Indeed they really went all out in Episode II. Lambasted as the series is for getting stuff wrong in the prequels, they also got a lot of things right when you think about it. Her sexiness in episode II was well-played without being over-the-top seductive or fanservice-y, still giving the allure of forbidden love that was one of the forces dragging Anakin down (aside from his abandonment issues and his unrest at the rules and regulations of the Jedi Order)

To launch into a related note, upon reflection, the downfall of Anakin in Episode III was much better-played than we can make it out to be. On first glance it certainly looks poorly-done, that he has a bit of angsting, cuts off Windu's arm, and then is suddenly down to the level of massacring children, but it really works out well. The fight between Sidious and Mace Windu was an attempt to force Anakin to make a clean break to one side or the other. In choosing to cut Windu's hand off, he was not trying to get him killed, but to force a "third way" solution, force Windu to stop trying to kill Sidious, and then get a middle solution implemented. That Sidious then killed him got Anakin completely trapped. He could either then kill Sidious, losing the chance at saving Padme and behead the Republic in one swoop, or completely give in to Sidious' side, which drew him in further.

Lucas: "Yeah!  That's what I meant to say!"

In all seriousness, the SW prequels had a much better plot than the OT.  I really give Lucas credit on that.  Script, dialogue and performances, though, have hidden how good of a plot it was.  Its so strange  because as LONG as the movies are individually, there feels like so much is missing.  He needed a more engaging way to unveil the plot, which can be hard with prequels because there is so much we already know about the end results.

For the record, I buy what you're saying but you have to admit the execution of those moments wasn't as theatrically satisfying as what you presented.

digitalnasties said: Only when she's in the white face paint.

You know ...... this is FANTASTIC makeup and costume design!  Were awards won here???

No, i agree with you. I've seen the Plinkett Reviews, which do a great job of pointing out exactly what's wrong with the movies from a cinematographical perspective. However, the movies don't get enough credit, because you can see the brilliance of how the finer points of the plot were established, as in how Anakin was essentially forced into becoming Vader, so long as he was certain from his dreams that Padme was going to die.

Don't know about Star Wars Episode II but I reckon Natalie Portman is well fit.. Definitely my kind of girl. Though I dislike the focus on Hollywood women a lot of the time. There are lot's of fit women in other industries too.

Yes Natalie is gorgeous. Honestly I think a large reason us nerds think she is so hot is psychological she was in freaking Star Wars, she was Anakins love interest and her character was a strong willed, romantic who was the ideal women for any intellectual. I'd say you have a crush on her character more then her!

Would be interesting to get to know a few actresses I think are amazing. Get to know them for who they are maybe I won't think their all that hot or maybe they are actually the most amazing women in the world. I'd rather get to know them for who they are then oggle them in a movie lol!

meh,she does nothing for me.

for me, most hollywood actresses are just mehh and i never understood why so many think they are so super hot but natalie portman is really a beauty. she's not like this "you hot bitch you i wish to f... you everywhere and please shut your mouth and don"t talk to me" like some playmates. she is like "oh man is she beautiful marryyyyy meeee" or "just smile and i'm happy"

THAT WAS AWESOME!!!