The middle chapter is always the best!!!

Rating: 9/10 (22 May 2002)

Lucas returns to the real world! What a way to come back with possibly the second best Star Wars film of them all (after Empire). Empire's darkness returns as does the more varied pace and non formula plot. The sweeping, all conquering music score is back once more after a weakish 1st episode. Christensen is superb as Anakin, if limited by an overall simplistic dialogue. There's a dangerous, sinister undercurrent beneath the good looks, which makes the closing scene all the more unsettling. We know where they're heading, but they don't. Yet! Portman and McGregor can't quite rise above the material, lacking the dynamism of Christensen. Two much CGI in places, and the Coruscant scene is a little overlong and far-fetched. But the battles are first class, particularly the closing conflict. And Christopher Lee is supreme as Dooku. Never has an actor belied his age (almost 80) to such an extent. Roll on part 3, but do we have to wait three years? And George: Make a final trilogy! You'll see it in your dreams!