Next time, use the force, George

Rating: 5/10 (22 May 2002)

Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones missed the Oscars, but maybe more importantly, the Raspberry awards. Although it is improbable that the hype and its immense popularity would endanger a solid performance at the Oscars.
The good part of this film lies in the truly amazing special effects and the excellent use of all kinds of sf goodies, like sailing spaceships etc. This makes the film stand out from any of the recent productions.
However, watching the film as what it is, a story in its own right, you cannot help but notice how deeply flawed the script is. This isn't helped in any way by Lucas' sloppy direction. Important scenes are unceremoniously expedited without the necessary buildup and leave you feeling robbed. For example, the courtly atmosphere and the pomp of the Senate are contradicted by Amidala's entry: instead of being given the appropriate honors of a senator (and, more importantly, of a key character in the film), everyone starts talking to her at once. Invariably, a character will advance in a grand manner, and have nothing noteworthy to say. This makes it hard to believe a story that is told on such an epic scale. The romance between Amidala and Anakin is just as hard to believe. There are no sparks coming across. The fact that neither of them make us believe in their respective characters doesn't help. Natalie Portman has a squeaky voice, reminding you of a spoiled teenager rather than an important senator cum adventuress. She is miscast for the role. Christensen is solid as an insecure but intelligent Jedi, but his internal motives are too vague and his agony doesn't come across convincingly.
From the freshness and inspiration of the subject matter in the first two Star Wars films, little or nothing is left. Lucas has built up an aura which is consolidated by his special effects gurus. But for them, the emperor would be naked for real and probably for good.