Somewhat satisfying

Rating: 8/10 (18 May 2002)

Action scenes and special effects - 10 / 10
Dialogue - 1 / 10
Storyline - 7 / 10
I was reading other user comments, and saw one where a conversation was overheard that "Great special effects can make a great movie regardless of the script," or something along those lines. I guess I have been brain-washed to believe this too, since I still gave the movie 8 / 10 !
The movie has three storylines it bounces around in telling, a little too quickly for my tastes; approximately every 2 minutes. However, after you witness the scenes between Anakin and Amidala, you'll be grateful (like me) that they don't last too long. Those scenes are painful to watch. My mom and I were gagging at the schmaltz, and we're both women who enjoy a little romantic story...but their scenes aren't romantic, just stupid. The chemistries between R2-D2 & C3-P0 and R4 & Obi-wan are better than the chemistry between the two young actors. In fact, you might be like me, and long to see more Jar-Jar!!! I'm not kidding here :o)
Another stupid element: The constant wardrobe changes for Amidala. The Senator is supposed to be in hiding / on the run. Why does she have the most incredible wardrobe around ?! (So there can be 10 different action figures sold, each with a different outfit?) Natalie Portman is a good actress, she should be used as such, not just a model for sexy-cute clothing.

As far as the acting, at first I thought it was not too great. I thought Hayden (Anakin) may have been doing a cruddy job, but a friend pointed out that he was in "My Life as a House," and I thought he did a fine job in that movie. Also, there's Samuel L. Jackson...it's pretty much accepted as fact that he's a great actor, but his character in this movie seems wooden. That's why I blame the dialogue for what seems to be poor acting performance.
Now, my husband tells me that some critics have been putting down Ewan's portrayal of Obi-wan. This is one of the things I thought was flawless! Obviously, the other thing I enjoyed was the special effects!
Overall, I'd say the movie is definitely worth seeing; not worth waiting in line for more than an 1/2 hour though. If you can't get to a theatre / showtime that isn't packed (I was able to), then see it in a couple weeks when the crowds settle down.