Where's Han when you need him?

Rating: 8/10 (18 May 2002)

When C3PO loses his head and it ends up next to his body, he mutters "I'm beside myself!" That's a pretty good line. I think there may have been another good line too, but nothing like the wry wit that was evident in episodes 4, 5 and 6. I basically have the same complaint in this movie I had in Spiderman. The CGI isn't all that good. When Yoda is fighting, it looks as if a green rag is flopping around. Slow it down and show us some technique, instead of dazzling us with speed. The light sabre fights between Luke and Darth Vader were much better. On a happier note, Obi-Wan's character is right on, totally excellent. Anakin's role is that of a teenager ruled by hormones that get in his way. He has some interesting glares and looks, and his face is expressive. I liked that, but to this point, I still see no motivation for him to go to the dark side. Any warrior must know that he will have some disappointments in life, and Anakin doesn't seem to get it. Christopher Lee looked like he was watching CGI, his eyes didn't focus at all like they did in 'Lord of the Rings' when he battled Gandalf. This movie will appeal to the 15 to 30 age set, and that is wonderful. I applaud Lucas for continuing the series and sticking to his themes, after all, if he hadn't started this, we would all be without many computer advances and interesting characters. However, I do miss the pacing and characterizations of the 'earlier' episodes. I rated it an 8, but I was hoping for a 9.