The STAR WARS we know and love is BACK!

Rating: 9/10 (23 May 2005)

That was amazing. I am still in shock. I cannot believe how great that film was. I went to a special screening for the employees at a local theater (I don't work at that one). I was decked out in my Jedi Robes, and my lightsabers ready for a kick ass movie, but boy was I in for one hell of a treat...
The Space Battle was the first real sign in this trilogy that GL tried to copy the success of the space battles of the OT. It had the feel, the tone, the action, and hell, even the Destroyers... I wasn't too sure about the Buzz Droids, maybe because I found them to be annoying in the film, or I hate them in the video game. Anywho....
The second quarter of the film was, as most reviews say, a bit slow, but I am a sucker for plot, and even thought the dialog was typical George, the plot was interesting. I especially like the story of Darth Plaugeis. Nice Twist...sort of. It was politics, business, and stuff that most action junkies will be happy about, but as a lover of the art of film, I was quite content with my bag of popcorn, soda, and a good bit of plot.
Now, as Anakin says earlier in the film "The Fun Begins". I will be spoiler free, but just let me say that Mr. McDirmid, undoubtedly steals the movie. He is amazing as cunning Palpatine/Sidious. He and Hayden (who is surprisingly good in this film) have great chemistry. They work together as actors to bring the relationship to life.
A brief side note, I LOVE TION MEDDEN. I wish there were more of him and his fellow Utapuans (?). He was underused, as Bruce Spence seems to be quite often (like being cut from Return of the King).
Anyway, back on track, Natalie Portman gives a great performance. Those who see her in the television spots, and trailers are not seeing the whole performance, only one line, which need a buildup. Bad planing on Marketing, if you ask me. She was a great asset to the film, serving as a nice place to return to during the dark events of "Sith". She and Hayden play nice together. It was a good paring.
Mr. McGregor is AMAZING!!!! Obi Wan has now surpassed Qui Gon as my favorite of the Jedi in the prequels. I couldn't believe how much butt he kicks in this film. Somebody said that He and Natalie should get Oscar Noms. I disagree with Natalie, but, dude, Ewan deserves it.
Grevious was much better than I expected him to be, and had much more screen time than I expected. A much better villain that AOTC's Dooku, who by the way, dies way to early for me, but I guess if GL isn't going to give the Great Mr. Lee a good character, than might as well kill him off.
Okay, when did R2D2 become a bad-ass? He was so cool in this movie, and funny as well. I was very pleased with the timing of the humor in this film. It was great.
All and all, I give this film two thumbs up. It was an amazing film experience