Luckily no Jar-Jar and kiddie-ani, but still 3D galore and low on characters

Rating: 4/10 (17 May 2002)

3D animation has taken quantum leaps the last few years and this film knows to use it. Not only background and starfighters are smooth and realistic, but fighting monsters and flabby bartenders are created with believability.
However, although technically superior, Lucas still suffers from the "kid in a candyshop" when it comes to animation. With no limits to what he can put on the silver screen, he *still* forgets what made the original films not only success, but cult - personality! The characters are as stereotypical and predictable as in PM, and the "scruffiness" of A New Hope has gone forever.
In my bantering, which is much a lingering grumble from the disappointment of Phantom Menace, I must say I was pleasantly surprised. Natalie Portman is sNackaLiCIOus (and also made a convincing performance with much more life than in PM). McGregor actually portrayed a young Sir Guinness well, but Christensen lacked the keenness one would expect from the great Jedi Skywalker. The film held good suspense, even better effects than the first and without spoiling too much, a scene with the venerable Yoda in the end which will surely go into history! One could also see much more progress towards the forming of the empire in the story, and the end makes you very keen on the third film.
All in all, good entertainment, and even though bereft of the edge that would push it to the top, fans will be pleased and most moviegoers will have a good time too.