Dark, dangerous and disturbing! Restores one's faith in the prequels, it does!

Rating: 10/10 (18 May 2002)

Well, it looks like Ol' George hasn't lost it after all! "Attack of the Clones" is pure Star Wars from beginning to end. It is lovely, dark, and can sometimes get a bit creepy. Those other critics don't know what the heck they're talking about. Take Roger Ebert, for example, who has panned "Clones" but gave "The Phantom Menace" an extremely positive review back in 1999. "Menace" wasn't horribly atrocious, but it was too kiddy-friendly, had crappy acting, and a story and feel that just didn't feel like our beloved Star Wars. But now fans are rejoicing! Not only is there pretty good acting this time, but the movie is relentlessly dark, has a great story, and contains all the elements and formulas that made the old ones so awesome. It also has more Yoda. Truly spectacular! Ewan McGregor has a young version of Alec Guiness down to a tee, Hayden Christensen has good facial expressions and seems to be trying hard most of the time. Natalie Portman is also better this time. The acting, though it CAN get a little poky is very satisfying overall. Everything in this one works, from the great settings (some will be all too familiar), to the truly astonishing CG work. There are also many treats for fans and surprising lead-ins for the original trilogy. I cannot stress more how much of an improvement "Attack of the Clones" is from "The Phantom Menace". The Force is back! And certainly everyone should be excited! 10/10