Way better than Episode I and another undeservedly criticised movie

Rating: 10/10 (13 April 2005)

In my review of Episode I, I commented on how badly Lucas had been bashed because of it for a variety of reasons even though I thought it was actually a very good movie. The same happens here even though Episode II is way better than Episode I with way more action, even better locations, a stunning digital look due to outstanding special effects and the further development of the Story with a plot which is a lot less complex and more interesting than that in Episode I, probably because its getting closer to things we hear about in Episode IV.
For a start, the planets are great, with Coruscant and Tattoine looking better than ever but Naboo looks the best here with amazing views and scenery. New planets Kamino and Geonosis are also breathtaking though as well. This is where the special effects come into their own. The clone Army looks amazing as well, especially in the scene at the end with several thousand of them boarding spaceships and taking off. The action as I've already said exceeds what we saw in Episode I, kicking off with a sensational chase through Coruscant, and following on with other spectacular scenes including a Battle between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Jango Fet, a Jedi Vs Droid arena battle,and finally the best fight in the movie and probably the most pulsating witnessed in any Star Wars movie- Yoda Vs. Count Dooku. Although it could've been longer this battle makes the movie worth seeing alone.
The acting is both good and average. Ewan Mcgregor really reminds us of Alec Guiness here as the old Obi-Wan Kenobi from Episode's IV, V and VI as he has a much bigger part than he did in Episode I. He delivers one unintentionally hilarious line here when he says "I have work to do", whilst being held captive on Geonosis by Dooku. Natatlie Portman is also good as well in her returning role as Padme. People have been mixed on Hayden Christensen. I felt he was a bit too wimpish in most scenes to be honest and spoke as if he's acting in a Shakespeareian play Judging by the way he says lines slowly like "Why couldn't I save her, I know I could have". The dialogue in the romantic scenes has been well-documented. I agree, it is a bit cheesy and could've been better had they shortened some of Anakin's lines to "Could've instead of could have" etc. , but never mind. Moving on, Christopher Lee looks to be savouring his role as Count Dooku and makes a pretty good villain despite not appearing until towards the end.
Overall, this is a great Star Wars entry and I really can't wait for Episode III, due out next month. 10/10