Ten years after Anakin Skywalker (Christensen) was found and released from slavery, he has grown into a young man training to be a Jedi under the tutelage of Obi-Wan Kenobi (McGregor). Following an assassination attempt on Senator Amidala (Portman), the two Jedi are assigned to protect her. A second assassination attempt leads to the separation of the two Jedi – Anakin returns with Padmé to her home world of Naboo, and Obi-Wan searches the galaxy for the one threatening her life.
When the young protagonists retreat to Naboo's lake country, suppressed emotions begin to emerge, challenging Padmé's pragmatic ideals and Anakin's Jedi vows. At the same time, Obi-Wan's investigations lead him to a water planet where he discovers the creation of an army unlike anything he has ever seen before.
Meanwhile, the galaxy is on the brink of civil war as hundreds of solar systems are threatening to withdraw from the Galactic Republic. The Jedi are becoming overwhelmed by the political unrest and Chancellor Palpatine expresses plans to build an army of the republic to deal with the problem.
Very good movie. YODA ROCKS!!!! 3.5 stars
Upon second viewing, I decided that this installment was vastly superior to the first, but still nowhere close to the general quality and entertainment value of the original trilogy. Some characters, such as Ewen McGregor`s, are convincing and more than a little compelling; but others, including both young protagonists, are less-than fleshed out, and not as well acted. The pacing is good, action sequences are largely compelling, and there is enough variety to hold the interest. Generally entertaining, then, but not a "stellar" effort from the Lucas Group.
I think that this new DMR technology has the potential to revolutionize and revitalize the movie going experience. With picture this good, and 6 channels of uncompressed sound - why would anyone choose otherwise? My only critique of Star Wars is the lack of effective advertising. However, I can`t wait to see what comes next for IMAX.