The much-anticipated “Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones” hits theaters today, and it is well worth the wait.
Writer/director George Lucas redeems himself with this newest chapter in the prequel trilogy that incorporates high-tech special effects and great storytelling with a finesse that far surpasses his lukewarm film, “Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace.”
Modeled after “The Empire Strikes Back,” “Attack of the Clones” is much richer and darker than its recent predecessor and even rivals the artistry of the classic “Star Wars” trilogy.
The events of “Attack of the Clones,” set 10 years after “Phantom Menace,” explore the budding romance between Anakin Skywalker (played by Hayden Christensen) and Padmé Amidala (played by Natalie Portman) and the beginning of Anakin’s turn to the dark side.
This is the dark romantic chapter of the prequel trilogy, but like its predecessor, it is a love story that unfolds under the strain of a developing war.
Those wary of the romantic aspects in this movie need not fear. The love story does not distract from the action, and after all, Luke and Leia have to come from somewhere.
The state of the Republic goes from bad to worse in “Attack of the Clones.” The movie is riddled with subplots and surprises that pull the characters and the audience on a wild ride to several planets to thwart a multitude of
enemies. The feeling of being out of control comes across well on the screen.
By far, the most entertaining scene in the entire movie is the lightsaber duel between Yoda (voiced by Frank Oz) and Count Dooku (played by Christopher Lee). Don’t let the cane fool you. Yoda morphs from the aging, Zen-like philosopher to a rockin’ bad-ass warrior in this scene.
The animation team recreated Yoda as an entirely digital character, but unlike the much-hated Jar Jar Binks, the animators have done an outstanding job digitizing the ancient Jedi master. They paid special detail to Yoda and added many of the idiosyncrasies of the puppet. Yoda remains lifelike but has even more maneuverability and facial expressions that allow for probably the most entertaining lightsaber duel in the history of the Republic.
Lightsaber duels abound in “Attack of the Clones.” The usually pacifist Jedi can’t go anywhere without getting into some kind of trouble in this movie. Dozens of Jedi clash with a droid army against the backdrop of a large Roman-style coliseum. The contrast of ancient ruins and modern technology combined with the energy of the scene sets pulses racing.
The design team also deserves props for making Coruscant look like a real city. Instead of simply having flying vehicles whiz by a window as in “Phantom Menace,” the characters actually interact with the scenery. They have added details such as billboard advertisements and news broadcasts that give a richness to the vast fantasy city.
Finding fault in “Attack of the Clones” is not an easy task. Although some of the politics in the movie may be hard to follow because of new enemies and various subplots, the confusion legitimizes the political feud — politics are confusing. Besides, anyone who has seen the classic trilogy knows how the war ends.
There are also some scenes that do not flow well with the story, and on the surface they may seem gratuitous. The scene where Anakin’s mother Shmi Skywalker dies seems choppy and almost unnecessary. But we have to remember that his mother needs to die in order to help push Anakin down the path to the dark side. And the scene gives Anakin a reason to meet the Lars, who will later become Luke’s Aunt Beru and Uncle Owen.
“Attack of the Clones” has something for everyone — action, comedy, romance, drama. It is not geared toward any one age group or gender, and it’s wide-based appeal will no doubt connect with many audiences.