Classic Star Wars

Rating: 9/10 (17 May 2002)

(no consequential spoilers)
On what ground do (numerous and famous) detractors stand? This movie was as faulty but utterly lovable as the best of the original trilogy. And, by "best of the original trilogy," we all know I'm talking The Empire Strikes Back. And, thankfully, as many have pointed out, it makes Episode I better in hindsight.
Line delivery seems to be at the heart of the criticism. I personally found it to be on par with the best delivery in all the franchise. Maybe I'm a sucker for something, but I bought the love story and really wanted it to magically work out. I also laughed out loud at every joke I got. It was funny stuff.
What really makes the movie shine is the way it fits into the saga. It doesn't have to introduce everyone, and it doesn't yet have to wrap up all their stories, either. This is the middle child in the prequel trilogy, the one that gets to dabble in characterization and really throw the curveballs at you. As such, it packed an emotional wallop, one I was glad to take.
This is the universe we know and love. Sweet homecoming, you've been too long.