ANOTHER attempt at objectivity

Rating: 9/10 (18 February 2003)

I think I speak for the majority when I say Phantom Menace was a blemish on the name of Star Wars. A mediocre movie following in the footsteps of classics. Three years later, Lucasfilm brings us Attack of the Clones. A vast improvement of the prior installment, containing some of the greatest cinema moments of the past decade, and some of the worst. Both so good and bad, simultaneously.
The good: Story (the rise of the empire through manipulation and trickery), the effects, action, art direction, music (as John Williams returns to near classic form), and the fun factor.
The bad: the romance (possibly the worst I've ever seen for a non student film), Natalie Portman scenes in general, the romance, any Queen related scene, the majority of the dialog, and finally, the romance.
The acting ranges from good (Ewan McGregor, Christopher Lee, Ian McDiarmid) to lobotomized (Natalie Portman, Sam Jackson).
Ultimately, it's enjoyable and exciting; reminiscent of the original trilogy. That's if your willing to forgive it's weaknesses.