Ridley Scott meets Kurosawa, Coppola, Jack Kirby and Joseph Campbell, under twin moons!

Rating: Null/10 (17 May 2002)

Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones, is a contender for Episode V's coveted 'Best Star Wars Film' title. The film is magnificent, marks the coming of age of CGI and tows the line Lucas set down in his endeavour to create a new mythology for generation x. When Lucas references his earlier work and the work of those who influenced him, he conjures visual wonder. With the depreciation of the Jedi in the eyes of the republic, we have a new interpretation of the delapidation of the samurai of feudal Japan Kurosawa worked wonders with. The cityscape of Coruscant is a knowing nod at 'Blade Runner', with Ridley Scott further referenced. He's there in the gladiatorial arena on Geonosia and the descent of the clone carriers upon the same planet - those snazzy 'hand-held' shots were a treat. The latter reminded the audience of 'Black Hawk Down', as well as the ride of the valkyries in Coppola's 'Apocalypse Now'.
Yoda's final lightsabre duel is not only jaw dropping - I wonder if any Star Wars fan will be able to use his/her mandibles again! The way he opened his cloak with a flourish and his lightsabre leapt to his hand was an almost spiritual moment for me and the Glasgow audience I watched it with. And then there is Anakin. The bewildering, shocking sequence of his trip to Tatooine is appropriately so, his slaughter of hundreds to atone for his mother's death was a touching metaphor for the gung-ho military actions taking place in the world right now. This is an excellent film of symbols, meaning and magic that will spellbind you.