This is it!

Rating: 10/10 (16 May 2002)

have to say, I was completely blown away...this totally blew Episode I out of the water within ten minutes, and, frankly, it rivals Return of the Jedi. The audience clapped as soon as the Fox logo came on, roared with cheers when the Lucasfilm logo came on, and, well, all hell broke loose when the words "A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...." came on the screen. Pure delight.
As far as the film...the best summary was what the CNN critic said: "It's dark but has wonderfully funny moments; you care about the characters; and the action and special effects are first-rate." The fight sequences, especially the final one, were amazingly intense. Lucas' directing during the lightsaber battle made beautiful use of colors, shadows, and intensity. There was also some very witty dialogue; I was particularly happy to see the C-3PO/R2-D2 banter back in full force.
Yes, some of the romantic dialogue was stilted, but I actually found most to be fine...aside from a "Sound of Music"-like moment, it was played out nicely. I was also surprised by how dark some sequences were, and how intense it was. But on the subject of reactions, if this taught me anything, it was that a lot of critics "just don't get it." They don't like the movie? Screw them. It was great. I'm not saying that because I was a fan. Two definite non-fans were with me, and they loved it. I'm saying it because it was everything I wanted it to be, and more.
But really, I was impressed with the characters...given the negativity I heard about Natalie Portman, I thought she was fine overall. I thought Hayden Christensen was great (I have to confess that I and everyone else who think he's hot, which seems to be everyone, appreciated what appeared to be a shot that George Lucas filmed to give a male equivalent of the pure eroticism of the Princess Leia metal slave bikini, LOL). Ewan McGregor was, as always, great, but it was Samuel L. Jackson, Christopher Lee, and Temuera Morrison who stole the show.
Wait, no. They almost stole it. It was Yoda who stole the show. The final confrontation...well...now we know why Yoda is the master. :o) The audience was literally on their feet, cheering and screaming with joy. It was incredible.
When the lights came up, just about everyone was screaming and cheering and overjoyed...definitely a great sight to see, since The Phantom Menace left a sour taste in so many people's mouths.
I loved it. Loved it loved it loved it loved it, and I can't wait to see it again tomorrow. Thank you, George Lucas. We love you.