Absolutely magnificent

Rating: 10/10 (14 June 2002)

I am amazed by how many critics just don't understand the Star Wars story! This latest episode delivered almost 100%. What a whirlwind! To watch Anakin descending from innocence to darkness was spellbinding! And his love for Padme overwhelming, to say the least. The only thing wrong in the movie, to me anyway, was that George Lucas could've spent a little more time delving in to that growing relationship. Hayden Christensen and Natalie Portman clicked so well together that I couldn't take my eyes off of them. And it sure looks to me like Obi-Wan and the Jedi Masters are screwing up Anakin's training. No one seems to want to listen to him! When he is having his nightmares and Obi-Wan tells him that "dreams pass in time" I want to shake him and yell, "Wake UP!!!! He's having visions, you idiot!"
While I liked Episode I, I think that this one ranks right up there with The Empire Strikes Back (which I saw 18 times--I have now seen this one 19 times. I have NEVER done that with any other movies). I cannot wait for the next movie even though I think it will be hard to watch that final descent to the Dark Side. There will be a lot of heartbreak, especially because you are so convinced of Anakin and Padme's love for each other. Also, the Jedi Masters are so sure that you cannot love and be a Jedi. Remember, they also believed that no one could come back from the Dark Side, too, but Luke proved them wrong. A little headstrong like his Dad, maybe? And how about Qui-Gon calling Anakin from the other side? In the book Yoda hears him, too, but can't figure it out cos you are not supposed to have consciousness of self on the other side. Very interesting seeing as in the first Star Wars Luke can hear Obi-Wan, and sees Obi-Wan in the Empire Strikes Back.
Excellent movie. But if you are not a Star Wars fan, or haven't seen the others, you need to rent them and watch them first. Otherwise, you'll be lost like all the other critics who couldn't seem to grasp what was going on. Remember, it's not Lord of the Rings. It's not supposed to be. It's Star Wars.