A return to the Star Wars bread & butter

Rating: 7/10 (28 May 2002)

I will not attempt to go into a painstaking critique as their others out there more qualified than I to do so. However, like many I was left a little incomplete in my expectations after watching Episode I. I am pleased to say that I did not leave with the same feeling of disappointment after watching Episode II.
Attack of the Clones sees George Lucas return in foundation to what made Episodes IV & V so fantastic & legendary. The darkness of this film is something we should have had more of in Episode I, and the development of Anakin's character was so much better weaved into the plot of the film then in the last installment. Ewan McGregor shines on the screen as Obi-Wan and we get an eerie introduction to the famed Storm Troopers, the Death Star and the roots of Anakin's eventual seduction to the dark side. Padme's striking similarities to her eventual daughter's are striking and well crafted. As always, John Williams does an outstanding job with the score - although he did recycle music from Episode I perhaps more than I expected!
Looking forward to 2005 and Episode III!
John Schmitt PA., United States