"Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones" Film Review

"Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones" Film Review

Rating: 2/5

By: Nathaniel Simpson

    "Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones" has some amazing visuals. From the various fight scenes to the space travel, it is a very beautifully made film. However, with that being said, the visuals can't save this movie from the boring, political-filled mess it is. 

    The movie starts off really well. There is an assassination attempt on Senator Padme Amidala (Natalie Portman)'s life. Two Jedi's, Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and his Padawan, Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen), are assigned to protect her. When another assassination attempt happens right in front of them, they decide Padme is not safe in the capital. Obi-Wan is assigned to find the person leading the assassinations, while Anakin is ordered to take Padme to her home planet of Naboo to keep her safe. 

    While on Naboo, Anakin and Padme realize their true feelings for one another. What follows is some of the most horribly written and uncomfortable dialogue on screen.  Anakin tries to express his love for the young senator, yet creeps everyone out that is watching. We can't blame Christensen for this as he tried his best to deliver the horrible dialogue written by Lucas and Jonathan Hales. This is the only Star Wars prequel co-written by Hales, so maybe it really isn't Lucas's fault for ruining the prequels. 

    Like mentioned above, the visuals are excellent in the film. I love the opening scene where the two Jedi's chase the bounty hunter through the capital city. It keeps you on the edge of your seat and the action is just stellar. I also thoroughly enjoyed the Battle of Genosis, which is the main reason for the Clone Wars that followed. The fighting is just amazingly directed by Lucas, and uses most of the Jedi's in the temple in this scene. 

    I thought the final battle of Anakin and Obi-Wan vs. Count Dukoo was a huge letdown. They get the crap kicked out of them, and then Yoda comes and saves the day. We get to see how powerful Yoda is, but it only lasts for a couple minutes as Dukoo escapes like a coward. It didn't seem like a normal Star Wars  cinematic ending, especially it being the main fight of the film. 

    Overall, I think Lucas really missed the mark on this movie. I'm not sure exactly what he was trying to aim for, but it obviously didn't work. I'm just happy he got his head straight and made the next movie in the prequel trilogy, which is absolutely amazing and possibly features the best lightsaber battle in any of the Star Wars films.