Getting Better

Rating: 7/10 (20 May 2002)

It was with great anticipation and slight trepidation that I sat down to watch the latest installment of the Star Wars saga. I was desperately hoping to see a marked improvement since "The Phantom Menace" and fortunately, this was the case. At least I didn't slip into a boredom induced coma within the first half hour!

I did find myself cringing quite frequently at the irritating dialogue, especially in scenes between Senator Padme (Armadillo?!) and Anakin Skywalker. Their entire love story was such a cliche and one major cheese fest I am sorry to say. The scene with them rolling around in the grass together almost pushed me over the edge and I was expecting at any minute for them to start running in slow-motion while little bunny-rabbits skipped around their feet. Hayden Christensen (Anakin) was as wooden an actor as you could ever hope not to see. His facial expressions were so overly dramatic that I couldn't help feeling he belonged in an American daytime soap-opera like "Days of our Lives." He certainly left a great deal to be desired.
I have to admit to having a real problem with Ewan Mcgregor playing Obi-Wan Kenobi as well. I think he is a fantastic actor and puts in a valiant effort here but for me, he just doesn't cut it as a young Alec Guinness somehow.

Having said all this, I did genuinely enjoy the film. The special effects were awesome to say the least, if not somewhat reminiscent of "The Fifth Element" at times. The fight sequences were brilliant - the joy at seeing not only men, but women wielding a lightsaber in battle and I have yet to recover from the thrill of seeing Mater Yoda bouncing off the walls during his battle with Count Dooku (silly name)!
On the whole this was an incredibly enjoyable film. It is certainly not up to the standards of the original trilogy but then, nothing ever will be in my eyes. It is certainly worth going to see, if only to see Yoda kicking some arse! I am intrigued now to see the third installment and how Anakin finally turns to the dark side. I recommend watching the film with an open mind and try not to compare too much with the original trilogy as you will most likely be disappointed. Just bear in mind, while watching the love scenes, that it will not go on like that forever, no matter how much it may seem that way! "Attack of the Clones" is pure entertainment.