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Originally, I posted a thread on the topic about remaking and recasting the original Star Wars trilogy (just for fun and not to insult the originals, which i love), but then I got back a reply commenting on how the prequels were the ones that needed recasting instead. After I read it, I got the idea for this thread.

So, what do you think? Is the acting in the prequels good enough for the Star Wars universe or do you think the actors should be replaced?

Personally, I'm like Hayden Christensen and Natalie Portman, both of which have proven they can act in their other movies, but I'm not sure if they were perfect for the roles of Anakin and Padme. I sometimes find myself wondering if there were any other actors who could have done a better job.

The only other person that comes to mind for the role of Anakin is Paul Walker. I can totally seem him as The Chosen One. After watching the Fast and the Furious and its sequel, I realized that he had the look, the attitude, and a great bod that would define a Jedi's physical attributes after hours of physical training.

Hayden & Nat ROCK as Ani & Padme...but I'm a little biased coz I love 'em. Paul Walker huh?? Not a bad idea...I thought Ryan Phillipe would've done alright...he was apparently too old though.

I gave you the idea didnt I Hell' Angel. Well I'm glad you posted this topic because I would of done it anyway.

THE PT DOES NEED RE-CASTING!!!

Portman and christensen are crap at their roles.

How did you ever guess Dirty Vader? It must have been the Force right? To anyone reading this Dirty Vader deserves the credit for coming up with this thread. He inspired me.

By the way, I made a typo on my first post. When I said, " I'm like Hayden Christensen and Natalie Portman," I meant to write, " I like Hayden Christensen and Natalie Portman." Sorry if that confused anyone.

I'm too used to the current cast, however, when it comes to the Jedi council, Kevin Smith would make a fine warrior

oh, and maybe Bruce Campbell as Jango

Does it need recasting? Hell yeah! Although it's too late for that.

i just think portman needed to be recast. I just don't think she seems that into it. Everyone else I'm pretty happy with. Obviously all the returning cast from OT is great. Hayden plays conflicted perfectly (he better watch out too, he's starting to get type cast). I like the idea of having Kevin Smith on the council. That would've been cool, for us and him.

And Ewan is the best possible Obi-wan as far as I'm concerned.

See, it's not that the prequel needs recasting. Everyone in it is a VERY talented actor/actress. The problem is, it's really hard to act when all your director will tell you is "faster and more intense" or "same thing only better." GL CAN'T direct, and because of this he drags the performance of the actors down.

Blue screens and over used cgi doesent help either.

I have something against Christensen and Portman because of their stupid love story and the crap feelings they try to put in their voices in AOTC. But when I saw Portman in other films including TPM, she acted quite well. What the hell happened between TPM and AOTC?

I tell you again: LUCAS happened.

naw, portman's been going down hill in general. She's ok in earthly roles because they aren't as challenging. But I also chalk it up to the fact that she says shes not planning to act her whole life and is getting her degree in psychology. Its probably pretty hard to worry about a fake government falling when your grade could plummet in finals tomorrow. I only think she should be recast because I just don't think she was right for it, I don't think she's bad overall, she just doesn't work well here. she's not terrible. She's just not good either. Hayden will really get to shine in 3, his skill at playing the angry oppresed teen/early 20's will really help.
And I hated Jake Lloyd too, until I watched the casting footage on the Episode 1 DVD. The other finalists were really bad. I saw it and was just like, damn, that kid was actually the creme of the crop, must have been a bad crop that year.

The other finalists were really bad. I saw it and was just like, damn, that kid was actually the creme of the crop, must have been a bad crop that year.

*giggles*

I was watching an Episode of Angel last night, and I realized who should have played Anakin: Vincent Karthesier, who played Connor on Angel.

Who is Conner? I haven't watched Angel in like forever.

no no no no no no no no no.

and one more time just the left side of the theatre
"NO!"

and now just the right
"NO!"

and Danny Devito should have played Palpatine

with a bearded jason lee as obi-wan!

why change...they did a good enough job

GOOD CALL!!! you rule!

I like the cast just the way it is, but I do think that the acting could have been better. Natalie and Hayden could have been more convincing, but they are both really good actors. If you watch the other movies they've been in, you can tell that they have real talent.

I agree with you that their performances were not their best but that comes down to the lines, not their chemistry nor their acting ability.

Exactly. With lines such as, "I'm haunted by the kiss you never should have given me," "Here, everything is soft and smooth," and "I can't breath," its no wonder why their performances suffered. I love GL, I do. I mean, the man is brilliant; he DID create the SW universe. But despite all his creativity and artisticness, he can't write romance. Its the truth and everyone knows it. Maybe he should have consulted someone for advice. I mean, you would think that somewhere between editing the script and actually producing the film, someone would have told GL that he needed to rethink the dialogue between Anakin and Padme. I like the general direction GL was trying to go with the love story, but it just didn't come out right. It was too fast and too sudden, especially with Padme. You could tell she was attracted to Anakin, but you couldn't tell she was in love. Actually, you couldn't tell that Anakin was in love either. It looked more like lust and obsession, instead of love and deep affection.

I know what you mean. I liked what GL designed for the love story; the locations, the kisses, everything...except the lines. Some were alright, some seemed more natural. But others...others left a little to be desired. I also believe GL made a mistake in leaving the scenes at the Naberrie House out. Big mistake...HUGE!!
I'm not saying GL should've gone with what Han & Leia had, because that would not have worked, not a second time. I loved their romance, it was very enjoyable and more believable. Down to two things ((beside chemistry of course)). Dialogue and time. Han & Leia had 3 films in which to fall in love/develop their romance. Their lines were amusing and realistic. Anakin & Padme, however, had really only one film to "fall in love". Their lines weren't the best either. But they had the chemistry. I think the most romantic moment Padme & Anakin shared, where I felt the most chemistry from them and KNEW they were in love was that scene on Tatooine, just before Anakin sets off to find his mother. That hug...it is SO gorgeous, so symbolic of their feelings. GL did well there. A hug was all that was needed.

Yeah, I know. Those two scenes displayed some of the best acting Natalie did for AOTC. The scenes also allow the audience a closer, more personal look into Padme's character. We get to see her as PADME and not SENATOR AMIDALA. In those scenes, if you noticed, Padme- for the first time- is not dressed in long, coversome senatorial gowns. Instead, she's wearing a revealing dress that show's off her skin and midriff. In fact, when she and Anakin first arrived at the Naberrie House, she was wearing a cloak, but once she she was inside, she was no longer wearing it. I guess, in a way, it's symbolic of Padme's character being fleshed out to the audience, as if she were stripping off her outer layers and revealing the person underneath.

And Padme does. Her character really opens up. And not just to the audience, but to Anakin as well. Anakin gets to see a side of her that most people don't get to see. He gets introduced to a gentler, and I guess a more innocent and childlike Padme instead of the hardcore Senator everyone else knows. He realizes that though she is a member of the galactic senate and that she was once a queen, she is vulnerable like everyone else. Padme finds herself unintentionally lowering her outer defenses and slowly opening herself up to Anakin, which provides a smooth transition to the scene where the two arrive at the secret lake retreat and kiss.

Without the Naberrie House scenes the love story doesn't flow as well. The story jumps from the scene where Padme is scolding Anakin during their meeting with the queen to the scene where the two kiss. Seriously, there needs to be a transition, otherwise it just looks like that Anakin and Padme took a really huge, UNREALISTIC jump in their relatioship. Sorry GL, but that was some bad editing.

Sidenote: Isn't it the Amidala House instead of the Naberrie House? I don't know, I could be wrong.

no recasting no remake nothing leave wath is the best like it is

Totally agree supershadowGL!

well the best is the best

You made some really great points ther FJ. I also believed we were seeing a softer, more feminine side to Padme, it's probably one of the reasons I liked Clones more. She was so formal in Menace and though I liked her character for her strength and determination, I enjoyed her scenes as Padme ((rather than just Queen Amidala)) because you saw a different side to here. The scene wheree she comforts Anakin on their way to Coruscant was beautiful; the perfect first step for what would develop from a caring friendship to a loving romance.

And, I also agree with you that removing those scenes with at her home, with her family, just being Padme, made their first kiss seem to appear out of no where. I remember when I first saw the film and the scene with Queen Jamilla, I felt sorry for Anakin. I wanted Padme to apologise to him. ((Of course, a kiss was the perfect way to make it up to him)). I truly think those scenes were needed.

Is it the Amidala House?? I don't know...sorry...I just assumed it was the Naberrie House. Mods?? What is it??

Like the way you think. If it was me, I'd find any excuse to get that close to Anakin.

Hayden....*drifts off*

Sorry, I momentarily forgot that there are guys on this thread too.

if you refer to the scenes with the hidious yellow walls, that's her parents house, I doubt she even has a house on her own on Naboo

yeah but that scene was cut cuz of the pictures on the wall cuz it look too much like minority report(i think)

that would be dumb considering how many future stories contain holograms, and star wars was using holos before the minority report film anyway.

so wath who cares GL did it anyway

So would I. If Chancellor Palpatine told me to return to Naboo under the protection of young Anakin Skywalker, I'd jump for joy!!

Hayden... *melts*

Completely agree. In fact, its a wonder why Natalie didn't hook up with Hayden, though there have been rumors. One look into his eyes is all I need.

Definitely...I wouldn't have had to act like I was in love...

I know exactly what you mean. *sighs*

Never mind recasting , scrap the whole thing and forget it existed.

*raises eyebrow*

Anyways...I can't wait to see their scenes together in EpIII. They're going to be so dramatic!!

Yes, I know. I wonder what direction GL is going to go with the whole Anakin/Padme thing. I still think that Padme should have to choose between Anakin and the Republic. You know, torn between her conscience and her heart. Well, at least something along those lines.

Yeah. Perhaps they both have to choose or something?? I know what you mean though and it would be a nice storyline.

Also, FJ, I LOVE your signature quotes. That is such a beautiful song!! Go Evanescence!!

Thankz Lyn for the compliment. I love Evanescence! Their song, My Immortal, is haunting yet beautiful. I love the lyrics. The words heart-wrenching. I might just be reading too much into it, but its sort of what I had in mind for Anakin and Padme's relationship in Ep. III. You know, with Anakin turning to the darkside and all.

I loved it the first time I heard it. It really is a beautiful song, very powerful. I never thought of it like that though; next time I listen to it, I'll think of Anakin and Padmé. Thanks FJ.

Well...I listened to the song again with all of that in mind and it made sense. Actually, silly as this may seem, as I listened to certain parts I could visualise images of Ani & Padmé that matched the lyrics.

Example...
"When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears..." Ani mourning his mother, Padmé comforted him.
"When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears..." His little raving episode after the Tusken slaughter.
"I've tried so hard to tell myself that you're gone and though you're still with me I've been alone all along..." God, how depressing.

Sorry if I'm making too much of this FJ.

You made some really good points, Lyn. Not the least bit silly. Again, I’m probably reading too much into this but this is just my idea: I think the song (bare with me here, if you think your comment was a bit silly, mine probably is) reflect Padme's thoughts about loosing Anakin. She sees him slowing turning to the darkside, yet she's unable to do anything about it. She loves him, yet it is that same exact emotion that is torturing her. She knows she should escape and even wants to but, somehow she can’t let go.

I’m so tired of being here
suppressed by all of my childish fears
and if you have to leave
i wish that you would just leave
because your presence still lingers here
and it won't leave me alone

All she can do at this point is watch him self-destruct…along with their relationship…and herself.

you used to captivate me
by your resonating light
but now I’m bound by the life you left behind
your face it haunts my once pleasant dreams
your voice it chased away all the sanity in me

So I guess, you could say she’s willingly setting herself up for a big heart breaker.

I’ve tried so hard to tell myself that you're gone
and though you're still with me
I’ve been alone all along

I don't know how GL envisioned Anakin and Padme's relationship in the next Star Wars, but I like the idea of their relationship spiraling into darkness. It’s a bit morbid I know, but it is a tragedy.

Sorry if I rambled on, but I’ve been doing a lot of annotating and analyzing in English lately; I guess its just rubbing off. (Wow, that’s pretty scary. OMG, I really need to get a life! You see, this is what happens when the pressures of school and your obsession with Star Wars mix. I guess I'm a bigger geek than I thought I was. You know what, I'm just going to shut up now. I've had a lot of sugar today, and I'm a little hyper right now, so you'll just have to ingnore me. Okay, now I'm just rambling on...and about absolutely nothing, I might add. Seriously, I should just stop talking, erm writing. Or is it typing? Whoa, okay, I have definitely had too much sugar. Am I making any sense at all? )

You're making sense...don't worry.

God...FJ you're gonna make me cry. Seriously. And we seem to think in the same ways; I mean with Padmé not being able to help Anakin and everything. I noticed with that, when he is confessing to her;

"I killed them...I killed them all. They're dead, every single one of them. And not just the men, but the women and the children, too! They're like animals, and I slaughtered them like animals! I HATE THEM!!"

Her reaction to that, her facial expression shows just how afraid she is of what's happening to him and it's then that their relationship takes it's most drastic turn. Padmé, who loves being the one to fix everything finds this troubled soul who needs her. She can comfort him but really there's not much else she can do; he has already wronged. And, as time goes on Anakin will fall further and further away until she can't help him at all. You're definitley right; she's set herself up to be hurt.

Though I love the two of them and their romance I too want to see it deteriorate. I want to see it go dark. After seeing Clones I wanted desperately for their marriage to work, I didn't want to see things fail. In the end, EpIII will be inevitably dark and tragic so, dare I say it, that's how I want their relationship to end up. I agree with you FJ.

Isn't it amazing what sugar can do to your brain??
I am a HUGE Star Wars geek...just ask Yerssot

Again, great observations, Lyn.

That whole scene in the Lars Homestead where Anakin is making his "I Killed Them All" speech is one of my favorite Anakin scenes. Hayden did a really good job there. He was really conving. Did you see the way his lips trembled? This might sound weird, but I like the whole "bad boy, dark Anakin" thing he has going on. Its kinda intriguing. (Did I even spell that right?)

Anyway, I agree. I really want to see Anakin and Padme's relationship deteriorate. Isn't it strange that we were rooting for them in AOTC, but now we want to see their relationship fall apart in Ep. III? God, how morbid and twisted are we? Still, there's something about a tragedy that draws the crowd.

Here's a fanfic I found while surfing on the net. Its really sad, but its good. Its a little long.

Fallen
By Jedi N.V.

Summary: In her own words, Padmé tries to understand why the Padawan she once knew has fallen and tries to comprehend why she now fears the man she knows he will become.

From the light comes the dark and the one who was once good has fallen. From Slave, to Padawan, to Jedi Knight, to Sith and finally to the Lord that is him, Vader. The white of his angelic wings now grows black and the tips of their feathers burn with crimson red…still, he will forever be the Chosen One.

*Dites-moi pourquoi je l’aime; dite-moi pourquoi il est comme un cadeau que le ciel me fait d’en haut. Quand c’est l’amour qui nous enchaîne et qui nous s’accroche l’un à l’autre, dites-moi pourquoi il est et pourquoi il est trop.*

Tell me why I love him so; tell me why he is like a precious gift from which the heaven above has so painfully bestowed upon me. When it is love that chains and binds us together, tell me why he is just too much and why he is just so.

I no longer recognize the man who ravishes my being, my spirit and wonder who is this stranger with whom I share my bed, my body and my soul. I have always lived only for him and whether he rips me apart or whether he caresses me tenderly; his love paints a wondrous rainbow in the place that is our home. Softly, I close my eyes as our bodies encircle the moon and as we touch the shimmer of the midnight of the sky.

Desperately, I want to believe that my prayers are being heard however my pleas seem to go unanswered as my words are wasted. I wonder how many tears I must cry to be allowed to cross over the bridge of hope so that in turn, I may gain safe passage to peace that awaits me on the other side.

I watch in sorrow as the light that shines from his life-force slowly turns to hatred and as the orbs of his once innocent blue eyes turn dark. I dread him, I fear him and I am pained by the hurt he leaves behind across the wasteland that is my heart.

*Pourquoi faut-il que je l’aime? Sa vie coule dans mes veines et dans ses mains je supplie…plus…plus. Chaque fois que je me déchaîne, il prend ma vie dans ses mains. Je ne sais plus comment et je me demande où s’enfuit le temps quand mon corps se meurt et se perd dans ses bras.*

Why do I have to love him so? His life courses through my veins and in his hands I beg…more…more. Every time I try to unshackle myself from him he cradles my life deeply in the palms of his hands. I no longer know how or why and wonder where time escapes to when my body dies every time I lose myself in his arms.

Tell me why I love him so; tell me why he is like a precious gift from which the heaven above has so painfully bestowed upon me. When it is love that chains and binds us together, tell me why he is just too much and why he is just so.

Time and time again, he tries to dry my weeping tears as I fall forever with him into the oblivion of his shadow. For him, it is nothing to bring me down and he gives no hint of remorse as he shrouds my very essence and my desperate ecstasy under the disillusionment that is him.

My once pleasant dreams are no longer in reach as his Sithly love consumes the whole of me. My heart is heavy and is weighed down by the wretchedness of his sin-filled kisses. I can feel the warmth of his evilness as his once angelic wings wrap around me tightly and bind me forever in the horror that is him.

I am compelled to remain in love with the Padawan I once knew and constantly measure my gallantry as it is slowly replaced by my new found cowardice trepidation. Every time I try to escape him, he ensnares me and locks me away in the incarceration that is him. He is like no other; he is continuous, incessant, and unremitting. There is only him on the edge of my horizon and there is only him in the abyss of my infinite eternity.

*Il est comme un bateau, qui m’emmène au-dessus de la violence de l’eau. Au lieu de garder ma peine, Je crie bien plus fort, encore plus fort que je l’aime et que Je l’aimerai encore.*

He is like a ship that sails me over violent waters. Instead of holding onto my sadness, I cry out loud and crescendo even louder that I love him and that I love him still.

Tell me why I love him so; tell me why he is like a precious gift from which the heaven above has so painfully bestowed upon me. When it is love that chains and binds us together, tell me why he is just too much and why he is just so.

I can not save him as he refuses to be resurrected and resuscitated by my undying breath. He will forever live inside of me as our accord dissolves into the legend that is us. Deep in the depths of the frozen iciness in his heart, he guards my lock and hides my key and I tortuously suffer in undermining agony as I am unable to melt and softened the hardness of his ill-fated compassion for me.

If he only knew, if I could only make him see how the malevolence of his religion pains me and how frightened I am of the man he is to become. Like the wilting petals of the most delicate of blooms, he falls from the tree that is our lives and willingly descends, drowning himself into the volcanic ocean of the Dark Side.

I have become his most willing victim as I allow him to fill me entirely. I no longer know and am unsure what name I should howl into the silhouette of the dimness. In my mind, he remains my beloved Anakin however it is the name of vengeance that spills from my lips as I moan and sigh the appellation of my heavenly Sith, Vader.

*J’ai tant de choses à lui dire mais à quoi servent des mots. Je m’envole, je soupire et rien qu’à le regarder, je voyage dans son amour car Je plane et je m’évade dans ses yeux de velours. L’amour voyage dans ses grands yeux qui sont tendre et sauvage lorsque il joue son jeu. Aujourd’hui pour demain, Je l’aime de jour en jour et Mon départ est sans fin car je voyage dans son amour.*

There is so much that I want to tell him however to what purpose do words serve. I fly away and I sigh and when I look at him, I walk down the path of his love as I soar and escape into the velvet of his eyes. Love travels in the wideness of his eyes which are tender and savage when he plays his game. Today and tomorrow, I will love him the rest of my days as my departure is never ending and as I journey in his love.

Tell me why I love him so; tell me why he is like a precious gift from which the heaven above has so painfully bestowed upon me. When it is love that chains and binds us together, tell me why he is just too much and why he is just so.

I am swallowed by his divinity and I hold his hand as he leads me to the centre of my searing ecstasy. All at once, the sweet carnage of his wrath upon my body sends my mind swirling into a hellish pit of chaos and at that same moment, crashing through the gates of heaven’s paradise. Our once pure union is now unholy and I repent and pray for forgiveness however, our love has a power all its own.

The affection that is laced in his treacherous words etches and scores my soul as he confesses through a whisper that he will love me until the end of time. His eloquently truthful words fall unknowingly on deaf ears as my angel of death will be the root and the cause of my untimely and unwanted demise however for now, we remain here and linger in the garden that is our Eden.

Still after all of this time, I am awed by his grace and by his mercifulness power over me. From this day on, I am certain that I will never be the same and I am secure in the fact that I will never be rescued from my fate, my destiny and my desolateness.

*Il m’amène vers son destin et m’amène jusque dans ses mains; les même qui me font mourir à chaque soir. Il n’est jamais trop tard car il m’amène toujours comme si c’était la première fois qu’il m’aimait et Je revivrai sans me lasser dans ces moments enlacés.*

*Dites-moi pourquoi je l’aime; dite-moi pourquoi il est comme un cadeau que le ciel me fait d’en haut. Quand c’est l’amour qui nous enchaîne et qui nous s’accroche l’un à l’autre, dites-moi pourquoi il est et pourquoi il est trop.*

He pulls me towards his own destiny and holds me in his hands; the same hands that make me die each and every time night falls. It is never too late as he always takes me like before, like the very first time he loved me, and I will live forever without tiring in these intertwining moments.

Tell me why I love him so; tell me why he is like a precious gift from which the heaven above has so painfully bestowed upon me. When it is love that chains and binds us together, tell me why he is just too much and why he is just so.

For us, there is no time or space and we soar; for always and forever we will go on beyond good-bye and I slowly die inside as he unravels my very core.

Wow, I didn't think the whole thing would fit on one post. So what do think? Depressing isn't it.

Very... *sobs loudly*

That whole scene in the Lars Homestead where Anakin is making his "I Killed Them All" speech is one of my favorite Anakin scenes. Hayden did a really good job there. He was really conving. Did you see the way his lips trembled? This might sound weird, but I like the whole "bad boy, dark Anakin" thing he has going on. Its kinda intriguing. (Did I even spell that right?)

Definitley my favourite Anakin scene and Hayden did so well!! I loved that single tear that fell down his cheek..."I HATE THEM!!" It was such a moving scene. When his lip trembled...I was just so wrapped up in his performance; it was amazing. He does do the evil side exceptionally well. Did you see that picture of him that was posted recently?? Lance had it in his avatar for a while. His eyes in that shot...scary, evil. I think you spelt it right...

Anyway, I agree. I really want to see Anakin and Padme's relationship deteriorate. Isn't it strange that we were rooting for them in AOTC, but now we want to see their relationship fall apart in Ep. III? God, how morbid and twisted are we? Still, there's something about a tragedy that draws the crowd.

We must be; twisted and morbid, I mean. It's not that I want that to happen...it's just how I'd like to see it.

That fanfiction is very moving. Long, but moving. And sad. It mentions a lot of the things we were talking about.

OMG, yes I saw that tear. That scene gave me chills the first time I saw it, and it still does. And, god, did you see his expression! The way his eyes were...He was just brilliant!

And no, I haven't seen that picture you mentioned. Well, at least I don't think. Do you have the picture and can you post it?

Oh, and have you seen Life As A House? Hayden was really great in that too. He plays a rebelious, troubled teen. Sound familiar to you?

OMG, yes I saw that tear. That scene gave me chills the first time I saw it, and it still does. And, god, did you see his expression! The way his eyes were...He was just brilliant!

It gave me chills too. I came away from that film feeling numb and emotionally drained; strange because films don't usually do that to me. Except for Pirates which made me laugh and also Return of the King because that was such an incredible movie.

Sorry, I don't have the picture. You might be able to dig it up in the EpIII Forum. Or, maybe Lance has it and can give it to you. I'm not sure, sorry.

Oh, and have you seen Life As A House? Hayden was really great in that too. He plays a rebelious, troubled teen. Sound familiar to you?

I haven't seen it, no, though I want to!! Just a little familiar...

You know what other scene moved me; when his mother, Shmi, died in his arms and that expression that follwed. Pure evil. I love that moment though, it was so dramatic. And the music too!! It's expertly done. As Anakin gets angrier and angrier the music gets louder. That scene was powerful too.

I know what you mean. Hayden was good in that scene too. His expressions, the look in his eyes...it was all there. I can't think of anyone else who could have done it better. Another one of my favorite Anakin moments was when he's in front of his mother's tomb, saying his goodbyes. I love the tone he uses when he says, "I miss you so much." You can hear the pain and torture that's tearing him up inside.

God, with all this "dark Anakin" talk I can't wait to see Ep. III. I know Hayden is just going to be brilliant. I'm probably going to walk out of the theater just shocked by how powerful his performance was.

Oh, and I love your sig pic. I use to have that picture on my desktop.

I know what you mean. Hayden was good in that scene too. His expressions, the look in his eyes...it was all there. I can't think of anyone else who could have done it better. Another one of my favorite Anakin moments was when he's in front of his mother's tomb, saying his goodbyes. I love the tone he uses when he says, "I miss you so much." You can hear the pain and torture that's tearing him up inside.

YES!! I thought exactly the same thing through that scene!! There's so many people who argue that Hayden's performance was poor but I disagree. Then, when you ask them who they would have rather seen they can't think of anyone who could've truly portrayed Anakin Skywalker. Hayden was the perfect choice.

God, with all this "dark Anakin" talk I can't wait to see Ep. III. I know Hayden is just going to be brilliant. I'm probably going to walk out of the theater just shocked by how powerful his performance was.

I know what you mean!! EpIII will be where Hayden proves that GL made the right choice. If we thought his chilling scenes in Clones were good, then his transformation into Darth Vader in this next film will be truly powerful. I can't wait!!

Oh, and I love your sig pic. I use to have that picture on my desktop.

Thanks. Hypernova made it for me.

I totally agree, Hayden is going to be brilliant in Ep. III. Have you seen shattered glass? its his new movie. it was out a few months ago in selected theatres but it was never world wide released. i haven't seen it, but i heard rave reviews about hayden's performance. i'm determined to rent it when it comes out on video. and Lyn, you have got to see Life As A House. seriously, hayden is really good.

I haven't seen it, no, but I saw a full-length trailer when I was at the movies last. It looks really good!! He looks great... It comes out a couple of days before my birthday so, hopefully I'll get to see it then, for my party. Except, I'm not too sure whether my friends would appreciate it as much as I will.
I've wanted to watch Life As A House for ages!! It's just so hard. No one around here loves Hayden as much as I do.

i is to late for recasting

The prequels need recasting.

1. Natalie Portman is beautiful, but she hasn't the charisma of Carrie Fischer. I never get the sense that Portman's character could "take on the bad guys single handed" and I always felt that way about Fischer's character. I'm not sure who could have played the role of Padme though. I'll keep thinking.

2. Hayden is alright, but there are better actors. I think people need to remember that the script Hayden has is not great, and so we aren't seeing the Anakin Skywalker we want to see, e.g- the "powerful Jedi" the "best star-pilot in the galaxy" the "good friend" and the "cunning warrior".

3. I always felt there was room for Morgan Freeman as a Jedi Master on the High Council. Any thoughts?

4. McGregor is fine. Again, he is let down by a poor script. We all know he can act, need I mention "trainspotting".

I'm not so sure that the prequels need RECASTING, but rather I believe that the prequels need reWRITING! Does anyone agree? I feel that the two prequels, so far, have had very poor character development, and do not develop the themes of friendship, love, drama and action in the mature and excellent way that the original trilogy did.

Agreed, if the actors had some better writing then everything else would follow. It is also I style of acting that Lucas prefers. He likes movies from the 1920s. The acting style then was too show little emotion.

natalie was ok as padme.....same with hayden....i think morgan freeman should have been cast as mace windu.....ewan IS obi wan. great casting there.......

I agree about the writing...

yes, the writing needed work.

I know Ewan McGregor found the script hard going in that it was diffilcult to make it sound convicing. Mark Hammill and Harrison Ford apparentley also complained about the lines they had to say but they still managed to stop them from sounding wooden.

Natalie was good in Phantom Menace but her heart just plainly wasn't in AOTC. She looked awkward to me. If Sarah Michelle Geller hadn't been typecast as Buffy she would have been one of my choices for Padme. She can play feisty.

The only character choice I really back is Hayden for Skywalker.

ashton kutcher as anakin
ellen degenerous as padme

eddie murphy as mace windu, denis leary as obi wan, joe pesci as darth maul.

I do agree with you about the actors seeming wooden at times...though I still think they did pretty well considering.

SMG is definitley fiesty...but I just couldn't see her as the whole 'political figure', probably because of Buffy or Scooby-Doo, like you said. I still love Portman as Padme.

Wonderful casting in my opinion.

I heartily agree.

I actually thought she wasn't too bad in the first one but she just looks bored in AOTC. I saw her recentley in Cold Mountain and her acting was so good I didn't realise it was her for the first two or three minutes yet she just drifts through Star Wars.

If she hadn't played Buffy for so long my choice would have been Sarah Michelle Geller for Padme because she's always reminded me of Carrie Fisher. Simular facial features and petite but feisty.

Thought I'd add a pic to show you. Might just be me but I think they look similar.

Sorta, I guess. But I just love Portman as Padme far too much to give it heaps of thought, sorry.

freaky

Aniken was a little winy. Natalie Portman is super hot so i couldn't change her.