Dense, superficial, with good points....

Rating: 5/10 (19 May 2002)

How does one pierce the Star Wars universe with all its mythology and history in order to review one film?
Overall, I found this to be another George Lucas affair - when he directs there are ALWAYS some serious pacing issues, and the dialogue at times brought the audience into fits of giggles. Culturally, as a New Zealander I cringed as I heard our accent on screen too, but maybe I was being a bit sensitive.
Yes, this film advances the plot further, and it IS better than the lamentable Ep 1, but taken as a whole it's a good Star Wars film, but not a good FILM. It has its moments, such as the moment we see Anakin actually "turn" after the death of his mother (also thanks to John Williams' frightening score at this moment too), but I thought the movie was overlong and flat in tone.
Still, it'll make millions. I'm still looking forward to Ep III.
Finally, a challenge to the boys at ILM and Lucasfilms - if we Kiwis can make three Lord Of The Rings films in 18 months, then why not try making Ep III in less than the prerequisite three years? Dare ya.