Movie Talks Archives

Posted by: urbanlegend23 at May 18, 2002, 10:54 pm

Topic: Reviews: Attack of the Clones Forum: JoBlo

"Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones" (2002) One of the year’s biggest films did not bode well for me. There were many reasons why I might’ve disliked it. I didn’t like the last instalment; the film opened to mediocre reviews and looked more like a cheesy love chick flick to me than a Star Wars movie. But, it’s still Star Wars so I had to see it. What did I think? I’ll tell you what I thought. This movie was marvellous! It’s a big improvement on Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. I found it very hard to find flaws in this movie, but I did find a couple that weighed it down a little in comparison to the other Star Wars films (meaning 4, 5 and 6 because this one is far better than Episode I!). The love dialogue was a little cheesy at times and the movie had some laughable scenes. One scene in particular was meant to be very emotional but it ended with a bit of an unintentional laugh. Spoilers I also didn’t like the scene where R2D2 “flies.” So that’s all that lowered this movie’s grade slightly. Some cheese and corn. However, we never fall short on the good stuff – the action. In my opinion, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace didn’t offer any brilliant action sequences (but the pod race was pretty impressive) but once again, Attack of the Clones improves on that level. There is a lot of action and some standout scenes. The clone war in the coliseum was one of my favourites – it used a variety of techniques and creatures to get you all excited. I remember my heart racing to terrific speeds during the chase to catch the culprit who had tried to kill Padme (Natalie Portman) near the start of the film. The special and visual effects during these incredibly filmed sequences are once again an improvement on The Phantom Menace. It doesn’t look too computerised – sure, in some scenes George Lucas can overdo it – and the set designs are immaculate. The sound and sound effects that go with the fights, duels and action sequences are extraordinary. I saw Attack of the Clones in a huge theatre and the sound was even more impressive there. The lightsaber sounds are still eerie and cool, the stomping and stamping sounds of the huge creatures are terrifying and the violent gun and sword sounds of the clone wars are better than ever. Acting in the film is yet another improvement on The Phantom Menace. Ewan McGregor is given a better part and more lines in this movie and he is definitely the young Obi-Wan Kenobi I pictured. Natalie Portman is also given a bigger part and she is gorgeous and subtle as Padme. Hayden Christensen is given some silly lines but he impressed me with his acting skills and expressive facials, he’s sure to become a big star. Mace Windu is a very easy role for Samuel L. Jackson; he waltzes through the role and is clearly enjoying his involvement in the force. Frank Oz is better than ever as Yoda, he has great and funny lines and his effort as the rockin’ character was terrific. Christopher Lee didn’t do anything special for me, and it was confusing me as to whether he was good, bad or a bit of both. Ian McDiarmid was annoying. Temuera Morrison is pretty good but he doesn’t give his most enthusiastic performance. And you don’t need to worry so much about Ahmed Best’s Razzie-winning portrayal of JarJar Binks, at times its even pretty funny, and he’s hardly in it thank God. George Lucas gets his direction spot-on with this movie. He puts atmosphere and effort into the sets and scenes. His “force” is definitely getting stronger once again. Lucas’s writing does have some reasonably corny dialogue, but it is paced perfectly, and leaves you on the edge of your seat. I liked it the way this instalment poked fun at the saga, if you look out for the hilarious and brilliantly designed alien near the end of the film who talks in the funniest voice you’re likely to ever hear you’ll realise what I’m talking about. Best of all, my favourite character of the entire series, Yoda, finally gets his justice here. He has lots of scenes, lines, sequences and he gets his own little duel with Christopher Lee! I loved it! It reminded me of why I started loving the series in the first place. Him pulling out that mini lightsaber…oh, man, that was too cool. I can’t think ol’ George enough for adding Yoda back into the magic after one measly little scene in The Phantom Menace. It’s cool the way he swapped JarJar with Yoda. See: Attack of the Clones - JarJar’s hardly in it, Yoda’s in it heaps. See: The Phantom Menace – JarJar’s in it heaps, Yoda’s hardly in it. Hoorah! The love story between Anakin and Padme is what was worrying me when I went into this film. I was thinking, oh dear, this is going to ruin the entire film. It doesn’t ruin the entire film. Sure, it’s very cheesy in scenes but I felt it developed Anakin and Padme’s characters a little further. It’s nice to see the Star Wars series is once again putting in that little amount of romantic spark for the ladies. Of course, the unforgettable romance between Han Solo and Princess Leia will never be bettered in this saga, but what’s the harm in trying? This was one fantastic and enjoyable flick that keeps your heart racing. The action sequences are brilliant, the acting’s good, the direction is awesome, the camera tricks and special effects are incredible and the sound vibrates through your entire body. If the script was maybe made a little less cheesy in some parts this movie would be pretty much perfect. Still, Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones is still damn impressive and definitely worth seeing if you’re a fan of the series – or not! A-

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