Kari, your post really expressed how I saw it too. I did actually enjoy Ewen McGregor in the third particularly, somehow his portrayal of Obi-Wan really seemed to fit more this time, that bit of light playfulness to his style, and I did feel touched at the final battle there, like you said not in particular because of the actors but because of the tragedy of the story line, but Obi-Wan's emotions were convincing to me in that scene. I loved Qui-Gon in the first one! Liam Neeson's charisma is so strong, it's too bad he had to die in the first one! I can see how the lightning scene could have struck you as a bit funny/hokey. It didn't really hit me that way at the time but that's because I was so immersed in the story at the time and kind of on the edge of my seat waiting for the carnage to begin, but looking back I can definitely see how it could be almost humorous. I found him most creepy on the sidelines when he was being so sly and playing both sides, slowly gaining power and biding his time.

I actually enjoyed the story line to the whole thing overall, but I was disappointed in the cliche and wooden script. There is only so much actors can do with some of that tripe LOL. From what I understand Lucas does not allow actors to improvise much, he's very stubborn with how he wants things done.

edit: LOL, just reread my post and saw my wording "lightning scene struck you..." I never even thought about the play on words there