An interesting Bridge for the Prequel Trilogy

Rating: 6/10 (29 August 2012)

Like Star Wars Episode V, Attack of the Clones doesn't really introduce many pivotal characters that will appear throughout the entire series, it mainly develops the characters that already exist such as Anakin and Obi Wan, Yoda, Mace Windu, Padme Amidala and so forth. This film mainly demonstrates Anakin's path towards darkness and how events in this film drag him closer and closer to the evil that he will become. The acting is certainly upgraded from the previous Star Wars movie, with Anakin being the more emotional and hate filled adult who has many conflicting emotions including the fear of losing his loved ones, his secret love for Padme and the hatred and anger that develops throughout the film, thereby following word for word Yoda's teachings of Episode's I and V. And do I need to mention the fact that there is little to no Jar Jar Binks in this movie?
The film begins on Coruscant, with Senator Amidala's Royal Ship arriving at a Landing Platform, however, the ship is blown up by an unseen assassin. Padme is however disguised as one of the fighter pilots and her bodyguard disguised as her is killed in the blast. After meeting with the Chancellor, it is decreed that Jedi Master Obi Wan Kenobi and his Apprentice Anakin Skywalker will be assigned as her bodyguards. Almost immediately, a relationship brews between Anakin and Padme, but it is against the teachings of the Jedi for them to be in love as it results in fear for their loss and begins a path to the Dark Side. That evening however, the assassin's try to kill her again, this time with poisonous centipede like creatures. Sensing their presence, the two Jedi quickly dispatch the vicious creatures and after a long Speeder chase through the city, the pair eventually catch up with the would-be assassin, but she is quickly killed by a mysterious figure which jet-packs away before she can give away who hire her. The next day, Obi Wan takes the poisonous dart to a former Prospector and Diner Chef named Dax, who identifies it as a Kamino Sabre Dart. Meanwhile, Anakin and Padme are advised to leave for Naboo disguised as peasants for safety and the pair slowly begin to express their love for one another. Meanwhile, Obi Wan eventually finds the Planet Kamino and find that they are creating a mysterious Clone Army that was apparently ordered by one of the Jedi Master's. The design of the Clone Troopers is based on that of a resident Bounty Hunter named Jango Fett, and his Cloned son Boba Fett. Whilst attempting to capture Jango, a small fist-fight ensues and Jango escapes, but not before Obi Wan can place a tracker on this ship. Meanwhile, Anakin's fear for the loss of his mother escalates to a peak and the pair fly off to Tatooine to find her, where it is revealed that she has been captured by a group of Tuscan Raiders. Disobeying his orders from the Council, Anakin sets out to find her. Meanwhile, Obi Wan follows Jango Fett to the Planet Geonosis, where after a small skirmish in the Asteroid Belt orbiting the planet, he manages to sneak onto the planet surface and begins to investigate the Trade Federation presence on the Planet. Meanwhile, Anakin eventually finds the Tuscan Village and his mother who has been brutally tortured by the savages. After dying in his arms, Anakin gives into his anger and slaughters the lot of them. Meanwhile, Obi Wan discovers that the assassinations were planned by the former Trade Federation Viceroy from the previous episode with the help of Qui Gon's former Master Count Dooku, who is planning to make another Droid Army to conquer the Republic. Whilst relaying his message to the Council, Obi Wan is captured and so Anakin and Padme take it upon themselves to rescue him. Will they be able to save him in time? Who will stop this evil droid army? Only the film holds the key to the truth...
It is an interesting film but certainly one of the weaker ones. Indeed many pivotal characters such as Boba Fett and Count Dooku are introduced, but it is mainly based on the development of the previously introduced characters and thereby bridging the gap between Episode I and Episode III. Again, a really good film for the kids and certainly an enjoyable watch.