[Penny1]

I am not so sure we're actually supposed to root for Anakin. I think we're supposed to root for Obi Wan, which will be important in Episode III, I think.

I guess what I was hoping for was more of the moral lesson that anyone is susceptible to the temptation to do evil (which of course is one of the main lessons of LOTR). So I was originally expecting that Anakin would presented more sympathetically, at least at first, in Ep 2 so that we would feel the sense of tragedy when he falls in Ep 3. Instead, he's just annoying and irritating, and creepy. But I'm thinking that was intentional...at least I hope it was, or else the script and Hayden's performance was even

I'm also getting uncomfortable with some of the heavy gnostic influences--like the idea that celibacy is required in order to be a good jedi. Then there's the whole "Amidala-as-temptress" message that I wasn't appreciating either. As soon as she gets Anakin alone, even though she's committed to not getting involved with him, and even though she knows he's attracted to her, she starts wearing all those seductive outfits. That part made me a little squeamish about the whole thing as well...what exactly is Lucas trying to say with that, anyway? Maybe I don't really want to know. :o

[htur_75]

I was originally expecting that Anakin would presented more sympathetically...Instead, he's just annoying and irritating, and creepy.

I agree. He acted like a spoiled 5 year-old brat. I just wanted to spank him. Especially when he was having his little temper tantrims about not being able to do what he wanted to do.

Then there's the whole "Amidala-as-temptress" message that I wasn't appreciating either. As soon as she gets Anakin alone, even though she's committed to not getting involved with him, and even though she knows he's attracted to her, she starts wearing all those seductive outfits.

My husband commented on that too. She's telling him with her mouth to stay away, while she is telling him to come hither with her body. It was a little annoying.