well, we kinda need a common frame of reference, episode II was my favorite and the clone wars as a whole are probably my fave star wars story element. instead of just pissing it away as bad, explain why you feel that way, those who feel differently will explain why they feel that way and we'll realize we each have a point and see the movie in a different way.
Anybody wish they'd kept Darth Maul? Like Obi-Wan thinks he's defeated but he returns in Ep2 (much like Vader did in 4 and 5) and kicks ObiWans and Anis ass.
Lucas kills off all his most promisong charcters stupidly - Maul, Jango, Boba etc.
I'd prefer a Vader/Evil Ani vs Maul fight than a Dooku vs Ani fight anyday.
Poor Darth Maul.
Yeah, if the controller of the Separatists had been a Zabrak former Jedi (maybe even the Zabrak on the council from Episode 1) who then turned out to be Maul, that would've been awesome.
However, on the other hand Christopher Lee is an awesome actor and one of the only ones in the prequels who is able to overcome Lucas's lack of directing and pull off a good part.
I liked Hayden's Anakin. It's exactly the way I pictured him. I think what hurts the performance is the dialogue. Obi wan would be "very grumpy"? Lucas should start writing for the Care Bears. If you really look at his performance and take into account how bad some of his lines are, you might change your mind. Examples: The scene where his mom dies-its kinda sudden and on top of that she's dead in under a minute. But look at the shifting emotions on Hayden's face, the way he tries to tell her it'll be ok but his voice cuts off, his lips barely forming the soundless words. That's very realistic. Or the scene where he brings his mom back. That was the face of Vader to me. I think he did what he could with the material. I think he tried to bring as much realism as he could in order to make Anakin look confident, while keeping with the idea that in some ways he's very insecure from being a slave and having to live up to being the chosen one. I think he's good at showing Anakin at a transitional stage, not quite Vader, still very immature.
My faves are 2 and 5. They have the most drama (until 3 comes out of course). Which ever ones have the most drama are always the most interesting to people. Some people like the quite moments and some people like the action. Its like on the Sopranos, they have an episode of set up with lots of character driven scenes, then there will be an episode with a lot of trash talking, beatings, and shooting. Some people prefer the character episodes, some people like the action. Episode 1 was all set up, so it doesn't grab your interest as much, its a lot of introductions and build ups. 2 is more set up leading into some action. 3 is gonna be 90% action. 4 had some action but was mainly set up and character development, catching up the audience on the galactic events from the last 18 years (when watched in order). 5 is, again, more set up leading into action. Then 6 is a whole lot of action and tying up loose ends. I think they're all good because, in my opinion at least, they all serve their purpose in advancing the story in a well paced way that takes the audience on a journey, and like any journey, there is action and there is quite time. It all just depends on what you prefer. I love the whole thing as a whole and wouldn't toss any of the movies since they are all necessary.
maybe if they do add more stuff to episode 1 and 2 for the next dvd release (has anyone noticed they've been out of print since 1/1?) or do an archival edition, they'll back in all the political intrigue and the scenes with bail organa and all that other good stuff. personally, i'd like to digitally insert dooku into the funeral and film him having an argument with mace and yoda before dropping his light saber and walking away angrily, with palpatine rushing after him to "comfort" him.