It's missing that intangible "something" that makes a great movie

Rating: Null/10 (17 May 2002)

The story of Star Wars (episode 4) just blew me away when I first watched the movie at age 12. The subsequent movies did not disappoint. When Episode 1 came along 3 years ago I liked it while most people seemed to dislike it. I tried not to have expectations going into this showing at 8 am this morning. But, 1/2 hour into the movie I could just feel that it was missing something.
LOTR had that magic in a major way. Episode 2 misses the bulls-eye by a wide mark.
Despite the action in the beginning the movie still seems to plod along. The last 1/2 hour speeds up considerably and it is visually overwhelming.
The dialogue is as bad as the other reviews suggest. Especially, the dialogue between Anakin and Amidala. It is just horrid. The entire "courtship" is unreal. There is no chemistry. All I can figure is that this is a perfect example of why love is blind. And, the looks that Anakin gives Amidala border on creepy and she says so. Why would any woman, especially one that shows the compassion and intelligence that Amidala shows here, end up with a guy like Anakin? If there had been at least a little bit of on-screen chemistry it would have been easier to believe.
The visual are stunning. I'm sure I missed a lot of the details.

The light saber fights were great. It was also fun to finally see the other Jedi. Getting to see Yoda move and interact with other people was fun.

The light humor that R2D2 and C-3PO display are just hilarious. They have not lost their touch.
Despite my negativity toward the acting/dialogue (I know it is one of the trademarks of the Star Wars franchise) I still enjoyed watching the story unfold. I will watch this movie again and pray that George gets the magic back for the final installment.