Better - but hasn't got there yet.

Rating: 6/10 (24 May 2002)

Really there was only one thing I didn't like about this film, but it was a major thing - Hayden Christensen.
The standard of acting from the highly talented cast is exemplary, except for Mr Christensen, who was wooden and false throughout. His failings were unfortunately held in fine focus by his proximity to Ewan MacGregor & Natalie Portman with whom he mainly shared the screen. His role as Anakin Skywalker required great skill to carry off sucessfully, but it appears the casting director was carried away by his obvious good looks & physical appearance.
Elsewhere George Lucas has worked his usual SciFi action adventure magic with skill and aplomb, & the remainder of the cast are without fault (I'll refrain from mentioning the still repulsive Jarjar Binks!). I love the thought and imagination these films have. They still manage to engage the "hey that looks cool" response despite keeping the technology 'before' the original Star Wars level.

Movie acting is an black art which isn't easily mastered, & actors/actresses who are excellent in theatre or TV don't often transfer well to the big screen. Mr Christensen is, unfortunately for the whole movie, not skilled in the silver screen department.
6/10 - shoot the casting director, several times!