have been better (hindsight is so easy!) :
**POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT!**

Anakin should have been older. The relationship would have been more believable with Amidaala, and maybe his lines wouldn't have been written quite so stupid!

The force should have remained mysterious, and so should Anakin's origin. (I think Lucas didn't like the fact that religion was using his idea as a metaphor for theology. Too bad.)

There should have been more purpose in the movie. Too much blind luck in a universe which is about the conflict of control in the force.

Jar Jar (if he HAD to be there) should have developed into more than a clumsy comic oaf, and become a war hero.

Darth Maul should have chased the Jedi's himself instead of sending out robots.

Lucas should have worked much harder on the comradery and banter which made Star Wars work so well. His new characters are cardboard.

What did I like about it? Three classic actors: Palpatine, Brian Blessed and E.T.(!)
At the end of the day, I'm glad Lucas tried. He gave us a thrill, but sadly the odds were stacked against him. It's very hard to satisfy the imagination, so he shouldn't try to. I don't think he ever understood this, just got lucky the first time round.
I personally would like to see him expand the Willow universe, but I'm starting to think that he's lost 'the master's touch'. I think I need to emotionally detach myself from the two trilogies to avoid utter disappointment next time...will it really get any better?