Dangerous and Disturbing with Good Reason

Rating: Null/10 (22 May 2002)

"Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones" is the best "Star Wars" movie to date. Granted that it does have its moments of non-greatness, it is an overall enjoyable movie with an intriguing central character.
Critics have panned this movie as being one big special effect, the dialogue is horrible, and the acting is even worse. I think these critics really do not understand "Star Wars". They have to understand why the characters are so serious. This is a different time than Episodes IV, V, and VI. People are more diplomatic and political. It hasn't reached the brink of war yet.
As for the love story between Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) and Padme Amidala (Natalie Portman), I thought it was endearing and fit well with the times and attitudes of the two people involved. The brilliant John Williams score brought it up even more. Portman is really coming into her own as Padme, as she realizes her love for Anakin. Once again, I believe the fans are the only ones that really get it.
What impressed me midway through the movie was Christensen's Anakin. One can see the cracks of the dark side of the Force seeping through his Jedi exterior. The speech he gives to Padme in the Lars homestead really sent a shiver down my spine. His frustration, anger, and hatred really got to me and it was disturbing. All of the elements (lighting, etc.) set the mood brilliantly and John Williams once again reprises a dark theme that makes the feeling of unease complete.
One will probably have to see "Episode II" at least twice in order to pick up on all the subtle things missed the first time around, staring and the eye candy. And believe me, there's a lot of eye candy. And, before it gets overdone, YODA ROCKED THE HOUSE!
I urge those critics, and members of the public at large alike, that did not like "Episode II" to see it again with an open mind. You'll be suprised how much you like it. It worked for me with "The Phantom Menace" as well as "Attack of the Clones". Give it another chance. You have much to learn, young Padawan.