This movie should've been Episode 1

Rating: 5/10 (8 December 2011)

Think about it. Attack of the Clones shows what life in the pre-Empire Republic really was like, the charming and near-utopian like place it was, unlike the distant Episode 1.
Furthermore, the big plot is really put into motion here, with the rising of the star systems separating from the Republic, setting the pieces for the upcoming war. It is a far more ominous and vital set-up than the ridiculous trade dispute from the Phantom Menace. The only real plot development of Episode 1 was showing how Palpatine became Chancellor. Wasn't it enough just to see him as Chancellor here? His cool, calculating character makes the audience understand how he got there (largely thanks to Ian McDiarmid's talent).
The introduction of other characters would've been similarly satisfying had the prequels started with this movie. We believe that the troubled, egotistic Anakin Skywalker would be partial to the Dark Side of the Force if swayed enough. Obi-Wan Kenobi's wisdom and dedication as a Jedi is clear from the onset as well, as is Padmé Amidala's tenacious, wholesome character. Besides, if Episode 1 happened ten years previously, wouldn't we have heard about Syfa Dias's death? The plot unveils all of this very satisfyingly. As Obi-Wan Kenobi tracks the person behind assassination attempts on Padmé, the world of the Republic (including life in Coruscant as well as the Jedi temple) is one he travels through for answers. This is the opposite of Episode 1, where the heart of each place was so distant.
Sure, the dialogue between Anakin and Padmé is not the best, especially in the fireplace scene. Hayden Christensen, what's more, hammed up the role of Anakin a bit at times and as such felt unbelievable. However, in spite of that, there is a tangible chemistry between Christensen and Natalie Portman (who here gets much more to work with the role of Padmé).
Sure, the Trade Federation plays a vital part in this film as well, but suppose Episode 1 had never been made? We still would understand the history between Naboo and the Federation (whose absurd ability to command an army and have representatives in the Galactic Senate was a hugely missed plot point in the Phantom Menace). In fact, only one thing about Episode 2 really escapes me, and that is how Jango Fett came to be the "host" of such a massive operation when he's a bounty hunter. Maybe some light could've been shed on that.
Fact of the matter, the story of Episode 2 is very big, and the amount of happenings is gargantuan. A lot more ground is covered than in Episode 1. But it is an entertaining and (unlike Episode 1) fulfilling experience.
In conclusion, Attack of the Clones was a significant improvement upon the inadequate Phantom Menace, and is a solid, satisfying film in its own right. It has its dud elements but the ominous story is given good justice. The only pointless scene is possibly the conveyor belt one (which does nothing for the plot other than set up an embarrassing situation for C3PO). Time has been kind to Attack of the Clones, the REAL episode 1.