Now everything *really* begins

Rating: 6/10 (17 May 2002)

Never mind the fact that this is "Episode II," the story really begins here, as all the previous information is now coming into play (Anikin becoming Darth Vader, the birth of the Empire, where the Death Star came from, etc.)

This is an admirable *real* beginning to the whole saga. This is better than "Episode I" but only because of the plot thickening.
And, yes, Yoda is just that awesome...I know you've read that before...
But even then, the next installment (Episode III) has a lot to cover. And Lucas has 3 short years to do it. We'll just have to see what happens then, but it is clear that everything that was planned to make the Empire eliminate the Republic took decades of planning. This was not a fluke, it was well orchestrated. Yet I sense there will be unplanned events (note: I'm no Jedi, but rather I can see where things are going, and I know how the tale ends...)
Is this worth seeing? Sure, if you're a fan, you've probably already seen it (maybe twice!). Is it going to be the best of the series? I don't think so.
As other's have reported, some of the dialog is stilted. But not to badly. Anikin's pathetic talk to Amidala is clearly written to show that he simply has no idea what to do or how to act around the woman he loves. I know how he feels. (Luckily, I don't have Jedi powers.)
Ok, enough about that...what about the action? Ahh. The action. There's lots of it. The screen is never still. The pace doesn't really relent. This is a thrill-ride for most of the movie. Pretty good stuff.
I won't continue on other than to say, if you're a fan, go see. And you'll learn where things REALLY began...
A good "6" out of "10."