It's not terrible per se, but I still found it fairly enjoyable.

Rating: 7/10 (28 May 2008)

After the dog-poo experience that was TPM, I reserved any expectations when I first saw it on opening day sometime in '02. Just don't ask me why.
OK, anyway on to the review. Having just seen it again on video I gotta say that although I "liked it" at least it wasn't as bad as the TPM, but it's still plagued by a bare-bones plot, wooden acting and writing, plot holes and too much special effects. Despite being the second prequel which is SUPPOSED to show the rise of the clone army and showing the creation of said army, it just feels like nothing actually happening. And lets not forget those god-awful cringe-inducing CHEESY "romantic" scenes between Anakin and Padme. Anakin and Padme sittin' in a tree, kiss...oh who the HELL CARES when it's so DOWNRIGHT CORNY!!! I do give the film some credit though that chase scene at the beginning ripped off The Fifth Element (a MUCH SUPERIOR FILM than TPM and AOTC) I admit the fight between Ben Kenobi and Jango Fett on Kamino and in space, the arena-style battle on Genoisis, and the lightsaber duel near the end were fun to watch. The creature designs, spaceships, and planets are impressive; a shame they did little to cover up the glaring problems of the whole piece.
What I don't understand is since Lucas obviously isn't a good writer and directer and having labored himself so heavily to try to make AOTC perfect, why didn't he just hire Irvin Kershner, Lawrence Kasdan and Leigh Brackett to write and direct AOTC (or even PM)?!?!? Sheesh, there are some things even Lucas can't swallow.
When the reviews poured in from various media outlets and word-of-mouth when AOTC was released, I wholeheartedly agreed with them. The first two prequels just weren't well made. None of the magic and intrigue of the originals is here. Sad to say but the series already wore out its welcome after AOTC.