A ray of hope in a world of digital technology gone bad.

Rating: Null/10 (16 May 2002)

A love story. A coming of age tale. A mystery. And yes, a comedy, too. This movie was way better than episode I. You will care for the characters just like you did for Han Solo and Chewie. The script-writing surpassed that of the 1999 so-called Star Wars film "The Phantom Menace". One would have to try extremely hard NOT to enjoy episode II. Some have complained that it moves too slow, I say hogwash. The development of Anakin and Padme's relationship calls for patience, as does love in everyday life. Besides Yoda putting the smack down, the other fantastic element in "Attack of the Clones" is C-3PO and R2-D2's humorous relationship. They bond like they did in the days of "Return of the Jedi" and episodes IV and V as well. I was almost moved to tears at parts of this film, like when Anakin figures out a horrible fate has befallen someone in his family (I'm trying not to give it away). The emotion evoked in this portion of "Clones" could never have been reached with a 50 foot pole by "Menace". Hype didn't kill "The Phantom Menace", bad dialogue did. And forget the notion that Lucas dwells too much in the realm of digital technology, because with the script and directing that "Clones" had, the technology blended well with the romance and mystery which the film so tenaciously held. You will see why Anakin is such a dangerously powerful force to be reckoned with, you will understand Boba Fett's bloodlust, and you will be glad that Jar Jar Binks is only in a fraction of the film. Give this film credit, because it's a fantastic sci-fi blast for a new generation of movie-goers.
-P.B.