Editorial
Telling it as it is!
Star Wars Episode II Attack of the Clones
Its 3:30 am, Thursday 16th, I'm very tired and in five hours I'm going to
see Episode II again and I can't wait!
The midnight showing in Leicester was a sell out with many (myself included)
dressed as their favorite characters from the saga!
Dressed as Luke Skywalker (ALA Empire Strikes Back) complete with
Yoda backpack I sat down at midnight to witness the single greatest cinematic
spectacle since 1983s Return of the Jedi.
After the disappointing Episode I The Phantom Menace, Attack
of the Clones brings the Star Wars saga back the way that ....Menace
should have.
Attack of the Clones is a sprawling spectacular which is as funny
as it is exciting. This is movie making at its best with an incredible story
great characters and two of the greatest battle sequences ever committed
to film.
Ewan McGregor is spot on as Obi-Wan while newcomer Hayden Christensen Anakin
hits the mark as the early signs of Anakin's dark side emerge while his
chemistry with Natalie Portman's Padme makes for some of the most touching
moments since Han and Leia on bored the Falcon in Empire.
The plot is heavily political the heavily politic but the gist is this;
The Jedi are losing their power there is dysfunction in the galaxy with
the formation of a Separatist movement. When a plot is uncovered after an
assassination attempt on Padme, Anakin and Obi-Wan are assigned to protect
her. They uncover her assassin only to be drawn into a bigger plot which
will eventually lead to Supreme Chancellor Palpatine taking full control
of the Senate and a clone army which will eventually become the Empire in
episode III.
The set piece battle is incredible with Samuel L Jackson's Mace Windu leading the remaining Jedi on a rescue mission to save Anakin, Padme and Obi-Wan.
To reveal any more would ruin the film but the last 45 minutes along are worth the price of admission even if you have never seen a Star Wars film before. As not only do you get the greatest lightsabre battle, a war between the Trade Federation and Clone Troopers but to seal the deal you get to see Jedi Master Yoda take on Christopher Lee's Count Dooku.
The Dooku/Yoda battle is just breathtaking as Yoda shows why he's the baddest Jedi in the galaxy.
This movie really is a 'star wars' as for the first time you see a real war as opposed to a group of rebels taking on an evil empire.
One of the highlights of this movie for me is the love story between Anakin and Padme with Anakin stumbling as he tries to win the affections of Senator Padme Amidala, former Queen of Naboo. The dialogue, all though not the best in the world just has that something that makes the romance so special and the chemistry between Portman and Christensen is electrifying.
Fans of the Bounty Hunters will not be disappointed as not only do you get newcomer Zam Wesell but also Jango Fett and his infamous son Boba. The relationship between Jango Fett and Boba and the back story to Boba makes you understand why Boba is held with such respect as a Bounty Hunter in the later movies.
Overall this is the event movie of the year and reaffirms why Star Wars has such a solid fan base.
RATING: *****+ The Force is definitely with this one.