Magnificent filmmaking

Rating: Null/10 (16 May 2002)

"Attack of the Clones" is a spellbinding return to the joys and thrills of the original trilogy. George Lucas takes a less severe departure here than he did in 1999's "The Phantom Menace".
Plotline is this: While countless star systems are seceeding from the Federation, keeping the Jedi Knights busy mediating disputes, an unknown assailant is making attempts on the life of Senator Padme' Amidala. This forces both Supreme Chancellor Palpatine and the Jedi Council to assign her protection. Of course, this comes in the form of Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and the (still)lovestruck Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen).
McGregor is much more in control of his character in this one, and while still making sure the overall feel is equal to Sir Alec Guiness' portrayal in the original trilogy, he begins to add enough of himself into the role to truly call Obi-Wan his character. Good portrayal and the more he throws himself into it, the better.
Hayden Christensen is somewhat dry throughout most of his delivery of the Jedi Padawan, but when he needs to call on his anger or rage, he does so well. It's easy to get a feeling of dread when Anakin slips into arrogance or (more often) anger. Not too bad a job, and perhaps in the next film we'll see more of that development as Anakin completes his turn to the dark side and into Darth Vader.
Natalie Portman once again graces us with her talent, grace, and beauty in the role of (now) Senator Padme' Amidala. Attempts have been made on her life, and the Senator is thrilled to see old friends Obi-Wan, Anakin, and R2-D2. But she falls in love (somewhat unconvincingly I might add) with Anakin, returning his long held feelings. Unknowingly, she does things in this film, that while having the best of intentions, only add to Anakin's journey to the dark side. Natalie, thrilled to see you again.
Samuel L. Jackson shows why he's one of my favorite actors, getting the chance to add some depth to the character of Mace Windu. Loved the purple lightsaber and he shows in battle (as do all the Jedi) that he is one bad dude. Horror film icon Christopher Lee adds a very good and sophisticated Count Dooku to the mix, aiding Palpatine/Darth Sidious' (the wonderful Ian McDarmid) plan to bring the Republic down through a war. Temeura Morrison introduces us to the Fett clan, as bounty hunter (and the blueprint for the Republic's clone army) Jango Fett. Good role if not that meaty...look for Jango Fett stuff everywhere now. Daniel Logan plays a clone as well...an unaltered clone of Jango named Boba.
This movie is, without exception, visually stunning and the battle sequences (read that to mean not only battles featuring the clones, but some absolutely masterful lightsaber sequences) and in the final reel, this film picks up major steam and puts you (literally, judging from a quick scan of the audience) on the edge of your seat. I'd go back for those sequences alone! However, the movie's weak part is, in fact, the major part of the story....the romance between Anakin and Padme'. Try as I might, I couldn't believe there was any kind of chemistry between them! She seemed to want to keep some distance between them, and never really seemed to have the remotest amount of interest. Still, it didnt detract too much from the film....as the romance seemed to play out whenever another, more significant event would occur.
"Attack of the Clones" is a vast improvement over the slightly weaker "Phantom" (you anti-Jar Jar folks will be happy he's hardly in this one). The ending is mouth watering, leading you to believe that "Episode III" will be the ultimate chapter in the series, eclipsing even "Empire" as THE must-see film in the series.
5 out of 5