Absolutely Phenomenal

Rating: 10/10 (16 May 2002)

Believe the hype! Episode II will go down as one of the signal most thrilling and satisfying movie-going experiences I have ever enjoyed in my life. In fact, it may be the most wonderfully entertaining film I've ever seen period.
This film will not disappoint. It is truly a wonder to behold. Like most everyone else, I was quite disappointed by "The Phantom Menace" but "Attack of the Clones" really delivers the goods. It is all that and then some. I was completely blown away.
While I understand those who may say that the acting is stiff and the dialogue is cliche, personally I believe this is necessary in order for the film to translate to a global audience. The greatness of this fim does not derive so much from spoken language, but visual language. The images are what make you feel. The moments are what you'll remember, not the dialogue. If you surrender to it, this film will immerse you into a fully-realized universe so tangible, so palpable, that you may find yourself feeling the same emotions as the characters on screen. What more can you ask? Honestly, this movie is an epic of, dare I say, Titanic proportions.
Will you appreciate this film more if you're already a Star Wars fanatic? Of course. If you're not a Jedi-enthusiast, will you be able to enjoy this film on its own merits? Absolutely.
This is a film that has everything you go to the movies for: vivid images; thrilling action; warm, heartfelt moments shared between characters we care about; dazzling special effects; humour; insight; and a tightly developed, carefully plotted storyline.
The skeptics will hem and haw, but this is the real deal. Is it better than Spiderman? Much, much better. Is it better than "The Fellowship of the Ring?" That debate will go on for an eternity. Does it measure up to the three original Star Wars films? In my opinion, yes. In fact, as sheer spectacle, I would say it exceeds them. It may not be as adored as those films were, but technically and artistically, I think this film is better than any of the others.
See this movie for Hayden Christensen's terrific performance as the seething young warrior, Anakin Skywalker... See this movie for Ewan McGregor as he comes into his own as Obi-Wan Kenobi, mentor and father figure to a child more talented than he... See this movie for the disarmingly beautiful Natalie Portman, who brings more spirit and sensitivity to a more mature and sensual Padme Amidala... See this movie for Samuel L. Jackson as Jedi Knight Mace Windu, who brings his signature air of coolness to the Star Wars universe as only he could... See this movie for Christopher Lee as Count Dooku. With Sauron already under his belt, this man will soon become a cult idol for bringing to life two of the great screen villains in any sci-fi/fantasy film... Lastly, see this movie for the beloved Jedi Master, Yoda, as you've never seen him before. This movie has it all. It is a classic. I could not be more pleased with the job George Lucas has done. He has made a film of which both he and his legion of fans should feel more than proud.
Thank you very much, Mr. Lucas, for taking me on such an incredibly moving journey. I'll never forget it.