Why does Lucas try to direct??

Rating: 5/10 (17 May 2002)

I'm sorry but I'm gonna have to say that this film is nothing more than average to poor! To be perfectly honest, this film would have received an even worse rating than the 5 I gave it if it wasn't part of the Starwars legend!
So, what are is my problem with Attack of the Clones? Firstly, the direction leaves a lot to be desired. Lucas chose to step back from directing the Empire Strikes Back and Return Of The Jedi and his attempts at directing Episode II should be considered a major mistake. I accept that Lucas obviously knows the most about the entire Starwars legend, but this hands on control only means that he is attempting to include too much detail that often makes the film drag. The laughable attempt at a love story is only topped in sheer badness (is that a word?) by the awful acting of the teenage Anakin - wooden is not the word!
The lack of set pieces also leaves the viewer with a bad taste in their collective mouths as the ending doesn't deliver the breath-taking climax that is considered a vital part of the starwars formula. Can you honestly say that the ending battle delivers anywhere near the action levels of any of the 4 films made before this?? Yoda revealing his powers is cool, but not nearly long enough.
I'm not a starwars boffin, but I do love the films. I rate the Phantom Menace as a better film than this and I can't say how disappointed I am. Sorry, but I just can't believe how average this film is...I'm still hoping for the dark third installment that has been promised - please let someone else direct it!