Originally posted by Flipside
Though I note you liked the Emperor, Kappa, who happens to be the only transplanted actor from the original films 
I still prefer the originals, better story, better acting, and you didn't know what would happen next, you're never left on the edge of your seat when Obi-Wan is being chased through the Asteroids in AOTC, because you know he can't be killed, since he's still alive (and aged by about 40 years) 20 odd years later.
I think it's that knowledge that means that it will always boil down to which was the better-made film, and I still think it was the original movies.
The Emperor is my fave cause he scares the crap out of me. Dooku could have been real cool if he didnt die so quickly, and Greivous isn't really convincing at all. But Palpatine... Wow, so twisted, so devoid of caring, and such an intelligent manipulator in Ep. 3 and in Ep. 6. (In ep. 4 and 5 he is usually a brief hologram). IMO, the Palpatine in Ep. 3 is even better acted than the one in Ep. 6. Even his saber fighting style is bizzare and twisted (what's with all the stabs?). He is definatley the deepest and most developed character except for Anakin/Vader IMO.
And If you take the knowing-that-they-will-live consideration into the mix, I would agree with you that the OT is better. I was reviewing as if I watched it in sequence (From Ep.1-6). It's not really fair to consider that IMO, since it gives the OT a waaay unfair advantage. If I never seen the OT, I would be absolutley certain that either Obi-Wan or Anakin would die in that lightsaber fight. Yes, the acting was a bit worse, but Hamill's acting wasn't too flawless either IMO. For someone whose seen the OT already, the suspense is pretty much spoiled.
My final virdict: Ep.3 is better than the Original Trilogy IF AND ONLY IF they are watched in sequence with no prior knowledge of the next film.
