Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
2002/Science Fiction/PG
Stars: **** Explanation of ratings
Rivals quality of original trilogy. C-3PO sucks.
I approached Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones carefully, anxious to see if Lucas learned any lessons from Episode I: The Phantom Menace. I can tell you without reservation that he did. While the special effects were magnificent, they were merely a wrapper for plot and character development. There is far less romance than the film�s �Forbidden Love� trailer suggested. The level of violence pushes the PG envelope at times. Shortening two or three specific scenes would have reduced the film�s nearly two-and-a-half hours without harming its flow.
Fans of the original trilogy will appreciate how many future plot elements come together in Clones elegantly. In fact, it complements the original trilogy so well that Phantom Menace is almost without purpose in the series. Yes, Jar-Jar is still present, but he plays a minor role, no longer a bumbling fool. Instead, C-3PO is the disappointing comic relief of Clones, and his antics account for the film�s stupidest moments.
My only other criticism is that the plot is cluttered, much like Phantom Menace. The action bounces from place to place almost as often as a James Bond flick, and even 007 himself would find the intrigue difficult to sort out. Just remember that it all makes sense in the end.
Ultimately, though, Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones is a fantastic movie. Its components come together well. The plot is exciting. There are plenty of developed characters. The surprises keep coming. To Clones, I give the third-best compliment possible: it is better than Return of the Jedi, but not better than Star Wars or The Empire Strikes Back.
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