Mixed Review

Rating: 7/10 (16 May 2002)

I would give it a 7.5 out of 10, if it existed. I rounded down to 7 due to Lucas' inability to direct any type of on-screen romance. The audience, which was applauding even before the movie began, groaned when the "romantic" scenes were playing. They were too slow, too contrived, and visually awkward. Clearly, not his strong point - unfortunate due to the sheer volume of these scenes. The action scenes were quite excellent. And Yoda - well, you'll see. Kudos for the action scenes. Thank goodness we didn't have another intergalactic C-Span for a movie. The local Washington Post reviewer here said the movie lacked a plot. This is why almost everyone I know ignores the Washington Post reviewers. Plot and intrigue galore. And here's hoping Lucas somehow finds the humility to ask his good friend Steven Spielberg to direct the last of the prequel series. Spider-Man was a better movie.