Review of Episode II 'Attack of the Clones'

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Review of Episode II 'Attack of the Clones'

     My brother snagged tickets for me at a midnight viewing of ‘Attack of the Clones’ which is the second Episode of George Lucas’s Star Wars series and the fourth released movie chronologically. This movie stars Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi, Natalie Portman as Padmé Amidala, and Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker.

     There has been no shortage of anticipation and hype surrounding all of the Star Wars movies and loyal fans wait hours, days, and in some cases months to get tickets and a good seat to see the movie as soon as it is released. This movie picks up ten years after the events of Episode I ‘The Phantom Menace’. Some members of the Galactic Republic are starting to join a Separatist movement led by Count Dooku. The Jedi Knights are trying to maintain peace throughout the galaxy and politicians are contemplating the start of an army to defend themselves against Separatists.

     The general feel of the movie is consistent with a story line, but it isn’t entirely necessary that a person be familiar with the other movies to enjoy this one. One of the main concerns that people had about the movie before its release is that one of the themes revolved around a love story. Although the love story isn’t a strong suit of the movie, it doesn’t detract from it either and it’s a necessary element to the entire series, as we will likely discover in Episode III.

     The special effects, sounds, characters, world environments, and attention to detail are superb and par for the course by Lucas’s standards. The movie was originally filmed in a special digital medium that was then converted to film, but I didn’t notice a difference in quality either way.

     This movie doesn’t seem as dumb downed as many have accused Episode I as being. For example, Jar-Jar Binks is in the film, but has a noticeably smaller role. There are a lot more action and fight scenes throughout. Past movies have featured at most three Jedi or Sith fighters, but this movie features many more simultaneous Jedi fighting and thelight sabre shows are spectacular. In fact, an unlikely Master Jedi Knight joins the fray in one of the most exciting moments of the entire series.

     Overall, the movie is very good and should be enjoyed by both old and new fans alike. It’s not better than the original movies, but it’s definitely better and more focused than Episode I. The movie is not without someflaws. It takes place ten years later, yet Natalie Portman’s character actually seems to have gotten younger and more girlish. The actual script isn’t anything extraordinary and there are some trite phrases scattered throughout, but despite those small flaws, the movie shines through where it counts. It’s functional as a story, nostalgic, and exciting all at the same time. Movies of this genre aren’t popular because of a well-written script or dramatic dialogue. The strength of the movie is the action sequences coupled with the overriding message of good versus evil in a detailed yet vividly engaging world of humans, creatures, cities, vehicles, and advanced technology. In this vein, Episode II succeeds.

Jason Shoulders - 05/22/2002