Back in black

Rating: 9/10 (1 July 2002)

A much better and darker film than the first prequel, we are witness to Anakin Skywalker's slow descent into the depths of the Dark Side due to his impatience and emotional instability. We also get a glimpse of the love-hate relationship between him and Obi-Wan, who himself has much to learn as Anakin's mentor as he fails repeatedly to offer praise along with his criticism. "Why do I get the feeling that you are going to be the death of me?" Obi-Wan ponders outloud to his apprentice, who in turn reassures him that such a possibility would never be. Just wait another twenty years, my young Jedi...
In short, I thought the work of the principal characters was excellent, especially Hayden Christensen as Anakin and Ewan MacGregor as Obi-Wan. Natalie Portman also did well as Amidala, who strength and resilience reminds me more in this film of Carrie Fisher's Princess Leia character from the original films. While it does drag at times, the plot was well-developed and balanced as Lucas revisited the roots of his initial success with the series. In time, this could be viewed as one of the better films of the series in line with The Empire Strikes Back, the unofficial pinnacle of the series.
I look forward to third and final prequel as do many others whose faith has been restored.