VII. Star Wars - Episode I: My response to the Critics

I think my main problem with most reviews of Episode I is that the critics were apparently looking for an epic motion picture event like Lawrence of Arabia or something.  Star Wars never was that, never pretended to be that, and hopefully will never be that.  How many of your kids ever liked Lawrence of Arabia or Gone With the Wind?  Or even a shorter classic like Casablanca or Citizen Kane?

I am distressed, nevertheless, by their apparent dislike of the actors in the movie.  I feel compelled to defend these innocent casualties of backlash.

Natalie Portman (Queen Amidala)

Pernilla August (Shmi Skywalker)

Ahmed Best (Jar Jar Binks)

Jake Lloyd (Anakin Skywalker)

Sorry - More to come