Less than incredible, more than mediocre

Rating: 6/10 (4 November 2002)

Satisfying second installment of Lucas' new sci-fi fantasy series (based on the original Star Wars trilogy) manages to be full of top-notch action sequences while still feeling way too slow. There is too much development of Anakin/Amidala's romance -- I could hear half the audience groaning with me when Lucas cut to the couple for the third time in a half hour, ridiculously posed before a fireplace.
Still, Christiansen is impressive at bringing out Skywalker's contradictory sides. Unfortunately, Frank Oz's Yoda has been replaced by a CGI, but we do get to see him fight Christopher Lee (in perhaps the ultimate midget vs. Lee confrontation). Also, there is pleasingly less Jar Jar Binks, and more of MacGregor's increasingly well-drawn Obi Wan.
The kid they found to play the young Boba Fett was magnificent -- you rarely see a kid actor get to play a TRULY bad kid, and this one has a good time of it.
A very nice fantasy, but a bit too obvious, with clunky construction and ridiculous dialogue.