Since I’m having a ton of computer issues, and I have to wade through 500 emails before I format my HD again to resolve my issues, I want to give you all the word on Episode II in a few sentances or less. I’ll give you a full articulate review later in the week when my issues are resolved. So do not take this as my “official” review.
In short Episode II is probably the best SW out of all of them. Before you all yell at me, let me state up front, I’ve never been a fan of the SW Trilogy. I thought each film had major flaws – in SW all the Tatooie desert stuff puts me to sleep almost every time I watch Star Wars, in Empire – I hated the Dagoba stuff and can’t stand Yoda, in Jedi it was those damn Ewoks, and in Episode I it was Jar Jar.
Well Episode II is certainly not without it’s flaws, namely really bad and stilted dialog. But if you can look past that, the film is an amazing feet of special effects, Episode II had a lot of “WOW, That is so cool” moments.
Natalie Portman was beautiful and really good, Hayden Christianson was servicable, he’s not going to set the world on fire, but he was definitely tolerable. The chemistry was there, but it was not quite enough to really hold the film together.
The CGI “eye candy” alone is worth the price of admission. The effects were simply breathtaking, everything from Padma’s home planet with it’s lush greenery to the cloud city, etc, was simply awe inspiring. If you liked the crappy CGI that was used in LOTR’s Rivendell scenes, you will weep at the sheer beauty of Padma’s home planet. Just awe inspiring.
Again the dialog in the film was stilted and laughable in several spots, and the movie is surprisingly dialogue heavy, not much “action” in it at all. If you are going into this expecting the two or three good galatic battles, you are going to be sorely disappointed. Episode II should be used as a textbook on how to use special effects to enhance a film, and not just because “you can”.
Oh, and did I mention the evil Jar Jar is in this? Sure he’s only in it for about 5 minutes, but that’s 5 minutes too long. But it was so funny when (Spoiler Warning)
Jar Jar is the one who convinces the Senate to hand over complete control of the Republic to Palpatine. Too funny.
The final 30 minute battle just kicks all kinds of major ass. Your mouth will fall open into a huge gape. And then, Yoda! As much as I can’t stand Yoda, well, I won’t tell you what happens, but you will both stare in wonder and laugh at the same time. Let’s just say Yoda ain’t a Jedi Master for nothing!
Yes, Episode II is fairly shallow, yes the dialog is horrible, yes the “romance” is cliche filled, but the WOW factor overcome the films other faults .
Just “WOW”, is what most folks will be doing during several scenes in this film. Close your ears (you know the story anyway) and just gawk at it’s sheer beauty. Final Grade A
[ Edited by malexandria on 2002/5/12 0:11:03 ]