Fantastic fantasy - back to what Star Wars should be

Rating: 10/10 (13 May 2002)

Great fun, stunning effects, self-referencing humour, less Jar-Jar, exciting set pieces, Jango Fett and little son Boba, action galore and the trademark dodgy, unintentional sexual innuendo abound dialogue - this is what a Star Wars film should be.
While not in the league of Empire the film comes close to matching the glee with which generations have met the original Star Wars film, only falling short because 25 years of expectation and obsession don't allow Attack Of The Clones to match the originality of A New Hope in 1977. That said I don't see how any Star Wars fan, whether an obsessive fanatic or simply someone who has always just enjoyed the films as fun entertainment, could not like this film. With none of the flaws that Phantom Menace was accused of, even the scaled-down Jar Jar is less irritating, the film bodes well for Episode III.
Ewan McGregor is now much more comfortable as Obi-Wan and appears to be enjoying himself more. Natalie Portman looks stunning in an array of fanciful costumes. Hayden Christensen gives the sense of hidden anger you need in a character with his destiny. Christopher Lee continues to corner the market in fantasy saga villains - all those whispering "It's Saruman" to their friends will spend The Two Towers saying "Look it's Dooku".
Best of all however are the brilliant Ian McDiarmid as Chancellor Palpatine - the growth of this character was the best thing in Phantom Menace and is continued to great effect here - and the wonderful CG Yoda. I will not go into details but this film will leave you knowing why Yoda is THE jedi master after a scene that is, quite frankly, the crowning glory of the saga. It has been worth being a Star Wars fan for 25 years just for this scene. It is the pay-off with which George Lucas has rewarded his legions of followers.
Keep it up George, we now look forward to 2005 with renewed enthusiasm. See this film as soon as you can, it won't leave you disillusioned in the way Phantom Menace did many people. Attack Of The Clones is a wonderful entertainment, book your tickets today!