Same Star Wars galaxy but not the same quality

Rating: 5/10 (28 May 2005)

As a big Star Wars fan since it's inception in the late 70s, I was very disappointed by the first half. From the start,I was lost in the vast Star Wars galaxy, being overwhelmed by the incredible graphics but very slim plot. The special effects were out of this world for sure but they grabbed my attention more than the plot did. What was the plot for the first half? I gave the film five out of ten because of the lucid plot. However, on the positive side, the film picked up quit a bit as it progressed and comes to an appropriate end. I was pleased with the obvious plot in the second half and was not in the dark regarding the sinister plans of Darth Sidious. The contrast between the good and the bad was obvious and so kept my attention. I walked away though with a big question in my mind as to why did Lucas involve the volcano planet? I know that it gives meaning as to what happens to one of the key characters in the film but aside from that why such a backdrop? Too much of this film came across to me as contrived and not as fluid as the originals and the previous two installments.
In all honesty, Episode I and II were much better than this one. Too much going on and too complex.