Visually stunning

Rating: 7/10 (17 May 2002)

One can expect the very best in special effects when it comes to a George Lucas. That being said, I cannot forgive him for the atrocity of some dialogue. There are points where it is almost embarrassing. Hayden is a good-looking kid, but not a good actor. He's better than Jake (Epi I), but not good. The movie really lacked the biting one-liners or give-and-take that was so well crafted in the original series. But since I am a hard-core fan, I can look past the trifles of acting and enjoy the spectacle. (And for those who disliked Jar Jar so much, this movie can give you a justification for it, with a snicker and grin.) Samuel L. is just too cool as a Jedi, Yoda looks much more like the original that many of use grew up with, and Natalie is a pleasure to watch. The new worlds and new critters were interesting. I agree that the linear battle sequence (as opposed to Epi I's three fights at once) was much better. There were tense moments, and moments to cheer. The action towards the end will tend to make up for the shortcomings in the beginning. In fact, it almost felt like Lucas was filming a war movie. So George, I guess you are forgiven after all. 7 out of 10.