A 'B movie' but with an accomplished cast

Rating: 1/10 (25 May 2002)

As I sat there in the cinema I couldn't help wondering whether George Lucas really has what it takes to fulfill the legacy he initiated many years ago with Episode IV.
The first part of the film moves along at such a slow pace that it had me constantly looking at my watch. George leaves nothing to the imagination and tries to plug as many gaps as possible by conveying the storyline in a manner not so dissimilar as one would find in a story book for a young child. Does he really think that his mainstream audience is so devoid of intelligence, that he has to spoon feed them to this extent?

Many words spring to mind about this production but if I had to pick one word it would be corny. The character of Annekin Skywalker is not only badly acted but poorly portrayed as well. Can we really believe that this person goes on to become an accomplished inter-galactic despot in Darth Vader? No, I don't think so. However, I can understand why Darth Vader has to wear a helmet at all times - it'll be to cover up Hayden Christensen's bad acting once he turns to the Dark Side!
I think George has a long way to go to reach the heights he reached with Episodes IV, V and VI. This film doesn't even come close. I think he needs to engage another director, probably Spielberg, to do the Star Wars saga justice. George just isn't up to the job.
I must add that there was one big plus in this movie though and that was to see Yoda in action. This was by far the best scene in a droll attempt at continuing the Star Wars saga.