Solid, respectable fun.

Rating: 9/10 (25 May 2002)

Okay, believers and disbelievers alike will have their own opinions of what this movie is and the quality of its storytelling. My review is solely based on the movie and its role with the remainder of the series, aside from the baggage that involved established predispositions to Lucas-bashing or Lucas-worshipping (you know who you are!).
Attack of the Clones succeeds as a tribute to serial adventures. Each moment on-screen serves one purpose and one purpose only - to entertain! It does so much the same way as a street magician might - relying on some of the oldest card-tricks around and a little slight-of-hand. Lucas is an entertainer - not vaudeville - but pretty close. Yes - some of the scenes are straight out of tried and true classics (Blade Runner, AI, even some old swash-buckler films) but it's the context that Lucas puts them in that sells them. He's created a legacy the rises above the confines of a standard franchise tale.
Star Wars is a myth in the making. Like any good myth, this installment has high adventure, mystery, romance, and a dash of humor. The actors perform solidly, and they really seem to be enjoying themselves. Episode II also serves to pull Phantom Menace (much reviled by many) into the inner circle of the intergalactic story of Star Wars - letting it become relevant; we realize the importance of Jar-Jar in the long run, we watch Anakin as his Jedi powers develop faster than his morality, and despite knowing what happens to him and the Republic - we care.
People have conjectured about the 'point' of these films: Anakin's struggle within the Force, the political intrigue of the Empire, the Republic and the subsequent Rebellion, or even the Force itself. My feeling is that there is no 'point', except to be entertained. The plot devices are simply anchors upon which Lucas creates the beautifully amusing context that is the Star Wars Universe. He's creating a fable worthy of being told wherever you may be: in a dark theater, around a campfire, in bed listening to the radio, or in the living-room with a bowl of freshly popped popcorn in front of that old floor model television.
Attack of the Clones is well orchestrated, lots of fun, and it looks stunning. It is full of color, from its colorful characters to its dazzling imagery. Lucas has proven himself to be a street magician worthy of the Royal Palace. Showing us those same old dog-earred tricks, he manages to give us a good time. And isn't that what a trip to the movies is all about? Sure - street magicians have their hecklers, but little do those hecklers know, they've missed the point.