Love Blooms, the Dark Side Looms....

Rating: 8/10 (16 May 2002)

Episode II of the Star Wars series exploded onto our screens this week. Filmed in various locations including Tunisia and Australia, I was stunned by the visual feast and unbelievable audio (the most significant moment sound-wise is when Jango Fett is chased by Obi Wan and he throws some supersonic type bombs, the explosion sound is quite astounding). This film brings together the love story between Anaikin and Amidala, Natalie Portman shows grace and poise as the latter and relative newcomer Hayden Christensen is good as the teen Anaikin but not great. Ewan McGregor does nicely expanding Obi Wan's character and there are some good supporting players including Jimmy Smits and Christopher Lee. There are some very funny moments in the film and the crowd I was with at a midnight screening cheered and clapped in quite a few scenes. Best moment for me was one featuring Yoda and Duku, you will be quite amazed!!!