Analysis
After the disappointment and let down I felt after seeing 'The Phantom Menace', I was not that excited about seeing episode 2. I pre booked my tickets and went along. The cinema was sold out for every showing throughout the day and many other cinema goers came across as very excited with a few hardcore followers bordering on the over-excited. I took my seat and waited patiently and unenthusiastically. The film started and the timeless music began followed closely by the classic yellow text as it scrolled up the screen, the Star Wars magic was rekindled. An explosive start and then a lull. I began to fear that the film might go downhill like “The Phantom Menace” but thankfully that’s not the case. The plot weaves its way along beautifully and creatively with some fantastic cinematography blended in amongst the computer generated creations. The Skywalker ranch had done us proud once again as masses of extras walked around in the background in full makeup to ensure that the essence of the space opera is captured in each scene. Along the way we are introduced to several new characters and locations, but Lucas has ensured that some familiar faces are kept with younger versions of future characters play a more prominent role. Thankfully we are not forced to put up with much Ja Ja Binks. Thank the lord for small mercey

Anakin Skywalker, some 10 years older is now played by Hayden Christensen. He acts out his role convincingly along side Ewan Mcgregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi who defiantly has more faith in this new installment. I loved the way Lucas dropped in hints like Obi –Wan having a go at Anakin for speeding with the line “You’ll be the death off me one day”, an in joke but you goda love em.. The bar scene with Obi Wan and his Jedi mind trick certainly raised a smile amongst the audience.

Natalie Portman as Senator Padmé Amidala certainly is the eye candy in this one. With the characters age now a respectable number, Lucas has made the most of the 'blossoming' Senator with the help of a few tight tops.The love scenes between Anakin and Padmé are not that enduring but are a necessary part of the plot.

Yoda must be falsely claiming some form of disability payment from the state, after seeing him in action you will agree that he needs that walking stick like Pamela Anderson needs another boob job. He hobbles around for most of the film but just wait and see him go up against Christopher Lee. He’s a fully computer generated character now but very realistic. R2 D2 and C3-P0 feature as the 2 stooges adding their comedy element. Whenever you need a machine stopping to aid a main character from loosing their life you can always rely on R2 D2. The last 25 minutes are very intense and well worth the wait. As a whole the film works.

Key Area	Rating (out of 5)	Comment
Action		A few lulls in the story but on a whole it’s a steady build up ending with some superb action.
Thrills/ Tension		Typical Star Wars thrills as you ride the Jedi roller coaster.
Violence/ Gore		Anikin loses a hand, hmmm familiar!!!!! Many droids bite the dust but that’s about your lot.
Bare Flesh	NONE	Natalie Portman scores highly alone on this one, especially the white outfit worn throughout the end battle scenes. But alas no bare flesh.
Plot		We know where it’s going, but just how is it going to get there.

Verdict The force is strong with this one! You cant help but see that Lucas has been inspired by films such as “Gladiator” and “Lord of The Rings”. There are also many story similarities that you can not help but think he’s done that before in other episodes. But I enjoyed the film fully and I am left wanting to see the next installment, but alas 2005 is a way off. I am really looking forward, as the next episode will be very dark as Lucas hands over the directing role for Anakin to conclude his turn to the dark side.

It has to live up to the best space opera in the world. Hey give it credit.