Dazzling but not engaging

Rating: 7/10 (18 May 2002)

I hate to admit it but I dozed off twice. Both times during the "talking head" sequences. I love the look of the film. Dazzling sets, dazzling costumes, dazzling special effects and action sequences. But, lord, the plot, the plot, the plot...and the endless deadpan yakking almost made me fall asleep. Oh, well, actually it did make me fall asleep. What's wrong with this picture? Is it because we already know what's coming and there is no mystery? Is it because Hayden Christensen as the young soon-to-be-Darth Vader seemed so petulant that you want to smack him and yell..."PLEASE get over yourself!" or better yet. "Put down the light saber and step away from the Sith." Wait til this comes out on video so you can fast forward through the dull stuff and head straight for the action.