I think there will be questions unanswered, just not enough time to close up lose ends. The story should of started later in Anakans life.

Can someone please tell me which books bridge the gaps between the movies? From 1-2, 3-4, 4-5, 5-6, if any? And are they worth it? I am not really interested in the continuing stories after Ep VI.

thanks

Cloak of Deception = Episode 0.5 (before 1)

The Approaching Storm = Episode 1.5 (between 1 & 2)

Labrynth of Evil = Episode 2.5 (between 2 & 3)

Shadows of the Empire = Episode 5.5 (between 5 & 6)

But does every little detail, plot point, and loose end have to be tied up and explained perfectly? What would any have to discuss about Star Wars if that happened. I think it's better to leave a few minor details unexplained. If provides greater discussion. As long as the major plot points and loose ends are tied up, I think it's fine. After all, this isn't Star Trek as Alexandra Dupont said in her very good AICN review.

Luke learned to build a new lightsaber from blueprints in Obi-wan's old hut. That's why it looks more or less like Obi's saber from Ep. III and IV.

well, in the expanded universe he does a lot of meditation in obi-wan's tatooine pimp house, and finds a kiln to make synthetic crystals which he uses to make the green crystal for his new light sabre.
he also goes on some adventures looking for han and fighting a non-hutt crime lord

and on a similar note, vader's and the anakin sabre obiwan gives luke in ANH and he uses in ESB have a similar shape, especially at the blade producing end

and, again going to the expanded universe(but you really have to for some of this stuff as it is way more than can be expected to be put in the movies), Yoda goes to Dagobah for two reasons. All the plant and animal life and more importantly that cave that has dark side energy shields him from the emperor's and vader's "force scanning"

I think that MSNBC brought up some good points. I don't agree with a few of them, but I do agree with most of them. I've never read any of the EU stories and frankly I shouldn't have to either. The thing that always bothered me the most was in Episode 2 after Ani kills all thosee tusken raiders Padme acts like its no big deal.

Now I have this image of Obi-Wan kicking back in his hut...downing a 40 going "One for me...one for my fallen Jedi homies"

one thing I never understood, is the home planet/(moon?) of the Ewoks is Endor right, or is it the "Forest Moon of Endor", if it's a moon, where's the orbiting planet?
(I've had too much coffee this morning).

I think Endor is a planet (that we didn't see) that has at least 2 moons. and the shield generator was on the forrested moon
either that or lucas screwed up the terms moon and planet

edit: SW Encyclopedia says Endor is a silvery gas giant with 9 moons

It's a moon covered in trees, and it orbits a planet named Endor. Seems pretty clear to me.

no, I know it's pretty clear that's it's a moon, I just find it odd there no establishing shot of Endor the planet, itself, right...?

What I want to know is why didn't everyone at Qui-Gon's funeral, in Episode 1, start throwing up because of the smell of his flesh cooking?

agreed......and if you want more EU material look at the Clone Wars Novels they don't really tie in directly with the movie but they expand on characters envovled(Anakin, Obi-Wan, Kit Fisto, Mace, Depa Billiba, Barriss Offee, and Yoda)

and for a tie in with the two "Medstar" books and more Darth Maul see Shadow Hunter

Something I'd like to know (and forgive me if this has been said all ready) in TPM Obi-Wan tells Qui-Gon not to defey the counsel, not again. When did he the first time and why?

I'm not sure what the Expanded Universe says about him defying the counsel... and it is never directly explained in the films.

In Episode III we learn