dear Durant,
unfortunately I have to agree with you, that George Lucas was wrong in thinking Episode I is supposed to be a naive children story. Anakin Sucks with his "ooops I saved the world" behavour.
In the second movie I hated Hayden Christensens performance. this little stubborn adolocent shall become the most powerful Warrior of the imperator?
the third movie was better, allthough way to short to tell Anakin's journey to the dark side.
however, there were elements I really liked in that movie; Darth Maul for one was awesome (even if a bit too obviously diabolic). would have liked to see more of his double blade action.
Ms Portman has allways been an eye catcher and added a bit of beauty throughout the second trilogy.
but what I really loved about all three of the movies, what made me whatch them over and over again, was Ewan McGregor, a worthy successor of dear Sir Allec Guinnes. his ben kenobi was so charming, serious, powerful, cheeky... he made half of the movies - the other half was amazing SFX!
but, Durant, I know exactly what you mean. I would have liked to see the first half of the Star Wars saga in a more sinister, dirty, realistic way - a bit like nowadays James Bond is reborn with Daniel Craigs performance or Batman is told in the right manner for the first time with Chris Nolans Dark Knight and Christian Bales great performance (who else would fit character like Bruce that well - just remember some of his previous movies, The Machinist for example)
sorry, serrot, for jacking your thread
Jakob
PS: have you seen the "Firefly" series, Durant? or the first cinema appearance "Serenity"? great, fabulous, exciting - the best character of the old Star Wars movies, Hahn Solo, transferred into a dark, allmost realistic future of our universe... some great hours of film!