Lucas goes back to basics with lots of surprises

Rating: 9/10 (16 May 2002)

In "Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones ", Lucas goes back to basics: staying with a simple story and great special effects; ties several loose ends (or rather unanswered questions); and most importantly expands the story and sets up the next and final episode of the prequel trilogy. Reviewers were rather divided on the movie, some screaming "A+" and some screaming "bloody hell". Without a doubt this part is superior to "Episode I", with faster action, more spectacular special effects and more character development. And while I believe that critics nowadays are completely unreliable (consider the Sony Movie Studio's fake critic) and the major ones tend to vote in blocks (Olympic skating comes to mind), I do agree with one of the common arguments from the negative reviews: "this movie will appeal much more to the true fan of "Star Wars" saga"... except that I find nothing NEGATIVE in that comment: Why in the world would anyone who is NOT a fan, ever go see Part II of a series? Even universally praised and accepted movies like "Gone With the Wind" or "Citizen Kane" don't appeal to everyone.
For the true fans, a lot of fun moments await: subtle hints tying the story or re-creating the mood of the original series (for example: a certain theme being played at an appropriate time, a preview of person appearing later in the series or an event which was mentioned in the original series but happened beforehand). I won't spoil anything, except to say: watch everything carefully. Just as in "Phantom Menace", when you notice the Wookies sitting in the Galactic Senate only the second time you see the movie, just so in "Attack of the Clones" there are events and tie-ins that you will certainly miss while watching the movie for the first time. Myself, I intend to wait a couple of weeks until the crowds clear out a bit and will go see the movie for the second time. Good job George, and good luck at the boxoffice (although you most likely won't need it).
I give it an overall 9 out of 10 ranking it right after "Empire Strikes Back". Story-line and that intangible "feeling" get 7.5, but the action, pace of the movie and special effects get a perfect 10: the best in the series so far.