Potential Spoiler! Read at Your Own Risk

Rating: 5/10 (23 May 2002)

This movie was extremely boring until its end.
The only good performances were from Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Ian McDiarmid (Palpatine/Darth Sidious) and Yoda (computer animated). Hayden Christensen's portrayal of young Jedi-trainee Anakin Skywalker, arguably the most important character in the series, was completely hollow and extremely uncomfortable. Natalie Portman (Senator PadmÃ© Amidala) tried too hard to be convincing as a senator, although she was able to continue the character's feel from Episode 1. Samuel Jackson (Mace Windu) continued to be an unnecessary waste of screen time, and Jimmy Smits (Senator Bail Organa) is laughable.
A wasteful, laborious chase scene that ended with the death of the chasee and the introduction of Temuera Morrison (Jango Fett) ruined the first segment of the movie. While filled with dazzling special effects and complete with required character development, the chase should have been shorter for needed time in later segments. I actually asked myself why I was watching this scene when I could have been waiting in the concession line for a popcorn refill.
From there the story developed, including romance between Anakin and Amidala. Unfortunately, watching those two as they struggled through their scenes was less like young love and more like two teens uncomfortable with their sexuality. I didn't think Lucas wrote those characters as homosexuals, but that was what came across the screen.
Basically, scenes were too short (other than the initial chase scene) which prevented any chemistry from developing between characters. There was too much concern over the `digitizing' of Star Wars and the dazzling of another generation (which Episode 1 failed to do).
Lucas has too many cameos from too many second rate actors in an attempt to cinch a multi-generational noose around America's neck. It's almost as if he can be heard saying, `You will watch my movie and you will buy my merchandise.' In fact, if you play any album from the last 20 years backwards you just may here this!
Even though the movie lacked any depth and was extremely thin, the entertainment was there. The ending fight scene was one of the all-time best (albeit too short), and the special effects continued to improve their mesmerizing appeal. So go ahead. Pay Lucas an exorbitant amount of money for a sub-par film. Buy your children a new set of Star Wars memorabilia and tear your hair out knowing Episode three is coming soon to a theater near you.