An improvement but not up to snuff-- awkward love story

Rating: 7/10 (28 May 2002)

Warning- this review may contain a slight spoiler to those totally unfamiliar with the premise of the Star Wars movies.

Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones is a clear improvement over Episode I, but it leaves much to be desired. Lucas continues his love affair with great and not so great CGI, which is sometimes incredible and sometimes incredibly fake looking in this film.
The movie started interestingly, despite some truly cheezy dialogue during the first action sequence. The situation established and the character tension seemed truly strong. However, as the movie progressed the tension slacked, and what was youthful defiance in Anakin turned to selfish, immature poutiness. What was a sense of guarded independence in Padme turned to a completely unbelievable and rather sudden 180 turn in character.
We all knew what was going to happen, and it seemed like the film was going to include a truly interesting battle of two strong people submitting to their passion. But instead, Anakin seemed to whine his way into Padme's heart, and it thoroughly compromised all of the buildup of her character. People in our audience laughed at what should have been a very touching moment because it was presented so poorly.
Other than my problems with the plot of the movie and some poor CGI, I enjoyed this movie. Once I quit looking for bad CGI and let go of the hope that there would be minimal cheezy "Lucas Dialogue" as my husband calls it, I had fun. Which is how a Star Wars movie should make one feel. Fun.
The plot was interesting, and Yoda was awesome! Other than whiny Anakin, there were no characters in this movie who were gratingly annoying (not to name names from Episode I). The premise was good and left a lot to look forward to in Episode III. And Padme's wardrobe was gorgeous!
Hopefully, the upward trend will continue.