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Attack of the Clones

Starring: Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen
Director: George Lucas
Genre: Science Fiction
Year: 2002
Rating: 4 / 5

During a great many reviews of Attack of the Clones, the latest Star Wars offering put forth by creator George Lucas, films in the franchise are referred to as "critic-proof." As was proven during the release of The Phantom Menace three years prior, no amount of critical bashing can dissuade loyal Star Wars fans from turning out in droves to support their heroes. Sure enough, Attack of the Clones generated just north of $110 million over its opening four days, setting weekday box office records and producing the third-best opening weekend in history. Invariably, the film is compared to its immediate predecessor, as well as the three original Star Wars films, and, right or wrong, this will always be the standard to which Lucas is held. Fortunately, Attack of the Clones handles the comparison quite well.

There will never be another Star Wars, as the original Lucas offering revolutionized film-making and enchanted fans for decades. The ability to appreciate films like The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones rests in the recognition of this fact, as well as the awareness that predecessors of the original film owe a great debt to it. It has often been said that, while Star Wars can stand alone as a film, The Phantom Menace can only exist as part of the series. The same is true for Attack of the Clones, for, as Yoda would say, a stand-alone film it is not. Attack of the Clones, like The Phantom Menace before it, succeeds because it takes a group of well-known, well-liked characters and furthers their growth while continuing their adventures.

Ten years after the defeat of the Trade Federation blockade of the planet Naboo, there is much unrest in the galaxy. Supreme Chancellor Palpatine and the Senate worry about a new threat to the Republic, a growing resistance movement led by the former Jedi Count Dooku. Factions within the Senate propose the creation of an Army of the Republic, as the Jedi alone cannot defend the Republic against this possible danger. Senator Amidala (Natalie Portman), former queen of Naboo, is dispatched to Coruscant for a key Senate vote when an assassination attempt is made on her life. Sensing a possible connection between the forthcoming vote and the attempt on Amidala's life, the Jedi Council orders young Anakin Skywalker to return to Naboo as Amidala's protection. In the meantime, Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) will investigate the plot itself, searching for any influence from the Dark Side of the Force.

Just as The Empire Strikes Back represented a departure of sorts from the original Star Wars, focusing more on the characters themselves and some developing relationships, so, too, does Attack of the Clones take the series in a new direction. As director George Lucas has said on numerous occasions, the second prequel is more of a love story, focusing on the blossoming relationship between rebellious Anakin and the strong-willed Amidala. As their union will eventually lead to the birth of Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa in the later (or earlier, depending upon one's perspective) films, Lucas wisely sheds some light on the beginnings of their bond. Yet while we watch these two draw closer and closer to each other, we begin to see the early signs of Anakin's anger, distrust, and, eventually, hatred.

With each film in the ever-expanding Star Wars series, George Lucas faces the impossible demands of his viewing public. While he must satisfy the legions of die-hard fans who have played this series out in the minds for decades, he must also be able to bring new fans into the fold. His story is meant for young and old fans alike, a fact that on numerous occasions has come to disappoint certain factions. Fortunately, Lucas knows the story he wishes to tell, and he is true to his own vision. Admittedly, Attack of the Clones is a film which has significantly more meaning to fans of the series than it does to the casual movie-goer, even if both sides may have quibbles with the finished product. Ultimately, George Lucas knows how to spin an engrossing yarn, taking us on another journey through time and space, leaving his fans eagerly pining for the next adventure.

Cast:

Certification: Rated PG.
Running Time: 142 minutes.

Additional Info: Internet Movie Database
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