The Mystery continues...

Rating: 9/10 (27 October 2003)

SPOILERS
One of the things that we cannot fully appreciate is the fact that Sidyous and Palpatine are the same person. Cuz of Return of the Jedi - we know. But future generations will... and what a blast it will be!
Aside from this these prequels are not true stand-alone films. Their interdependency with each other is paramount, more so that the original trilogy and this isn't more true than Episode 2.
Episode 2 has a plot, a big one! Don't believe anyone who says it hasn't or it is weak, it is strong and deep, but because it raises more questions and yet solves none, it may leave some confused. But everything will be answered.
Episode 2 is intense, bold and beautiful. Anakins character is a real one. Inpatient, demanding and over sensitive, great potential who has no real control of his environment and it scares him. A lovesick teenager who has lost all sight and reason over love. This is a very real character with a natural performance - so good you don't realise that the actor - Hayden - is acting. Ewan McGregor is excellent - making the part of Obi Wan Kenobi his own. Only Natalie Portman comes across weaker, since most of her stronger scenes have been dropped, when viewing the DVD deleted scenes (most are Padmes) it makes more sense about where she is coming from.

The film itself is - of course - visually beautiful and stunning. And quite amazing full of imagination and colour (ILM are not afraid to show some colour in their effects as most effect companies produce dark on dark effects which are far easier to do). The direction is poetic and has many subtle echoes from the original films. And yes- the script isn't the best - especially the scene where Anakin pours his heart out to Padme. But it isn't that bad, and the films are based on comic book serialisations and that is how they are intentionally written. (All Star Wars films are with the exception of Episode 5 TESB, which was more fairy tale). The editing in the middle of the film is untimely and happens to slow the story somewhat - which is a problem you would not expect from George Lucas (though the start of Episode 1 had similar problems). However here is a brief breakdown
Act 1 - Excellent Act 2 - slow to start (Love bits), odd timed but ends very well (Obi Wan Vs Jango Fett rounds 1 & 2 and Anakin looking for his mother). Act 3 - (Enter Christopher Lee) AWESOME
Episode 1 and 2 are working up towards one single thing... the fall of Anakin Skywalker, the republic and the Jedi. And all these crazy things - the formation of the confederacy of independent systems, the creation of a clone army, the death of Jedi master Sifu Dias, the Duplicity of Count Dooku/Darth Tyranus, the blockade of Naboo (Episode one), the manipulation of Anakin by the pawns and suggestions of the Sith lord, the Jedi's inability to use the force effectively, Palpatines absolute power over the senate...and more will be answered.
Bring on Episode 3