Much better, thank you George...

Rating: 8/10 (17 May 2002)

A considerable improvement from Phantom Menace. The back story continues and we start to see some maturity developing in the characters and their interactions. R2 and 3PO seem to be getting on well, the Anakin/Padme relationship is developing nicely and the start of Palpatine's influence upon Anakin is shown. Finally, Anakin's opening to the dark side is witnessed and we recall Yoda in TESB - "Anger, fear, aggression; the dark side of the Force are they".
Solid performances from Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman and Sam Jackson who all appear far more comfortable in their roles. This is supported by charismatic turns from Christopher Lee and an impressive Temuera Morrison. The only slightly wooden performance was from Hayden Christensen, though I get the distinct feeling that his creativeness was rather "pruned". Still, he plays it by the numbers and I have hopes for the next instalment.
The set pieces keep you on the edge of your seat, though there is a distinct feeling of deja-vu. A chase through Coruscant leaves one thinking of Bladerunner and The Fifth Element; the ampitheater scene has obvious Gladiator overtones about it. However, Lucas always makes nods to other films and there are plenty of other references. Overall, it has an "old fashioned" feel to it - a 50s matinee type.
Humour is also used well through the film and there are nice nods to the other films in the series - a ledge scene for Anakin and Padme similar to Luke and Leia's in the original film; Anakin having "a bad feeling about this"; Anakin's injury at the hands of Dooku; Padme's costumes and hair becoming increasingly like Leia's etc (and George - you did Carrie a favour with the tape in Star Wars, the least you could do is to extend it to Natalie...).
OK, so Jar Jar is still there, but his role is less. Seeing Yoda go to work with a lightsaber (green of course!) more than makes up for his inclusion in this vastly improved chapter. Looking forward to chapter 3...