Hooked

Rating: 10/10 (15 June 2002)

I wasn't a big Star Wars fan until seeing this movie. So much so, I went out and purchased the boxed trilogy set, and Episode I soon after.
Granted it is the 2nd in the Series, thus expectations of more eplanational dialogue to move the plot ahead in preparation for Episode III become fulfilled. The love story was sappy; certainly more appealing to the female demographic. (perhaps that's why I got hooked) However, the love story was Lucas' original focus. (Just look at the poster) Sure there were your actions scenes -- the usual light sabre duels -- and more sarcastic dialogue between OB-wan and Anakin, but the central theme of love establishes a window of how things were in the beginning, before the Dark Side, before the mysterious mask; we finally get to know and love Anakin Skywalker. The developing love gives a "good guy" feel to Anakin despite the omnimus dialogue. Its like watching the Titanic -- you know Anakin will sink to the Dark Side, but the love he has for Padme creates a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, he won't go. Episode III will be tragic to watch as he turns to the other side.
Yes, there was more dialogue in this one, but well worth it. Lucas had a lot of ground to cover, and he did it well. The script created a springboard for what is to come.
If you're the type who thirsts for the details: the hows, the whys, and whos of the story, Episode II will certainly quench it.