Enjoyable nonsense

Rating: Null/10 (2 July 2002)

Need I begin by saying what everyone else has said - that `Attack of the Clones' is far better than the meagre `Phantom Menace?' Didn't think so. Does that make AOTC any good however? Well, yes it makes it (mildly) good and, certainly, entertaining and fun (if not a classic).
First of all I got to look at the movie's flaw. Some of the dialog is just awful, in particular the romantic element. Mr. Lucas I know you're trying to create a tribute to classic serials but that doesn't mean you have to offer us ham-fisted interactions posturing as heart-felt conversations, does it? If people in your audience are laughing when they're supposed to be feeling the love in a scene, maybe you need to outsource your writing a bit more. Still as bad as the dialog is, it's bearable because I didn't actually expect anything better. The plot it's wrapped around is alright - there's some mutterings about clones, some treachery, a `twist', et cetera. It's not exactly `Memento' here but there's enough substance that your mind isn't left distracted because, after all, the plot's an excuse for the action pieces.
It's the action here that lifts up AOTC. There's a lot more of it than its predecessor and it's more engaging. There's a great little asteroid scene, a big climatic-battle scene, lots of little fights, a `Chicken Run' homage, and a fair bit more. They're fun although they do lack some tension. One of the reasons is the foreknowledge of character's fates we have, seeing as this is a prequel trilogy. Another is the fact that, let's face it, Lucas is not a good director. Most noticeably this is seen in the wooden deliverances by virtually all the cast, all of whom are capable actors. He doesn't seem to be bothered trying to garner any performance out of them. Secondly his eye for a scene can sometimes be wonky - while the action is fun, and good visual candy, there's a definite lack of tension in them. The camera work and editing never help build a sense of palpable danger, which elevates action from enjoyable to exciting. Then there's his use of cheesy gimmicks (such as transitional wipes) - yes, yes, they're part of the mythos or whatever - that doesn't mean they're effective or good. In fact much could be slammed of Lucas' work here so I'll merely say that it's. alright and leave it at that. If it weren't for the fact that he's got a great army of SFX guys behind him it'd be more noticeable.
It's the technical aspects, such as costume design, SFX and sound editing that help lull you into the movie, ignoring its many faults. The look of the movie is generally gorgeous - the digitalised Yoda is the most realistic computer animated character I have yet seen. The costumes are lush and fantastic, with the set pieces sweeping - perfect for a big screen. The sound on it is generally extra sharp, perhaps due to it's digital roots, and noticeable in the action sequences although the score itself is a bit flat and uninspired, too much a re-hash of previous material.
AOTC is a cinema and popcorn movie. For the brainless sci-fi / action genre it can hold itself up fairly proud (the last decent science fiction movie being `Pitch Black'). You won't remember much of this after leaving the cinema (it lacks any real hook) but it will do it's job in that you'll be more than satisfied enough to check out the final part in the trilogy when it gets released. 6.5/10.