A visual feast, questions answered, questions created

Rating: Null/10 (17 May 2002)

I can see why the critics wouldn't be pleased with the movie (though popularity is always a reason for them not to like something) in that it may not stand up by itself. It really needs to be considered in the context of the series.
The film spends a reasonable amount of time trying to explain why there are separatists from the Republic, what their agenda is, how Palpatine is working to play all these people to his advantage and of course the story line that explains the downfall of Anakin Skywalker.
In fact, the event that really starts him down that path was surprising to me, even though we all know where he's headed.
Visually the film breaks more ground, with beautiful and varied landscapes and sets (few of which are real, but I don't see they start and end). The clone factory (and the creatures who "manufacture" the clones) is very clean and sterile, Naboo is peaceful, Tatooine is still bare and lifeless... so many interesting styles.
Episode II goes along way to show you society before the Empire. I think that's what makes it so fascinating, because it's in stark contrast to all the crawling around that the rebels do in the original trilogy. All the while you have to consider the impending doom. It's kind of like Titanic in a way, because you know how it ends. The fact that Episodes I through III are back story makes it almost "real" history, and we love history. I had to remind myself it wasn't actual fact, but fiction.
The big buzz is and may forever be about Yoda, as we finally get to see what he's all about. Yes, he gets to fight, but the best part is we get to see a great deal of personality from him, more than we have in any of the previous movies.
The political premise of the transition from the Republic to Empire will likely be over a lot of people's heads, but to me it adds a well thought out plot that acts as the glue for our characters and their relationships, all the way through Ewok's final dance. That closure is what the fans want, and Lucas is delivering, regardless of what the critics want.