A fantastic but very flawed film.

Rating: 7/10 (16 May 2002)

Attack of the Clones gets better and better as you watch. There is a thread of suspense throughout most of the entire movie that is strengthened expertly. Hayden Christensen does a great job of portraying a very scary and troubled Anakin. While the movie is much darker than Episode I, there is a more playful and unrestrained feel to it (though, it is still not near the Han Solo days). C3P0 and Yoda steal the show.
My huge complaint is the pacing and construction. The movie really seems like a carnival procession of cool scenes, with little coherent transition. Thus, none of the scenes seems to have any consequence, and it seems way too unchallenging for the Jedi to hop around the galaxy and do whatever they want. Many things I would have liked to see developed were not. They tried to cram too much in, and show off too many visuals and special effects (which were often stunningly good). So it doesn't seem like you're following a story arc as you go along, but rather just riding a roller coaster, and many happenings seem very contrived and conveniently placed.
The dialogue is also spotty. (Two words: "Join me." Haven't we heard this before? Except, this time there is far less at stake, and the scene completely fizzles.)
That said, the story and characters and setting often have such great appeal that the many flaws are overcome, and I'd say you're in for a treat.