What's missing? Jar Jar. Woo Hoo!!

Rating: 7/10 (18 May 2002)

I saw this movie while in the States for a short stay. Opening night in Kentucky lacked all the colorful characters of a big city openening, but none of the excitement.
Opening credits rolled to cheers and the exctacy of another Star Wars film.
From the start, one would be skeptical of the quality of another movie after some of the disastrous choices in the first episode, but the presence of the infamous Jar Jar was short and fleeting, leaving a good taste in the mouth. Unfortunately, Lucas needs to maybe re-think what the character of Annikan Skywalker should be at young ages. This Christiansen guy should be doing soap commercials rather than starring in one of the most beloved movie sagas in history. ("Wow, my skin really does feel cleaner!") He is predictable, and his emotions of fear and rage are laughable.
Putting aside the young Jedi's performance, this movie overall does not lack in other categories. We see wonderfully exotic places and sets, experience incredible, but not intrusive, CGI displays, and witness fight choreography that we can still be amazed at. The light saber duel starring our fuzzy-eared green friend was worth a 15 hour plane trip alone.
Overall, you will get your money's worth out of this installment. It rivals the first in my mind, putting aside sentimentality. Well I got to run down to town to get some power converters. I hate to leave with a corny cliche like "may the Force be with you", but I can't resist.
May the Force be with you!