Disappointed Once Again...

Rating: 7/10 (16 May 2002)

I just saw the midnight showing of Episode II last night. I had heard and read mixed reviews from the critics and fans going into the movie. So, I was cautiously optimistic.
Those fans saying this is best of the bunch or second only to "Empire Strikes Back", I have to wonder what version they were watching. The version I saw... I can honestly say this comes no where near the original trilogy. This movie is only marginally better than episode I. Empire is still the best of the bunch!
Problems with this movie: Script, Script, Script -- Acting, Acting, Acting.
Does anyone on the planet believe there was any character development between Amidala and Anakin? The love story was not one bit believable... lines between them were awkward and not for one minute do I believe any of the "chemistry" that was being portrayed OR attempted to be portrayed. YUK!
Mr. Lucas has one attempt left to "right the ship". Episode III is our "only hope". Mr. Lucas has all the money in the world to hire the best, most creative talent out there. My suggestions to him for Episode III is the following:
Hire the best screenwriter available... please, do not write the script yourself... it simply isn't working.
Secondly, pass the directing reins to someone else. Again, it simply hasn't worked in the first two prequels.
I hate to bash Mr. Lucas... I think he walks on water... I'd clean his toilet if he asked me BUT something this go-around is lacking from his professional pallet. If the original trilogy's finished product "would have been" along the lines of these first two episodes, there wouldn't have been any prequels. The franchise would have been slapped with RIP!!