Wow

Rating: 8/10 (18 July 2002)

i'm not a star wars fan, so i guess i'm kinda neutral when it comes to reviewing this movie. i mean i've seen all the others but they just didnt grab me. i'm not saying they werent good films (Episode V being the best cos it was pretty dark) but after seeing Episode I i just couldnt get hyped up about this movie. i just went to see it with some friends, but i was blown away.
From the offset, as soon as the theme music starts up, you immediately fall into this universe created by Lucas and it seems so familiar now after four prior movies. the story moved well, picking up pace as it went along (which i think was Episode I's flaw as it started all action-packed then got strung out). There is a lot to take in as the story is very dense - full of sub-characters and names which seem impossible to remember now.

It seems Lucas has got a better hold of the story this time and plays the movie well. The acting from McGregor is much better this time and the rest of the cast do really well. there are a lot of good actors in this movie and they do not disappoint. Christensen and Portman and great and really sexy - i mean its not serious oscar worthy performances but it doesnt have to be - this is star wars. they seem to be having fun and that shows on screen which in effect makes the experience more fun for the audience.

This story is more darker than the first and is better for this. there are far less stupid childish gags throughout - so glad that jar jar is relegated this time to a tiny role. The action is awesome, from the speeder chase at the start to the huge battle at the climax (which really puts the name 'star wars' on display. And of course theres that fight with yoda (which made me laugh - which i dont think is a good thing) which was silly but looked bloody cool.
Talking bout yoda, the special fx really are special. the cgi characters look so real that you tend to forget you are watching a 'fake' actor. i think it was a good idea to animate yoda this time than use a lame puppet like before. the city-scapes look gorgeous and must have taken a lot of time and effort to create. the music is just what you'd expect from the legendary john williams and it really heightened the experience by bringing that familiarity back to the movie. the cinematography is epic and looks great. the colours and everything really look awesome on screen.
with this movie, i think Lucas has made a far more satisfying movie than Episode I as it is more dark and entertaining. the characters are used better, and further developed and you can see where lucas is taking them. that just leaves the third (or sixth if you will) and final movie to fill in the gaps. the third chapter should benefit from this episode as it sets up the sequel better than the previous one... cant wait until 2004.