Fun and adventurous - welcome back, George!

Rating: 8/10 (16 May 2002)

**No real spoilers in this review**
'Attack of the Clones', basically, is the next series of events in the life of Anakin Skywalker, set against an unfolding chain of events which will become known as the clone wars, and the start of the dark side of the force's coup both on the republic, and on the mind of Anakin Skywalker.
As the movie begins, Anakin and Obi-Wan Kenobi are sent to protect Senator Amidala from assassination. The story progresses as the Jedi council uncovers a coming war, as Anakin and Amidala begin to fall in love, and Anakin begins to look more evil and more open to seduction by the dark side of the force.
Obi-Wan Kenobi and Annakin are portrayed here as sort of uneasy allies. By this I mean, Kenobi being the wiser, more disciplined one and Anakin being the reckless, often irresponsible protege, not unlike Obi-wan's future relationship with Luke Skywalker. Mace Windu returns from Episode I, and takes on a much more active role; he's a fun character to watch this time around, and a more active participant in the storyline. Jimmy Smits is here too, but his is a bit part no larger than that of Jar Jar Binks. Never fear, Jar Jar haters - he's only in the movie a little bit at a time, but it actually would have been ok to see a little more of him, because unlike Episode I, he's not annoying the crap out of you. New to the saga is Count Dooku, a formidable Jedi master who has already turned to the dark side, and also Jango Fett, whose son (Boba Fett) is still a child at this point.

The landscapes are excellent and engrossing; such contrast exists between the peaceful countryside of Naboo to the busy-busy cityscapes. All are well-done. Unlike Episode I, the special effects here are not overdone, and blend in well with the 'real' stuff. I won't give away any details, but the final sequences are absolutely amazing and more than worthy of any of the previous four films. The cilmax is a little bit James Bond, a little bit of a complex war movie, but all action.
For the first time since Return of the Jedi, you sit in your seat in real suspense, and with a tangible anxiety as tense situations unfold on the screen. There is a real sense of adventure here, something noticably absent from Episode I. With the exception of the fabulous portrayal of Obi-Wan Kenobi by Ewan MacGregor, the acting here is serviceable, but not going to knock you off your feet. The plot is interesting, and keeps you guessing about what might come next. The script generates characters that you honestly care about, and some very emotional sequences, especially one painful and even shocking one involving Anakin's fury on those who have wronged him. There are points in this film where Anakin is not a likeable character, where it's almost like Obi-wan is fighting Anakin's recklessness as much as he is the enemy, it's one of the most interesting aspects of the film.
All in all, if you're a fan of the series, you will enjoy this one thoroughly. If you're not a Star Wars buff, but liked the rest of the series, this one isn't going to disappoint you. All I can say, is that it's good to have Star Wars back.