Ignore the critics; this movie is a blast!

Rating: 8/10 (16 May 2002)

I'm not sure what the critics expect to see when they go to a Star Wars film, but it's clear they are missing something. Maybe they can't bring themselves to have fun at a movie. Maybe they think every last film has to have some grim, depressing, meaningful socio-political message to it. Too bad for them. If they can't enjoy a film like this, that's their loss.
What does "Attack of the Clones" offer? Exciting chase scenes, huge battles, political intrigue, the battle of good against evil, broad humor, and the required lightsaber duel. Just like all the other Star Wars films. So why do critics praise the original trilogy and pan Episodes I & II?
The critics complained that "The Phantom Menace" was too lighthearted. Do they praise "Clones" for being more serious in tone, for showing that the good guys don't always win? Of course not.
True fans of Star Wars will be blown away by this movie. Anakin's descent towards the Dark Side starts, the Clone War is begun (do those Clone Troopers look familiar?), and Yoda shows that he is more than a foot-tall Zen Philosopher, he is a Jedi Master, the most powerful Jedi on the Council.
One complaint; the dialogue between Anakin and Amidala as they profess their feelings for each other is so cliched, the audience at the screening I attended couldn't contain their snickering. But this, too, is part of Star Wars tradition, when you think about it; the love scenes between Han and Leia were no better.
One warning; there is a scene that might disturb younger viewers, when Anakin goes to the encampment of the Tusken Raiders. I won't give any details, as I don't do spoilers, but this scene is largely where Anakin's slide towards the Dark Side really begins, and the Dark Side is not pleasant.
I give this film 8/10. It's a blast. Go see it if you like having fun at the movies.