Lucas redeems himself with Episode II-Excellent

Rating: 10/10 (16 May 2002)

Disclaimer: This review is by a Star Wars Fan! For a short time today, I was again a young boy, enjoying and remembering the thrill of the first three movies.
Episode II will redeem George Lucas in the eyes of his fans. The "Attack of the Clones" is a terrific display of CGI at its best. Substance and style are rarely found in a blockbuster, but Episode II has them cold. The acting was believable, except a few instances where Anakin was a tad forced. However, the confluence of technology in a moving storyline made for an memorable experience. Episode II will be remembered as one of the best of the Saga, if not THE best.
The criticisms from Episode I were not present, apparently Lucas learned from "Lord of the Rings" to give his fans more time looking at the breathtaking scenery and incredible effects. In Episode I you would barely recognize that you were looking a Coruscant and blink the next scene was upon you. Jar-Jar Binks is not even annoying in Episode II (even if my daughter did love him in Episode I). And the stilted acting of childhood Anakin is replaced by the better, but not perfect acting of young Anakin.
The humor and surprises are reminiscent of the first three films lending a similar feeling. Amadala occasionally reminds one of Princess Leia, and Obi-Wan starts to show characteristics of the Ben-Kenobi we came to love. R2 and C3P0 are also back to their familiar banter, ironic because this all takes place before any of the later films.
The experience of seeing Episode II with an audience of fans on opening day made the film that much more enjoyable. Cheers and clapping in appropriate places served to emphasize the positive aspects of this film in my mind. We even had a Chewebacca in our midst, who roared once when the magic words "Lucas Films" appeared on the screen, followed by great bouts of laughter.
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