The "fantasy" of Star Wars is alive and well!

Rating: Null/10 (29 May 2002)

Since first seeing Star Wars around age 12, I've been fascinated by that scene on Tatooine when Obi Wan Kenobi is telling the young Luke Skywalker about the fate of his father...describing how Darth Vader hunted down the elder Skywalker and murdered him...alluding to the Clone Wars. For 25 years we've waited for a glimpse of the time when the Jedi kept the peace until, as fate had it, war broke out. We've been disappointed by Episode I (which was not THAT bad). Now comes Episode II: Attack of the Clones.

"Clones" brings the fantasy alive. Sure, it has some of Lucas's now trademark awkward dialogue (but wouldn't we all soil our pants if a Star Wars movie were nominated for an acting oscar...c'mon)! This movie tells us the story that we've waited 25 years to see, hear, and feel. And it does it damn well. I like these characters, and I believe them, too. Hayden Christensen plays Anakin Skywalker as well as Jake Lloyd did poorly! I feel the pain and anguish. As the movie progresses, Lucas employs the actors and the special effects to create a darker more ominous feel and look to the movie. Pieces of Darth Vader's theme and the Imperial March from the first trilogy are woven in artfully. Digital actors and sets are integrated seemlessly into this film.
History will not look kindly upon Episode I, but when the hype clears and the cynics go home, Episode II will be regarded as a classic right up there with The Empire Strikes Back and the original.