Lucas does it again!

Rating: 10/10 (16 May 2002)

For all those thinking that George Lucas had lost the Midas touch, think again. Attack of the Clones is one of the most exhilarating, breathtaking cinematic experiences I have ever had, and more than does justice to the original trilogy. The film looks incredible, the action sequences are mind-altering, and the acting, from Sam Jackson to Temuera Morrison to the great Christopher Lee, is top notch. The question on everyone's mind has been, what about Hayden Christiansen? His performance will be the most hotly debated aspect of this movie. Your like or dislike of this film hinges on your like or dislike of his performance. I feel he nailed it. This is a boy, not yet 20 years old, who is aware that he may one day fulfill the prophecy of bringing balance to the Force. He is brash, cocky, impulsive, and arrogant, almost like a star athlete in high school who knows he's one of the best in the country. His awkward interaction with Senator Amidala is what you would expect from a teenager trying to impress an older, mature woman. Couple that with the fact that, because of his code as a Jedi apprentice, he has less than zero knowledge of women, and you find a boy trying to be a man without understanding the responsibilities a man must undertake. I fully bought Anakin and Padme's love story, and could see the undercurrent of destructiveness inherent in it. Overall, this movie is unbelievable. Go and see it 5 or 6 times.