SPOILERS "Attack of the Clones" more than makes up for "The PhantomMenace"

Rating: 10/10 (7 May 2002)

If you were one of those people who asked "why George why?" after leaving "Star Wars Episode I - The Phantom Menace" then let me tell you this........
ALL IS RIGHT IN THE WORLD ONCE AGAIN!!!!!!!!
George Lucas has delivered us an amazing movie that will bring all of those lost sheep back to the galaxy that we thought was so far, far away. He has taken this story that many of us hold so dear and has added this newest chapter in grand form. As he has said in the months and years leading up to "Episode II - Attack of the Clones" that this film is the love story of the new trilogy, well George, I believe with this movie you will make us all fall in love with your universe and its characters once again.
"Attack of the Clones" is set ten years after "The Phantom Menace" and we find Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi sent to protect former Queen of Naboo, now Senator Padme Amidala. An attempt has been made on her life and the Jedi's are sent in to make sure nothing happens to her.
After another attempt to distinguish the Senator from this world, Obi-Wan is instructed to find out who is behind these attacks. While Anakin is put in sole charge of taking care of Amidala.
After ten years apart there is much different between Anakin and Amidala. Anakin has had a ten year long crush on her and she has noticed that he is now a young man.
This movie has three major pieces that it follows, the love story between Anakin and Amidala, the detective work of Obi-Wan and the creation of the Clone army.
The main crux is the telling of how Anakin wants to be the greatest Jedi of all time and feels he is being held back. As we watch his growth we understand why Obi-Wan wants to keep him at bay. Anakin is like most young men, he thinks he can do anything and doesn't want anyone to tell him differently. The romance between Anakin and Amidala feels real and Lucas takes the time to build it instead of just having him show up and suddenly they fall in love. Hayden Christensen who plays Anakin is going to be a force (pardon the pun) in Hollywood, he shows he has some serious acting chops. He takes the role of Anakin and is able to show all the emotions needed to begin the transformation from young Jedi apprentice into the ultimate evil known as Darth Vader. Natalie Portman does a much better job than the mono-toned performance in "The Phantom Menace", she is not just a figure head this time around, she still gets to go through a million hair styles and wardrobe changes but she also takes in a lot of action and now we can see where Princess Leia got her focus and drive.
The part of the story in which Obi-Wan is in search of the man behind the curtain is done in old-fashioned mystery novel style. We have our hero looking for clues and following leads when all of a sudden another door opens. How does Obi-Wan use the force to tell him which way to go, which lead to follow and what choice to make when he gets to the dreaded fork in the road. Ewan McGregor is more and more like the late Sir Alec Guiness, he is becoming Obi-Wan Kenobi. Once again here Lucas with the help of Jonathan Hales has written a wonderful character and let McGregor explore his way to the core of Obi-Wan.
The final piece of the film is the making of the clone army. We find out how, why and by whom these clones were made. Lucas lays it all out and places pieces of information throughout that as a movie goer we will have to discover. He answers questions but then asks some more. We are introduced to the mysterious Count Dooku who holds they keys to much more than anyone knows.
"Attack of the Clones" more than makes up for anything lost is "The Phantom Menace" and is in the league of the original "Star Wars" and "The Empire Strikes Back". It is full of amazing techniques and special effects, it is a beautiful film to watch and as always the sound is great. John Williams has outdone himself again with the score and packs it with emotion by harking back to music used in the original trilogy.
I can't say enough about this movie, the crowd is was with cheered as Jedi Master Yoda had his greatest scenes ever and I won't tell you what happens because I would not be able to give it justice.C-3PO and R2-D2 are back in full force and C-3PO steals the scenes that he is in. Jango Fett plays a key role as well as his son Boba, Samuel L. Jackson as Jedi Master Mace Windu is not wasted this time around and yes Jar Jar Binks makes his return. But just watch and see how the weak minded Jar Jar Binks is used and you will be able to understand how such a strange character can change the galaxy.
Today is Tuesday May 7, 2002 and I can hardly wait until May 16th when I can have the honor to be able to see the great movie "Star Wars, Episode II - Attack of the Clones" once again.
In case you forgot, this movie will make us all remember that the FORCE runs strong through George Lucas.