Thanks to "Clones," "Star Wars" series back with a vengeance

Rating: Null/10 (27 July 2002)

Over a decade (or, in our time, three years) has passed since the events seen in "Phantom Menace." A militant separatist movement, composed of thousands of star systems, threatens to secede from the Republic. Led by the enigmatic former Jedi, Count Dooku (Christopher Lee), the separatist military forces vastly outnumber the declined ranks of Jedi Knights, most of which are spread throughout the galaxy. Senator Padme Amidala (Natalie Portman), formerly the queen of Naboo, returns to the galactic capital of Coruscant in order to cast her vote on whether or not to assist the overwhelmed Jedi by creating an Army of the Republic, which she believes will only serve as a catalyst for war. After narrowly escaping an assassination attempt, Padme is reunited with Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and his apprentice Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) who are assigned to protect her.
A second attempt on her life forces the senator to flee to Naboo with Anakin while Obi-Wan seeks to unravel the mystery behind Padme's assassin. As Anakin and Padme develop romantic feelings for each other, Obi-Wan makes several startling discoveries, which may change the fate of the Republic forever.
To say that "Attack of the Clones" is better than "The Phantom Menace" is too easy. It's also too obvious. It's clear that Lucas wised up after the jumble of three summers ago, and it pays off in spades. The second installment of the new "Star Wars" trilogy is better than its predecessor in nearly every aspect, especially the plot. It's no less convoluted than in "Menace," but it's somewhat easier to follow and more enticing. (I admit, I attribute most of my understanding of the plot to my ever-patient brother, because I played "20 Questions" with him virtually all throughout the picture.)
The characters are intertwined together nicely, and there are plenty of awesome action sequences that advance the plot rather than just serve as fancy CGI exhibitions. A spectacular chase sequence in which Obi-Wan and Anakin pursue an assassin through Coruscant, a neon-lit city complete with flying cars (think "The Fifth Element" done ten times better), leads into an investigation by Obi-Wan on who may have been responsible for the attempt on his life. It's a great subplot that plays like something out of "The X-Files." McGuinness - oops! - McGregor gives arguably the best performance of the picture, and he looks more at ease in the role this time around.

The sets and backgrounds are simply awesome, particularly the "Blade Runner"-like futuristic city of Coruscant. Obi-Wan battles Jango Fett (Temuera Morrison) on the rooftop of a unique apartment building somewhere on the planet Kamino, and in the pouring rain no less. Best of all is a spectacular dark red desert-type backdrop that Anakin zips through on a flying bike in his attempt to reunite with his long-lost mother, whom, as you may remember, he had been separated from in the previous film.
Much like the film itself, its centerpiece has improved with age as well. His hot-and-cold performance notwithstanding, Christensen is a major improvement over his pint-sized predecessor, who dragged the first film to occasional, mildly unwatchable levels. Anakin's spoiled-brat personality here is forgivable since we all know it's going to come into fruition in the third installment. A genuinely chilling and crucial turning point involving his character occurs late in the picture, and it definitely strikes a chord.

The witty sense of humor that went on hiatus in "Menace" is back in the form of C-3PO. Though his role is still somewhat insignificant to the storyline, he serves as the comic relief that surprisingly doesn't interfere with the intensity of the conclusion while adding a bit of levity. Best of all, Jar Jar Binks' role is mercifully shaved down. Meanwhile, it's slightly difficult to get excited over Christopher Lee's role as Count Dooku, because his screen time is considerably small, but it all pays off near the conclusion in a priceless showdown with none other than Yoda. Describing any of it here won't do it justice, nor would it be right.
Yes, fellow moviegoers, we can all breathe easier now. Everything is all right again in the Star Wars universe. One can only assume that the impending success of the "Harry Potter" and "Lord of The Rings" series lit a fire under Lucas' proverbial rear. Let's hope that this upswing is not coincidental, and that the third film will be even better. Heck, what's another three-year wait? 8/10