The Force is still strong (Spoilers)

Rating: 10/10 (16 May 2002)

Review of Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones There is always a mixed sense of anticipation and excitement in air when a new Star Wars movie hits the theater. I'm going to lay this statement down now that this review is currently rough because I've only seen the movie once since it hit the big screen. There is a ton going on in this film, that one theatrical viewing isn't just enough. Well before I start sounding more like a Frito-Lay commercial then a stunned fan; who saw movie magic a mire eighteen hours ago. After seeing the opening crawl were instantly taken away from the beginning and more innocent story of The Phantom Menace. Attack of the Clones fully embraces us with cruelty of life. Immediately we see signs of death; first there are the Senator Padme Amidala assassination attempts, which leads us through the lower depths of Coursant. After that, the movie revolves around death and separation. George Lucas and John Hales never stray from this fact; they keep it honest and truthful. Throughout the movie Lucas gives an ugly look at war, and how death affects us. While the popular thing these days is to be patriotic; Lucas goes in the exact opposite direction he reminds us that no matter how much we think were right, hurting others also hurts ourselves. Which leads to the main focus of the film, Anikin Skywalker throughout the film we see him make poor choices, but he still has a good heart. Anikin seems to want to fall into a different destiny that the Jedi Council asks him to serve. This is what makes the movie absolutely great. Everyone character in the film seems to sense this and center itself toward Anikin as change completely takes shape. Attack of the Clones drives us deep into the Star Wars Saga, it evolves the story straight off of The Phantom Menace and stays dedicated to the original trilogy. On that note, this movie is still definitely Present Trilogy; people who dogged TPM for the CG will dog the CG in this movie. As for myself the adrenaline rushes I get from watching dozens of gorgeous worlds and species is to much to bare, you just got to bask in its riches. This movie is definitely worth a few theatrical viewings. On the technical side of things, the dialog was typical for a Star Wars film wooden but forgivable. For once the rocky dialog paid off for Star Wars as the love scenes which seemed to be very cheesy, but when you think of the characters Padme and Anikin, they really are such high regarded people with infinite amount of intelligence that knowing how to express feelings is going to lead to shady communication. This film is a complete through back to The Empire Strike Back; the similarities are very eerie. Obi-Wan provides the wit comedy of Han Solo, Anikin provides the recklessness, but gifted student like his son Luke, Jango provides his cleverness and loyalty like his son, Count Dooku adds the confidence and treachery of Darth Vader, Mace Windu adds an edge, and Yoda redefines the phrase "Bustin' out the Woopin' Stick." All in all, a sweet film for the world to enjoy.
Shifty Jedi