Film review: Star Wars Episode II (05/19/2002)

You can find my review of the new Star Wars movie below. Beware, there be spoilers.

Category: Film
Title: Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Director: George Lucas

Synopsis:
More of the backstory of the Star Wars universe is revealed. Obi-Wan Kenobi uncovers a plot against the Republic and other unsettling developments while Anakin and Padme become romantically entangled.

My thoughts:
Attack of the clones? Attack of the CLONES? Well, it's still a stupid name. (In fact, after seeing the film, it's both stupid and downright puzzling.) But George Lucas' newest installment in the Star Wars saga is thankfully head and shoulders above his first foray into prequels.

Much has been made of the usual Star Wars flaws: trite, sometimes painfully adolescent dialogue, annoying side-kick characters, and (mostly confined to the prequels) dreadful pop-culture references.. But after 5 movies of this, one really ought to either accept it as part of the experience or ditch the galaxy far, far away for an art film. The dialogue in Episode II is pretty bad, particularly when Anakin Skywalker(Hayden Christiensen) and Padme(Natalie Portman) become romantically involved. The sidekicks have their usual annoying puns, though the dreaded Jar-Jar is mostly MIA and the traditional droid comic relief is actually pretty funny in spots. But it's nothing we haven't seen before. So let's focus on why this particular episode is an enjoyable one.

The most dramatic about face from the previous film (The Phantom Menace) comes in the form of a semi-intangible: art style. Episode One's special effects and art design were woefully sloopy, making the effects impressive, but not impressING. Episode II's effects are dramatic, artistically consistent, and downright gorgeous in spots. You get the feeling that they were ready for this one, and they had a lot more fun with it. The computer-generated characters are excellent, particularly the eerily beautiful cloners, and the special effects set pieces (including the staples: a high speed aerial chase, a space-fighter duel, and an all-out invasion) feel a little less like technology demos and a little more like the thrilling rides they're supposed to be. Even the fairly static images of Naboo are more vibrant than before. Kudos to the presumably massive force of people who put the effects together: this year they actually DESERVE an Academy nod.

The plot of the film is also a big improvement. This is mainly due to an increased emphasis on linking the prequel timeline and the classic films. It's much easier to see how the events of this film will lead to the rise of the Empire and the downfall of the Jedi, and this gives the film the kind of mild resonance that Episode One lacked. And I have to bow my head and give Mr. Lucas some points: the way in which the clones were introduced and used in this film honestly surprised me. I had expected them to wear the black hats (and presumably they will).

And what of the central character in these films, the present Anakin Skywalker and future Darth Vader? He's a jerk. And that's great! Anakin's not a brave, noble guy warped by forces beyond his control. He's a slimy, self-centered pud who ends up snaring a nice girl the way slimy guys usually do: brooding intensity, coupled with an almost stalker-like obsession. Anakin has a lot of the youthful whine of Luke, but with a real mean streak. And he's already closer to Palpatine (who does a great job of pulling the strings in this one) than you'd like.

Low points in the film? The CG yoda is a little disappointing, though it's quite interesting to see his (slightly) younger, more dynamic self. Our favorite Fetts don't get much screen time, and seem like they're mainly there for fan service. The romance is pretty clunky, and the actors are as wooden as ever. But Star Wars has never been great cinema. The Star Wars films aim to entertain with a mix of pulp SF and a pseudo-mystical fantasy, and this film does a pretty good job of that. The highest praise I have to give: I'm actually looking forward to the next one.