Lucas improves after "Phantom Menace"...

Rating: 7/10 (11 May 2005)

I have to admit, George Lucas has done better with "Attack Of The Clones" (though the title reeks of cheesy 50's sci-fi). While "The Phantom Menace" was style without substance, "Attack Of The Clones" delves deeper into the story, with Anakin drifting closer towards the Dark Side.
I will start by saying I love the look of this movie. It seems that the darker storyline shows through the visuals. Every world depicted in this film mirrors the atmosphere of the plot. Even Naboo, previously a sunny, colorful planet, always seems covered in shadow, except when Anakin and Padme are growing closer together (moments of happiness in an otherwise dreary time). The world of Kamino, an ocean planet that would normally be a gorgeous blue marble, is constantly racked by raging storms. Its as if even the galaxy seems to predict its inevitable suffering.
I wasn't as put off by the acting in this film. While some of it remains very wooden, there were some worthwhile performances this time around. I have come to believe that Ewan McGregor was probably the best choice to portray the young Obi-Wan Kenobi. The best performances in this film come from supporting stars Samuel L. Jackson, Ian McDiarmid, and Christopher Lee. I only have two problems with the casting in this movie: Hayden Christensen and the CGI Yoda. I just can't stand Christensen's acting in this film. While he is supposed to portray Anakin Skywalker as an angst-ridden teenager, he comes off as more of a pouting child. It seems as if he is more suitable for a teen-drama on the WB than as the man who is to become one of the most fearsome villains in movie history. As for Yoda, I just miss the puppet. I understand CGI is needed for scenes where there is a lot of movement, but I think the puppet worked best for close-ups and such. Maybe I am just nostalgic.
The plot is thicker in this film compared to "The Phantom Menace" and drags at points, but there is always something right around the corner to pick it back up and drag you in. If Lucas keeps improving at this rate, I can't wait to see what happens with "Revenge Of The Sith".