I feel akward when it comes to the prequels. The prequels deliver well in portrayal, narrative, characters, and action. All these but I think what really brought the hate on the prequels comes down to little things. Little things like Han Solo and Leia flirting (without making it so blatantly obvious), funny moments like when Leia gives Luke a kiss trying to prove something to Han, it's the little things lie that throughout the originals that helped create a bond with the audience. I felt as if the prequels lacked in that regard.
Episode I. Probably the movie with the most good character debutes and the debute of one of the prequels poor attempt of comedy. I mean episode I introduced Qui-Gon Ginn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Darth Maul, Mace Windu, Padme Amidala, Anakin, Ki-Adi Mundi, Plo Koon, Palpatine, Captain Panaka, so many great characters. (Although Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Palpatine may not have necessarily counted) I think Episode I developed too slowly as I always find myself falling asleep when I try to watch it now.
Episode II was definitely an improvement over the first prequel. ok. No it wasn't. Episode II had interesting sub plots but I Anakin just cannot woo a girl like Han Solo. That being said, the end of the movie ends on a high note with an epic battle ensuing on Geonosis. This is easily the best part of the movie and the most exciting.
Episode III is what I consider the second greatest Star Wars movie ever made. And not because it fixes the problems in the first two movies, but because it distracts you with brilliant battles. The dialogue is still missing but is less needed than it was in the previous two films to the action packed nature of Episode III. I shed tears for the first time in all three of the prequels as I saw innocent Jedi betrayed by what had been their allies over the past 3 and 1/2 years. I still goosebumps every time I hear the following lines:
Anakin: I HATE YOU!!
Obi-Wan: You were my brother Anakin, I loved you.
The closing moments if episode III paint a dark picture, a hole that looks impossible to surmount and serves as an excellent bridge between the prequels and the sequels.
I have high hopes for Star Wars: Episode VII. I feel as though J.J. Abrams has been around Star Wars long enough to know what it needs, and can deliver. I can't really say what I "want" for Episode VII beside me wanting it to be a good movie, but I think I'll be able to easily convey my wants for Episode VIII because I'll know all the new characters and story lines. Until then....
May The Force Be With You.