A Visually Exhausting film that takes a step in the right direction...

Rating: Null/10 (17 May 2002)

Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones' can best be described as a transitional film in which we are right in the middle of the ultimate conversion from good to evil. Hayden Christensen is not miscast as the hormone infused Anakin Skywalker who treads on love with Senator Padme Amidala (Natalie Portman). Episode II' seems to improve upon the needed improvements that were so pervasive in Episode I'. That being said, it still has its' flaws. Director George Lucas embeds his film with digital imagery that exhausts the viewer. I have comes to term with this trait that I only experience when watching these Star Wars' films (Episode I & 2) and have keenly labeled the concept Visual Exhaustion'. This is because Lucas puts 95% of the film through a digital filter. To some this can be an alluring trait, but in my personal opinion it seems as if he has come to rely wholeheartedly on digital imagery to convey a story. This was the severe case that we encountered upon Episode I. The hype surrounding that film was maniacal and had many people; including myself, disappointed with the first foray into the Galactic Tale that we had so eagerly awaited. Yet, in Episode II, we see Lucas actually focusing on telling a story and although the story might not as be as interesting as the later chapters are (Episode 4, 5, 6) we still are captivated by the young Hayden Christensen. This virtually unknown actor inhibits several characteristics that will lead into the third part which I will be anxiously awaiting. I must admit, I was severely turned off by Episode I' and wanted to loathe this film, but Lucas seems to have revamped the franchise and has focused on telling a story and not selling toys. Good move George, you have partially restored some integrity back into the franchise. Improvements are seen in the overall design of the film. The plot involves some more origins being uncovered as an assassination attempt on Senator Amidala leads to a civil war in the galaxy as Count Dooku (Christopher Lee) attempts at destroying the Galaxy through a separatist movement. This in turn forces the Senate to develop an army in order to ensure safety as there are not enough Jedi for thorough protection. The clones in question are the Storm Troopers we see in future films under the Direct Command of Lord Vader. Confused yet? You should be. I always thought Lucas complicated his scripts by tackling too much content as back story and there is no difference here. Trade Wars, Colonies and Separatists are all part of this plot that leads into one pivotal event  the conversion of young Skywalker to the dark side. What I found interesting was the manner in which the film cleverly foreshadowed the events to come surrounding young Skywalker. Perhaps foreshadowing is not the best word to use since we all know of Skywalker's fate, but during the film we see clever scenarios that display the innate rage, madness and anger this young Jedi possesses. Skywalker's progress as a young man is a crucial element in this film as we are exposed to his much darker side that really spotlights him as a trouble-maker. Skywalker is slowly becoming disenchanted with the Rules a Jedi must follow and finds himself falling out of favor with his Masters. This in turn leads to a slow, yet gradual progression towards the Dark Side. It must be noted that Episode II is far superior to Episode I. As aforementioned, it does have its' flaws specifically in terms of dialogue. Yet it is also clear that Lucas had the script somewhat doctored for cohesiveness; something that was missing in Episode I. Writer Jonathan Hales (The Scorpion King) was called upon to clear some points but the dialogue still suffers as we are in for some of the weakest romantic dialogue in a long time. The interplay between Skywalker and Amidala is gushing with uncomforting romance as these two characters plot out their love and their lives. Lucas opens the film with a great action sequence involving the pursuit of an assassin which is extremely entertaining. The sets in the introductory sequence seem to be lifted from Spielberg's A.I.' as the dizzying lights and glamour of a Galactic city come to life. This interesting action sequence seemingly sets the tone for what is a visually exhausting yet solid attempt at getting the franchise in the direction which it should be headed. Lucas uses the same transitional progression as he did with the later chapters in terms of pace and character development. Episode II' serves to hopefully build towards a cataclysmic and dark third piece that resolves all. Yet, the stereotypical Alien characters are back in full force and the pounding score from musical genius John Williams accompanies this tale that is a step ahead from Episode I, but a few steps back from the magic that was Star Wars'.
Giancarlo's Rating: **