A Great Film Really

Rating: 10/10 (20 June 2005)

Star Wars fans are always pleased with Lucas' film work. The reason why so many people seem to have a genuine feeling of disappointment with this film is because it is a slow build-up to things that really kick off in the next film Revenge of the Sith. So in order to follow the story, one must sit through such things as the conversations between Senator Palpatine and the Jedi Council or the courtly romance between Anakin and Padme Amidala. Anakin is no longer that same wide-eyed pod-racing champion and is now a Jedi Knight, and furthermore a teenager with a rebellious streak. In this film, we find that Anakin is now probably like 20 years old, he becomes attracted to Padme Amidala (who is supposed to be older than him but looks like she didn't change too much, in fact Anakin is taller than she is). At first, I was under the impression this film would be like Empire Strikes back in mood, tone and romance. Even Revenge of the Sith had more of that feeling. This film is good, make no mistake, full of fine cinematography, music and interesting scenes. The waterfalls of Naboo and the lake retreat are gorgeous to watch, as are the masses of Clones assembling and the starships we later will recognize as Star Destroyers. Yoda is now a full computer graphic designed character (he was still a puppet in Phantom Menace) and is able to fight and win the duel with Count Dooku (played by none other than Christopher Lee of 60's and 70's Dracula films. This is a fine film and worth watching as part of the saga. But yes, as most people seem to agree, the best of the prequels are Phantom Menace and Revenge of the Sith.
The plot to the film explains the creation of the Clone Wars, first mentioned by Obi-Won in Episode 4 A New Hope. The Clones are built supposedly to prevent war and invasion by the Seperatists lead by Count Dooku. This "war" is nothing more than a distraction and an illusion to catch the Jedi off guard from the real truth. It is Chancellor Palpatine, in a Machiavellian fashion, who is forging a plot to destroy the Jedi and establish an Empire. We the hardcore fans know that Anakin is destined to become Darth Vader. Watching how he kills off the Sandpeople- women and children included- after his mother dies in his arms, out of revenge, allows us to see how easily he can succumb to the Dark Side. Furthermore, he has conflict with Obi-Won Kenobi. "I am not the Jedi I should be" he says, and also "Obi-Won is jealous and is holding me back". He is too ambitious and greedy and does not pay heed to the wiser Obi-Won. His friendship with Palpatine is in no way a good thing. Palpatine even dares to say "You're becoming the most powerful Jedi ever, even more powerful that Master Yoda". Another delight to see is Jenga Fett and his young son (never mentioned by name but we know he is Boba Fett who will re-appear as an adult bounty hunter in Empire and Return of the Jedi). The fight in the gladiator arena in Geonosis is riveting to watch though it could have been fleshed out more. The most interesting part of it was that we see the Jedi fighting as an army, when usually we see them fighting in duos and such. This is a remarkable film and not to be missed by fans of Star Wars.