Sets up nicely for Episode 4...wait, there's already been one?

Rating: 9/10 (13 November 2005)

As someone else said about this film, there really can't be a spoiler, at least not on the broad plot developments, because it's obvious what has to happen. For me, I'd nearly rather see Jar Jar back again than see Hayden (get a new first name) Christiansen try to convey any feeling more deep than a recognition that Natalie Portman is not unattractive. This guy could not act his way through a prison break if the guards had left and all the doors were unlocked. He is truly dreadful. Forget poor little Jake Lloyd (his forebear as Anakin); kid was John Gielgud compared to the cardboard Christiansen. Anyway....not trying to pile on Christiansen, but he really does stand out (and not in a good way). All the same, the film is very enjoyable. Saw it soon after it was released in the theater and then saw it again on DVD with a friend yesterday. Just a wonderful wonderful film. Ewan McGregor I believe deserves particular kudos, as does the wonderfully evil character given Senator Palpatine by Ian McDiarmid. He is truly astonishing, breathtakingly slimy and devious. Sam Jackson is competent as always and Portman downplays her emotional pain very wisely as it only underscores her love for Anakin (in spite of his bad acting...sorry...) and sadness at his change; really, I'm sure there's not much else to be said about this film that hasn't been said by 2700 other people as of writing other than I must say that it seems that Anakin does flip rather quickly given his initial resistance to the attraction of the dark side. That is partially due to Christiansen, I believe, but also his part could have been better written to reveal his reservations. Other than that, I think Lucas has staged the film excellently and has achieved a near-perfect balance in his use of action and dialogue to propel the film. The variety of creatures are always pleasing to me as one can just see the animators and designers' brains working overtime. The scenery, the music, this really is a triumph for Lucas and his hard-working employees.