Why this is such a great movie...

Rating: Null/10 (18 May 2002)

There are many reasons why "Attack of the Clones" is a classic piece of movie making, and, while it may have some faults - which are few and far between, by the way - it manages to hold your attention throughout. *SPOILERS* OK, where should I begin. The film begins with an attempt on the life of the now Senator Amidala which spawns the beginning of the end for the Republic. Obi Wan and his apprentice Anakin are appointed to protect the Senator from further attacks. AOTC contains numerous references to the original triology which are sure to please fans. Many of the original triology's mysteries and plot holes are filled in this installment, such as how Owen and Beru Lars came to be Luke's Aunt and Uncle. The transition of Anakin to the dark side is magnificently done with appropriately dark music accompanying the scenes as Anakin's emotions tear him appart and force him to give in to his anger. While those who say that the film's romantic plotline are exteremely poor are not wrong, it is not something which takes away from the film's enjoyability. The acting of these particular scenes, while not being astounding, is exceptionally good when you actually look at the script which they had to deal with. The acting is perfect otherwise with Ewan McGregor performing excellently as Obi Wan and Christopher Lee playing the villain, Count Doocu, brilliantly. Fans of the series will not be dissappointed with AOTC as it contains some marvellous visual effects taking full advantage of the new digital technology available. The road is well paved for the original triology's events with the newly created Clone Army bearing a striking resemblance to the Stormtroopers, telling us fans how they came to be. The transport ships at the end which come to take the Clones look a lot like the infamous Star Destroyers. My favourite homage to the originals is the inclusion of "Jango Fett", the father of the chilling "Boba Fett" from TESB and ROTJ. The scene in which he and Obi Wan share a spine-chilling conversation had so much suspense in it that I was glued to my seat. It was clear that both he and Obi knew who each other were, but neither wanted to act yet. I read someone say that it was stupid as Jango would have killed Obi on the spot, but they are wrong. We see that Jango cares deeply for his son, and he obviously did not want to put him in danger. Finally, for those of us who always wanted to see the true extent of Yoda's power, we are not left in the dark, as he gets fully involved in the action, hurling streams of lightning and running rings around Doocu with his lightsabre. This was one of the best scenes combined with the duels between Anakin, Obi Wan and Doocu, and of course, the MASSIVE fight sequence between the entire Jedi order with the Clones, taking on the joined might of the Trade Federation's army and numerous other evil armies. We see Mace Windu showing us his power with the incredible beheading of Jango, which was sad because I liked him. There really is too much great things in this movie to describe in a thousand words. So, I will just say, go and see it. While this film can not please everybody - the critics will obviously say so - it should please those of us who like to see lightsabres, the force, digitally enhanced scenery, a two foot tall killing machine (Yoda) and a whole lot more.