A good film for all to see

Rating: 9/10 (14 June 2002)

Anything could have been better than Episode I, and this film provided much more than just a standard plot. Sure, critics blasted the middle act (which is a bit long), but what the heck do they know.
While I despise George Lucas for his self-indulged sense of deification, he made a bold statement with this film. Full of political intrigue, this movie really brought a new turn for the series, making the film something more than just the typical adventure film with a lot of shooting and fighting. While I did not like the choice of Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker (the guy is more chicken-scrawny than DJ Qualls from The New Guy), his presence will hopefully be short lived. Ewan McGregor, Samuel L. Jackson and Christopher Lee saved this film from being average, simply because most of the acting was fairly substandard. Even Natalie Portman proved to be a little out of her element in some points in the film.
While the special effects and digital film was give na big broohaha in the industry, it proved to be of little effect in the film. Sometimes the digital effects looked painted on, like they had no business being in the film, but then again, moments like the huge battle was well made. In my opinion, George Lucas should have put a little more violence in this film. As it is, this film managed to get a PG rating! He should have made some parts more darker and scarier, like show us Anakin killing all of the Tuskan warriors. Oh well. A good film, and I can't wait to see what happens in part three.