[ctdonath2]

Of course I'll go see it. The first three (chronologically) practically defined my generation - there's no reason NOT to see the rest of the story. I'll enjoy it just as much as The Empire Strikes Back.

Ultimately, it's a kids' story. This anti-Jar-Jar vitrol (and other complaints about TPM) comes from people who forgot that their perception of the world changed in the 20+ years since the Star Wars: A New Hope first played. The original episode was not more sophisticated than the latest installment, it just seems that way through a two-decade-old memory of a child's perception contrasted with a cynical adult's view of the same thing. Set your perception back to 12-year-old mode and enjoy the next installment.

[irishjuggler]

The original episode was not more sophisticated than the latest installment, it just seems that way through a two-decade-old memory of a child's perception contrasted with a cynical adult's view of the same thing.

It might not have been more sophisticated, but it was more entertaining. When TPM came on TV last year, I quit watching before it was even over. The plot was really dull. Jar-Jar was annoying. The kid who played Anakin was one of the worst child actors I've ever seen in a major role. Contrast this with Empire Strikes Back. When it was on FOX last Thursday, I couldn't turn it off. It had everything TPM lacked: action, mystery, originality, suspense, and decent acting.

[=Intervention=]

Wrong. The original Star Wars worked because it had all the hallmarks of an Epic -- kid from loser planet meets strange dude in the desert with mystic weapons. Shadowy past. Parents are killed. Bad-thief-guy becomes good guy who saves the day. Plus the dialogue was awesome...I know people who can quote lines from Star Wars years later. Plus, the music...in Star Wars so many elements combined for spectacular effect. Talk about the emotional impact!! Phantom Menace had NONE of that. It was obviously rushed, and we all know that Lucas is not at his best when writing solo. Willow proved that.