Don't worry so much

Rating: 2/10 (16 May 2002)

After reading many reviews of AOTC and their harsh criticisms of the dialogue and plot, I have a question: How many Star Wars fans, on the news that prequels would be made, thought "Yes, I can't wait to hear some of that great dialogue once again"? Hell no, you wanted great special effects, a journey into new and exciting worlds, and to find out how Anakin succumbed to the dark side. I enjoyed AOTC thoroughly, and although it is a bit esoteric and may alienate non-fans, Star Wars lovers will find that this is what the hoped for in Episode I.
Yes, the dialogue needed another draft, but it wasn't nearly as bad as everyone is making it out to be. The romance isn't the cringe-worthy affair I thought it would be. It was awkward, but young romance is suppose to be awkward, you can't expect Anakin to as smooth as Han Solo, it wouldn't fit the character. Well, now that I think about it, Hayden Christensen will never be as smooth as Harrison Ford, but he's a capable actor. Portman, on the other hand, needed to loosen up. Sometimes she acted like she was in one of those old Calvin Klein commercials.
But the Brits and Yoda steal the show. Ewan McGregor commands authority, and Christopher Lee plays the slick and slimy villian as only he can. And yes, Yoda's lightsaber duel lives up to the hype. I thought Samuel Jackson was pretty good too, but he does look uncomfortable when he can't say motherf---er all the time. Oh well, I'll watch "Pulp Fiction" for that.
Anyway, just sit back and enjoy the 3rd best Star Wars film to date.