YES!!!

Rating: 8/10 (17 May 2002)

No, it is not up there with Empire, of course not. Yes, the acting by Portman, Jackson and Christensen is very, very stiff. Yes, the "romantic" dialogue between Anakin and Padme is embarrassingly silly.
But everything else is great fun. I admit that there is not really that much of a story, but I loved what is there. But by now, all of you know what is happening.
So would just like to tell you that the action is great (especially the already famous last half hour, but I also liked that little fight between Obi-Wan and Jango Fett), that Ewan does a very good job and that Yoda actually kicks ass.
Two things I have to add nevertheless: Because of the digital production, the film sometimes looks like a converted SECAM copy, especially in the scene with Padme and Anakin lying in the grass. It's weird to see pictures like that in a film as expensive as this one. Not good.
And: George Lucas is not a great director. When there is no slam-bang F/X around, Lucas doesn't really know what to do, and even in the action sequences, there are no great ideas or a great sense for timing. Who knows how great this film might have been if it had been directed by, say, Irvin Kershner...? :-)
But what the heck? I loved this film. The force is back. And that's something I did not expect after the horrible Episode 1.