George Lucas is not the greatest director of actors and his dialogue is often clunky. American Grafitti is probably his best in that regard but none of the Star Wars movies are very strong in that area. What they are strong in is story and that seems to be his goal, to tell a good story. The interviews I've read with him recently point to that. What people need to do is try and watch the movies with the same critical eye you had when you first saw the original three. For me, that was when I was 4, 7, and 10 years old. Because of that, I love those movies, and, even though I've grown more critical of them like I am with any movie, I remember why I liked them so much. Just watch some of the scenes in "A New Hope" and you'll see some poorly delivered lines, particularly before the X-Wings leave for the Death Star Battle. So what. My feelings on Episode I have changed over time but I appreciate it more now.

As for comments on Episode II, my brother-in-law said it wasn't great (He saw it screened with Fox employees in a completely digital theatre), but that it is crammed with action that holds you in and wears you out by the end. He does say the dialogue isn't great but the story is set up for Episode III and leaves you wanting questions answered. Makes sense to me.

Ferrick