Great, better than Phantom Menace could still be better.

Rating: 9/10 (16 May 2002)

I saw this opening night and loved it! The action is what every fan has been waiting for and the overall look of the picture is even better than the Phantom Menace. This feels more like Star Wars and it is, in terms of action and mythology, probably the film for which fans have been waiting.
That said the dialogue is still a little clunky. At least this time Lucas had someone write it with him, maybe he can let go of it more for the next one. It doesn't feel as fun and chummy as the first three with Luke, Leia and Han cruising around the galaxy. Hayden Christensen does a great job. You can see the evil building in him, but you still cheer for him as the hero of the story which is quite a feat.
Overall this is an excellent movie with plenty for diehard fans as well as unbeatable action, effects and excitement and there is definite improvement over the previous installment. If this continues into the next one along with sharper dialogue and characters with a little more personality it could be the best movie in 30 years.