Fun and better than Episode I.

Rating: 8/10 (17 May 2002)

I was not having very high expectations for this movie. After the horrible Episode I, I was worried if the series was going to be lost forever. After seeing Attack Of The Clones, I was rather more pleased. This film delivers the goods enough to make it worthy of being recognized as a Star Wars film. It is good to say we can think that Episode I probably never existed! This film has far more ties with the origional three than Episode I ever will. It harkens back to darker themes, primarily conspiracy, assassination, forbidden love, and war. The film runs about 2 and a 1/2 hours, and is breathlessly filled with awesome action and adventure. It has some chills, and thrills, and top notch effects that make Episode I look like childs play. As the only spoiler I'll mention, Jar Jar Binks is only in the film for four minutes, and his pathetic comic antics have NO MAJOR ROLE in this film! I think Lucas payed attention when the real fans that scorned Jar Jar for the stupidity he represents. The real comic substance of Artoo D2 and Threepio makes a triumphant return in this film! The acting has a mixed feel to me. Some of it was done well Hayden Christiansen. He dose bring the troubled Anakin Skywalker out well in some scenes. Some of the time he acts too much like a complaining teen. Natalie Portman portrays a better Padme. She is more daring and mature in this film. She has dispensed her monotone lines for a more diversified language that we all speak. She also plays more into how princess Leia' s personality is. Ewan Mcgregor is still a top notch Jedi. He hits a home run for his role. Christopher Lee as the sinister Darth Tyranus is also top notch! He is cold, calm, yet very taunting and ruthless. Samuel L Jackson also hits a major home run as Mace Windu! Some lines of the film are a little cheesy, but adequate. Lucas dose need to iron out harder performances if he wants to equal Empire Strikes Back. The action in all the battle scenes, and chases, all payoff very well. They have the full adrenaline rush of the other films. You harldy have time to catch your breath! The story is ironed out well with this film and plays well with it! For people who go to see film for crtical purposes, shut up and enjoy! Don't spoil it for those who just want to have fun at the movies. It may have subtle flaws, and it might not be equal to the origionals, but it is a repenting prayer for the mistakes of Episode I. Yoda fans will also be very pleased and talk about his best scene for years to come after this film!
Rating: 3 *** out of ****. ***= Well worth the wait, not on Oscar film, but definitely worth money.
My listing of the films best to worst: 1.Empire Strikes Back **** 2.New Hope **** 3.Attack of The Clones *** 4.Return of The Jedi *** 5.Phantom Menace **