Star Wars: Episode II - The Approaching Storm

Hello everyone. Had the pleasure of following up my review of Hal9000's Cloak of Deception with this one. The Approaching Storm is a solid edit. It improves upon the film's strengths making this a fantastic addition to the go-to trilogy edits (this and L8Wrtr's sharing same spot of being my go to of the Prequels). The editing was pretty seamless. And really dig the Assassination plot making sense now.

Also have to say that the film looks fantastic. The alternate versions of some scenes are also wonderful addition that provides new way of presenting the film. With this, I mean the scene between Obi-Wan and Mace before heading to Kamino is a solid scene. And the introduction of Anakin to Padme's family is also a wonderful addition that helps shed some more light on Padme's character. (Why this was cut in the original, I still have no idea)

In the end, I'd highly recommend this edit.

This edit absolutely transforms the movie and hits all the stated goals. This really demonstrates the power of editing. The story arc is clear, and the numerous annoyances of the theatrical release are almost entirely expunged.

One of the biggest fixes accomplished is Anakin's character story arc. He no longer comes across as a whiny brat, but is now a deeply flawed personality. While there is potential (why the Jedi take him under their wing), he shows anger management and impulse control issues. You can see him bending towards the dark side.

The love story between Anakin and Padme is no longer cringy, but believable. Yet, there is that bit of creepiness & foreboding from his character flaws. It makes sense with the overall story arc--and the fact that we all know how it's going to end.

The relationship between Obi-Wan and Anakin is much improved. Now it's more of a sensei-student feel. A sensei with misgivings and concerns over the issues his student is displaying.

Finally Jar-Jar. Not much can be done about the goofy patois speech pattern he is saddled with, but his small cameo here is restricted to just what he is needed for and he comes across as at least a competent government representative.

The trimming also allowed the political machinations to show. That became a much more interesting piece of the story arc when not obscured by the annoyances and silliness.

This is the first fanedit of Episode II I've watched, but I will be surprised if I find a better one.

Star Wars: Episode II - The Approaching Storm is a remarkable achievement.
After watching Hal's edit of Episode I, Cloak of Deception, I found myself liking the changes made and felt the movie benefitted from the cuts in a lot of ways, however I felt that overall the majority of the film remained similar to The Phantom Menace. So when I booted up Episode II, The Approaching Storm, I expected something similar -- Attack of the Clones but with minor changes and better pacing to clear up some oddities. What I did not expect was for my opinion of Episode II to be completely overhauled.
With the addition of deleted scenes, cut fat, and editing magic, this fan edit does the impossible. It makes the romance between Anakin and Padme watchable, it makes Anakin's dark side moment feel impactful, it makes the droid factory and arena exciting, and it makes the showdown with Dooku and Yoda feel like it what it should have been to begin with.
I'm absolutely blown away with this one and I'm very excited to see what's in store for Episode III, a flawed movie, but one that I actually liked a lot originally.

Thankyou,

Great edit.

Fantastic edit. Made what was for me the worst movie in the franchise actually watchable and entertaining. Thank you Hal for making such an enjoyable edit!