A complete break with all that Lucas has previously recognized as 'authentic'

Rating: 3/10 (4 June 2002)

As a science-fiction movie, Episode II was, at best, mediocre. There were some very obvious 'bad patches' in the effects (come on, we can do better than that with a computer-animated pear!), the comedy was misplaced, obvious and cheap and as for character development, well, it seems Lucas has re-invented over-acting.
As a Star Wars movie, Episode II is bad. Not just bad, but horrendous. In the years since the original trilogy there has been much material developed which came to be known as the 'expanded universe'. Many talented writers have written novels, approved by Lucas as authentic and in line with his stories, who now must feel betrayed. Or at least disappointed.
Lucas' version of the Clone Wars is vastly different from the one that has developed 'off-screen'. The Jedi Order has degenerated to a point where we must wonder how they ever managed to last this long already. Yoda should have remained the respected Jedi Master (whose size matters not), not be reduced to a slapstick 'flubber-like' lightsaber-wielding blur. And the Death Star plans were around in the Clone Wars???
My verdict in this matter is biased, as I view the movie in the greater context. Please, enjoy Episode II as a movie, but as a part of the Star Wars Universe, it has no place.