SW fans rejoice

Rating: 8/10 (21 May 2002)

While still not the calibre of the original trilogy, EP2 without a doubt, is better than TPM. While not a diehard SW fan, I was still disappointed with TPM, especially after all the hype prior to its release. I was skeptical if AOTC would restore my confidence in this franchise which I cherished since childhod, and I lowered my expectations going in. Thankfully, the movie comes across finishing with flying colours. That's not to say the movie isn't without flaws. The movie is slow in starting up, the dialogue is similar to the originals (ie.wooden), and the courtship between Padme and Anakin is unintentionally funny. It isn't until a pivotal event that the movie quickly switches gears and you suddenly get an assault on all the senses.
There is a lot of foreboding of future events, and EP2 perfectly sets the stage for EP3. I'm sure most casual and die hard SW fans know the plot and outcome of EP3, and this movie definitely leaves you drooling in anticipation for its arrival.
However, an understanding of the SW universe (characters, plot, timeline) is probably essential for anyone to enjoy this movie. Those who are lacking probably would find the plot confusing, miss the motives behind the characters, and fail to see the impending doom that awaits in EP3.
Special effects and action were top notch and probably as exciting as the Imperial Walkers or Asteriod Belt scene in Empire Strikes Back.
If you don't overanalyze everything, expect this to be better than the trilogies, and go along for the ride, this is definitely a summer movie to see in the theatres.
8/10