Much better

Rating: 8/10 (19 June 2003)

Like many who grew up privately indulging the mythology of Episode IV, I felt betrayed by Episode I. Episode II is a redemption of sorts, both artistically and technically.
Some have commented that Episode II is marginally better than Episode I. This is not true - Episode II is *much* better. I boycotted Episode II in the theaters and, having seen it on HBO, regret not being able to see it on the big screen.
The story and plot are actually interesting. There's some intrigue and suspense here that keeps your attention. Characters, both real and virtual, are actually developed and have depth and complexity. This, to me, was the most significant improvement. The acting was better, the dialog - for the most part - was better. I actually cared about these characters and their fate. Ewan McGregor in particular honed the art of acting opposite a non-existant player. Hayden Christensen plays Annikan as a young man struggling with a brewing conflict within. Fits of rage are matched by a valient struggle at reconcilliation as he slowly loses control to the Dark Side. Annikan arcs from benign mischief to agregious outrage - we know there is something seriously wrong with this boy by the time the movie is over. Compared to the cartoonish adventures of Annikan in Episode I, this portrayal is far more sophisticated and refined. There are no Oscar (copyright, tm, etc.) moments here, but this is a real movie with real acting and a real story.
The integration of the virtual environment has improved, as well. The environment manages to serve as a stage rather than a seperate character and it's much easier to believe that these people are in the environment rather than in front of it. It's less cluttered and old-fashioned cinematography and composition are taken more seriously this time around. The last 20 minutes or so are astounding. Curiously, the world of Ipisode II is clean to the point of being anticeptic - unlike the "lived-in" feel of the older episodes. At the same time, ILM still manages to indulge itself on occasion and we are subjected to some video-game sequences here and there. I really with they would avoid these.
Another major difference in Episode II is that George Lucas has taken his world more seriously. The world of Star Wars is still a bloodless one, but combat in Episode II is more brutal, more savage, more violent. People and creatures actually die. Warfare is not taken as lightly this time around, despite the insistance on comic relief interwoven during fights.

And, a sure indicator that Lucas really was listening and tried to improve: We have a lot less Jar-Jar. He's still there, but not as much and he talks even less. Jar-Jar has matured some, too. He's tolerable at least in Episode II.
As those of us who grew up with the Force have matured and moved into the real world, so has Star Wars as portrayed in Episode II. It's more mature. Some innocense has been lost. But the spirit is in tact.

While Episode I was written for my little boy, Episode II was written for me. I would have gladly paid 8 bucks to see the real thing. Probably twice.