Going going and...nowhere

Rating: 6/10 (18 May 2002)

I would classify myself an enthusiast when it comes to Star Wars. I read 2 reviews on IMDB before seeing it. The 2 reviews said this was much better than Phantom Menace (PM). I quite enjoyed PM and gave it 7/10 (therefore still a disappointment when it comes to legend that is Star Wars). The prospect of seeing something better got me very excited.
Maybe it's because I'm getting older and more cynical... Attack of the Clones (AOC) disappoints in many ways. The love story is a major failing. Was the magic between Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher recreated? Far from it. What about the nice romance in Spiderman? Not even that. Natalie Portman is pretty to look at. But that's about all there is to this love story. Not only is there no love chemistry or acting talent in this supposed love component, the plot while a potential master-stoke (beautiful young queen falling in love with a younger man who came into her life when he was only a boy) was rather spat out poorly.
The original star wars contained: (1) Fantastic cinematography and mood (eg Luke Skywalker pondering his future and gazing at the twin moons rising); (2) Harrison Ford; (3) Legendary characters (Darth Vader, Wookie, Ewoks); (4) Simple fun plot weaved with very cleaver storyline ("I am your father!").
AOC contains: (1) Good CGI but not good enough (many scenes looked like cartoon); (2) Fun action scenes; (3) Intriguing plot but falters somewhat; (4) Horrible horrible romance; (5)Some hideous looking Jedi knights with some getting slaughtered (deservedly).
I give AOC 6/10.