A fine return to form

Rating: Null/10 (20 May 2002)

I will comment in two sections - the first will be a general review for those who have yet to see Episode II and the second will be a little more detailed with spoilers. Here are my thoughts:
This film is a spectacular return to form for the series. After a great-looking Episode I that seemed to lack the "fun" of the originals, Lucas brings the goods in fine summer blockbuster fashion. No, this movie doesn't have the greatest dialog or characterization but then is that what we are looking for in these things? No, we go to these films (though it's more of a "movie" than a "film") to be entertained and here Episode II more than succeeds. There is more humor this time around (courtesy of a credible performance by Ewan McGregor) and the plot twists hold your attention much better than in Episode I. But the real stars of the show have to be the fine folks at Industrial Light & Magic. Their performance is impeccable - rendering surrealities full of wonder and action-sequences that leave you breathless. Speaking of which, if the last roughly an hour or so of this movie don't get your blood racing then you may just be dead. Overall, I had a great time and it was certainly worth the $7 paid to get in. I can't say that for a lot of films these days.
*********SPOILERS ALERT****SPOILERS ALERT*********
This film isn't going to win any awards for its acting but the rest of it picks up the slack admirably. Yes, it is rather obvious that Natalie Portman and Hayden Christensen have zero on-screen chemistry (that fireplace scene is almost embarrasing and sure to be remembered come Razzies awards time). But I think Christensen had better chances than her and his admission to the Tusken Raider massacre did have a little more going for it in the emotional department (he really is a brooding guy with lots of issues). Fortunately, Ewan McGregor and Christopher Lee put their all behind their characters making up for the flatness of the two leads. I particularly thought McGregor added a great deal to the film - he really does seem like a young Ben Kenobi/Alec Guinness (with that sage wisdom starting to permeate). His quick British wit also made for some needed comic relief (the Jedi mind-trick on the "death sticks" dealer in the nightclub is classic Obi-Wan). Christopher Lee makes for a great villain while Darth Sideous has taken a back-seat in this Episode (I think he has only 1 or 2 scenes of unbridled evil - too bad since he added so much to Episode I). Of course, what everyone is talking about is Yoda's "performance" at the climax of the movie. I think it's interesting that people laughed at first at his posturing but the light saber duel he has with Lee is astonishing. The FX are, of course, top-notch with an attention to detail and fluidity that other movies can only dream of. It's amazing that ILM can make the Phantom Menace look dated (considering its only a few years old) but they do that here. John William's score is another highlight with lots of gothic themes and reprises from the original series (including the Force theme and Darth Vader's famous march set to Yoda's comment "begun, this Clone War has" with ship after ship of Clone Troopers taking off to do battle against the Trade Federation). The ubiquitous racing scene near the beginning wasn't as impressive as the pod race from Episode I but then you kinda got two-races-for-one in this movie with another harrowing run through an asteroid field (which admittedly blows away the asteroid chase in The Empire Strikes Back). The important thing is most people left the theater satisfied and excited. That is the purpose of "entertainment". I am pleased to see the "franchise" doing this well and it almost bothers me to think there will only be one more. We should get the chance to delve into the Star Wars universe every couple of years just for the escapism (something kinda like the Olympics which we could look forward to). Great job Lucasfilm and I look forward to Episode III.