While hampered by bad acting and dialogue, there are some entertaining moments in Episode 2 that make it significantly better than Episode 1, "The Phantom Menace."

Star Wars fanatics may still regard George Lucas as an immovable icon, but after Episode 1, many of us are powerfully aware of his eroding feet of clay. In an attempt to be more objective and just in case some of the sticky awfulness of "The Phantom Menace" was corrupting my vision, I waited a week after seeing Star Wars Episode 2 and then saw it again before writing this review. Even so, comparisons to "Phantom Menace" are inevitable.

"Attack of the Clones" takes place 10 years after "The Phantom Menace," describing the events that take the Republic to the war that presumably leads to the creation of the Galactic Empire from the earlier Star Wars trilogy. While Obi-Wan Kenobi chases after a bounty hunter and uncovers a plot between the Trade Federation and other secessionists, a young and troubled Anakin Skywalker is assigned to guard Senator Amidala, the former queen from Episode 1 (played by Natalie Portman).

The first half of the movie feels painfully slow-moving. There is a car-chase through a futuristic city that travels high in the air and twists through buildings, but doesn't manage to be exciting. Scenes use the same sliding door effect to fade in and out so often that it is viscerally disquieting.

Just like Episode 1, George Lucas has cast a lead actor who can't act. Hayden Christensen is unable to convey any deep emotion in a role that demands range. Initially, Christensen's Anakin Skywalker seems to be no more than a petulant whining punk, already corrupted by the dark side of the force, and the character simply does not evolve from there. Sadly, this film is very much about Anakin. It is largely due to his frequent presence on the screen that the movie fails to take off.

Natalie Portman is a pretty girl, and her costumes complement her beautifully, but her performance is lackluster. Her lines are typically delivered in the same tone of voice, regardless of the context and she might as well be speaking in front of a high school class as participating in a love scene or action scene in this movie. What hurts while watching her is that I know that she can do better than this.

Samuel L. Jackson's character finally shows some edge in this movie, and George Lucas has wisely given him more screen time than in "Phantom Menace." Unfortunately, while Jackson manages to deliver his lines with zest, he can't save the bland dialogue.

R2-D2 and C-3PO are obviously meant to provide comedy relief, but do not.

There are some good things about this film. This is the first time that I can recall seeing such versatility from Ewan McGregor. His portrayal of Obi-Wan Kenobi has ripened tremendously. At last, there seems to be a connection between the young Kenobi and the familiar Sir Alec Guinness character. Throughout Episode 2, McGregor was the single compelling reason to like any part of this film.

The visuals are beautiful. The images of cities and skylines, of fields and waterfalls, of planets and asteroids are stunningly portrayed. Several action scenes are more interesting for their computer-rendered 3-D environment than for their context in the story. If all that you want from a film is special effects, then you won't be disappointed by Star Wars Episode 2.

There is one scene where Yoda fights Christopher Lee that is slightly entertaining (more entertaining if you recognize Lee as Saruman, the villain from "The Fellowship of the Ring"), but the scene is too short and too predictable to redeem the movie.

Jedi are more respectable than they have been recently. There are no more references to the scientific origins of The Force, and there are instances where Jedi begin to resemble the heroes that we might have imagined before "Phantom Menace" toppled them to dim-witted caricatures.

Jar Jar has a minimal role, but he's still there. 'Nuff said.

This movie has value. It is better than "Phantom Menace" in myriad ways. If you were a Star Wars fan disappointed by Episode 1, then "Attack of the Clones" may give you a new hope for Episode 3.

Rating: 2.5 Happy Macs out of 5

Starring Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen, Christopher Lee, Samuel L. Jackson, Kenny Baker, Anthony Daniels, Frank Oz
Directed by: George Lucas
Written by: George Lucas and Jonathan Hales
Studio: 20th Century Fox

 

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Give me a break! It was a 3 out of 5... OK, maybe 2.75 out of 5. The wipes are classic SW transitions. As tired as they are, it wouldn't be Star Wars without them. I wish the Yoda fight scene was longer, but it was good to finally see Yoda kick butt. My complaint there is that the stuff before the lightsabre dual WAS TOO predictable and cliche.I have to agree on your point about Ewan. Also, though we've seen Ms. Portman do a great job in outher movies, your criticisms are on target. Same with S. Jackson. Hayden is another matter. I think he is a better actor than what we see here. In fact... I think that's the problem with all of the acting... it's not them -- it's the director. Lucas has lost his touch (but then again, looking back did he really have it to begin with?) This is a far better movie than Episode I, and I would have to say that I enjoyed it far more than VI (Jedi). But IV (SW) and V (Empire) are still the best. One last note. The 3D work outstanding and far better here than Episode I, but those stupid shiny metal Naboo ships still suck, especially when they land on Tatooine. TOO CLEAN & SHINEY guys! The reflections don't look real on them.

Posted by: Who Me on May 25, 2002 02:33 PM

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I thought Episode I was okay, but this movie really was an improvement. The action was great. Very fast moving, but the middle was a bore!!

3 Stars.

Posted by: Ants in Pants on May 25, 2002 10:16 PM

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It sucked like the first one. Too long. Go rent Empire. Even Yoda sucked. I want my money back.

Posted by: NabooYaboo on May 26, 2002 01:40 AM