While we wait in an anticipatory lather for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" to open on December 18, our thoughts turn to the last time we got so excited for a new set of "Star Wars" movies.

The year was 1999 and fans camped out for "The Phantom Menace" -- only to have their hopes dashed by the unwelcome comic relief of Jar Jar Binks. The other two prequels were marginally better, but the majority of fans agree, they can't hold a candle to the original trilogy.

What has the cast of the prequels (and their special set of skills) been up to since then? Saving the world, winning an Oscar, and singing their hearts out, for starters. But for young Jake Lloyd, it was a scarring experience that he would rather forget.