Episode III is going to be amazing on this evidence

Rating: 8/10 (17 May 2002)

I saw episode II last night, and after the disappointment of Phantom Menace, went in with slightly lower expectations this time around. I needn't have done so. This is a much, much better film than Menace.
The best compliment that I can give to this film is that it feels like a star wars film. Thematically, it is very much in tune with the original three films, with more explicit lines beginning to appear between good and evil. You get a real sense throughout the film of the break up of the republic and the start of the problems which will eventually destroy it.
Hayden Christensen is excellent as Anakin, managing to be pull off being the most powerful jedi in the universe, whilst also a sullen and arrogant teenager. It is an extraordinary performance that points the way nicely towards his fall from grace in the next installment.
Relationships are also explored more deeply in this film, particularly between Anakin and Padme, and Anakin and Obi-Wan, the latter being particularly interesting, with a mixture of love, respect, lack of trust and Anakin's wayward behaviour making for compelling viewing.
The action sequences are unlike anything you have ever seen, I wish I could say more, but believe me, your jaws will collectively drop and you will find yourself just grinning like a schoolboy for almost and hour. (Just like me) In addition to this, Yoda........ Oh My God!
Despite what I have said, there are problems with this film. Of course Lucas cannot write dialogue and that is evident here, there are a couple of moments which make you wince at the cheesiness of the lines, but they are not bad enough, or often enough to detract from the pleasure of the film. Surprisingly, the direction is not all that bad. I always felt that Empire and Jedi were better directed movies than Star Wars, and this was confirmed by Menace. However, this is a rather better affair, with (reminiscent of Jedi) several plots progressing simultaneously, keeping the pace quick and the audience interested.
Although the dialogue is dodgy, the bearded one has got it right in a big way this time. C3PO and R2 are here, Jar Jar is not for very long, the fighting is excellent, bloody excellent and the new actors excel themselves. Christensen as Anakin is a believable future Darth Vader and Christopher Lee as baddie Count Dooku bring a touch of old school class to proceedings. Jackson is cool again and has a bigger role, and Jango Fett, (father of Boba who also makes an appearance) is a cool bad guy and one of the many links that this film provides with the original trilogy.
This film has me salivating at the thought of Episode III. I truly believe it is going to be absolutely unbelievable. Enjoy