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Rating: 6/10 (17 June 2002)

Is it me, or is George Lucas just trying to capitalize on the Star Wars name? First came the fuzzy-wuzzy Ewoks in Return of the Jedi. Next came the annoying, lisping Jar-Jar Binks in Episode I. Now comes the battery-operated Yoda with mini-light saber. C'mon, how much disbelief does Lucas ask us to suspend?
Seriously, Lucas' infatuation with CGI has shifted his focus away from the strength of the Star Wars series - suspense, drama, and action. Christensen - whose performance in Life as a House was superb - comes off as an impetulent five-year old child in this movie. One would expect the Dark Side to work more subtly and sinisterly, especially in such a talented Jedi.
Episode II is worth seeing in the theaters, if only so one can join in the dinner conversation. (6/10)