This flawed sequel to Star Wars:Episode 1 is entertaining but it has some silly dialogue and romance between Anakin and Padme weaken this plot-heavy film.

Rating: 8/10 (6 December 2005)

Ten years later... Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) has grown-up into an accomplished but an tempered Jedi apprentice thanks to his mentor/brother figure (Ewan McGregor). But Anakin faces his most difficult challenge, when he must chooses between his Jedi duty and his forbidden love with Padme (Natalie Portman) that she was a former Queen.
Directed by George Lucas (American Graffiti, Star Wars, THX-1138) made an enjoyable if flawed sequel to Episode 1. When the film works, it is a thrilling sci-fi/fantasy/adventure but what slows the movie down is the forbidden romance between Anakin and Padme. Some of Anakin's dialogue with Padme are laughable at times.
DVD has an superb anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer from the captured and created directly from the digital source. DVD also has amazing Dolby Digital 5.1 Expanded Surround Sound. DVD has an entertaining commentary track by Co-Writer/Director:Lucas, Producer:Mike McCallum, Picture Editor and Sound Desinger:Ben Burtt, Industrial Light and Magic-Animation Director:Ben Coleman and ILM's Visual Effects Supervisors:Palbo Helman, John Knoll & Ben Snow.
The Second DVD has Documentaries, Featurettes, Deleted Scenes with Introductions by the filmmakers and more. This is the weakest of the prequels but it's still enjoyable with an impressive third act and unique light saber duel with Jedi Master:Yoda (Voiced by Frank Oz) and Christopher Lee as Count Dooku are one of the great things about this sequel. This film received an Oscar Nomination for Best Visual Effects. Screenplay by Lucas and Jonathan Hales (The Scorpion King). HD 24P Widescreen. (****/*****).