Rating: 
Summary: "Star Wars" is fun again
Review: Though not perfect, "Star Wars:Episode II-Attack Of The Clones" is a MAJOR improvement over the uninspired"Episode I-The Phantom Menace". The first film to be shot entirely with digital cameras,"Clones" is gorgeous to look at, particularly scenes of a battle between Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi(a bearded Ewan MacGregor)and bounty hunter Jango Fett on the rainy planet of Kamino."Clones" succeeds where "Phantom Menace" didn't by darkening the tone of the characters, notably the slow descent into evil by Anakin Skywalker, the Jedi who we all know will become Darth Vader in Episode III. Hayden Christensen(also seen as Kevin Kline's junkie son in the small film"Life As A House")effectively shows how Anakin's guilt and personal loss will ultimately transform him into Vader. Where Christensen doesn't click are in the scenes with Natalie Portman, returning as Padme Amidala.She's gorgeous, but neither she nor Christensen make their love story feel all too convincing, especially since they haven't seen each other in ten years, yet fall in love almost immediately. Their relationship is secondary to the main plot of "Clones", in which Obi -Wan Kenobi discovers that a former Jedi turned separatist(Christopher Lee, who's great in a small role) secretly ordered the construction of a clone army ten years earlier.This army is cloned from the likeness of Jango Fett, and at least in this film, come to the aid of the Jedi in a spectacular final 45 minute climax, better than any battle sequence in the entire series. The much talked about lightsaber duel pitting Yoda(who's all CGI now and looks terrific) versus Lee's Count Dooku delivers the goods,although I wish it had lasted longer. Essentially, "Attack Of The Clones" ranks third best in the "Star Wars" saga, but it rivals "The Empire Strikes Back" in it's dark mood, and you won't get better special effects in a movie ths year. This film gets four stars, or a letter grade of A-. It has me clamoring for "Episode III" already!
Rating: 
Summary: I really wanted to hate this movie
Review: After the horror that was The Phantom Menace, which I own for those insomina plagued nights, I knew that I was going to hate this movie. I read the bad reviews and I knew that I'd agree with them. But, I was dragged to see it and I knew that it would be a grim few hours.This is one case where I'm glad that I was totally wrong. I liked the movie so much that I've been back to see it again. The acting, that many have cited as dry, was appropriate to the setting and the circumstances of the film. I really didn't expect to see cheerful and lively characters in a story about an impending civil war. The romance, although muted, was appropriate for two very young characters who probably have never had much experience with romance to begin with. The middle was mostly talk and no action. I like a film that takes it's time and lets itself develop, instead of assaulting the viewer with non stop action and little plot or character development. I really felt that it was essential to the film to have the characters talk, as this is the installment of the series that starts to explain why Anakin becomes Darth Vader and why the Republic falls. I wish they'd actually developed them a little more, personally. Hayden Christiansen delivered a solid performance as a moody, confused kid. The fact that he wasn't overly eloquent helped me to believe that the cute kid in PM could actually turn into the nasty guy that I believed was hiding in my closet when I was growing up. Natalie Portman again reminded me why she's one of my favorite actresses. She was able to blend the strong assertive side of her character with an almost maternal caring for Anakin. Ewan McGregor and his dialogue tied in the shame that Obi-Wan displayed in the later episodes toward Darth Vader and the driving desire to rectify his mistakes. The special effects were dazzling. The seismic charges blew me away (by far the best sound effect that I've heard in a while), the speeder chase was amazing and the set design was just beautiful. And seeing lightsabres glowing throughout an arena was a childhood dream of mine. There were a few flaws, but overall, it was fantastic.
Rating: 
Summary: It needed more training...
Review: STAR WARS EPISODE TWO: ATTACK OF THE CLONES didn't exactly spark the kindling of my imagination into roaring conflagration. I still believe in the Force, of course, I am still a disciple of the Lucasian mythos, but I must generate criticism which is consistent with what I saw, not only to exercise my right to do so, but to fulfill my obligation as a moviegoer. If one were to make an attempt at isolation of the main infectious agent responsible for the underachieving nature of the film, it is possible that one would see on the microscope slide a nasty bug of self-conscious hubris; for it seems impossible to dismiss a sense of a solipsistic attitude throughout the presentation, a sort of this-is-Star-Wars-so-people-will-like-it viewpoint. After all, Star Wars retains an incredibly large amount of inherent brand equity to its credit. It is therefore seeable that Mr. Lucas might have taken a nonchalant approach to the generation of the flow-sheet for not only the plot of the film, but its essential foundation in terms of ambience and characters. But the faults within CLONES are not only due to its resting-on-laurels manner; as stated, we have the related sin of excessive pride, which made itself known mostly through the performances of the actors. Most of it was a bludgeoning, ponderous, trying-too-hard recitation of the lines, the people involved were too aware that they were in a Star Wars movie, and thus overshot this inflection and exaggerated that enunciation, trying to sound regally dramatic when a looser tone would have been more suiting (the same thing happened with Ford and Hamil's portrayals of their respective characters in RETURN OF THE JEDI as opposed to A NEW HOPE). There were some nicely done sequences, but I got a feeling of déjà during a few instances, in particular the speeder-chase scene near the beginning- I felt this was too close to the podrace event in MENACE. There is nothing wrong with a repetition of specific devices under different guises; but if you use the same formula, be sure to alter the variables enough to make it interesting. And there were certain conceptual things in the film which did not rest comfortably with me. Let me give one example which will not ruin the experience for anyone who has yet to catch the subject under discussion: Boba Fett. Just about everyone knows that the origins of the most infamous bounty hunter is unraveled, we see the anti-hero himself as the dutiful son of Jango Fett, a loving boy who respects his dad dearly and wants to be just like him. Only problem is, do I really want to see the ruffian loner as some sweet, innocent child? Do I really want to delve into his familial background? Doesn't this spoil the whole persona for the hardened fan of the jetpack-wearing, Mandolorian-armored amoral predator of Han Solo? I have to answer yes on all counts. It's like Darth Vader vs. Young Annikin Skywalker; many people have talked about the dubious worth of focusing on Vader as a youngster, preferring a quicker ascension- or descent, as the case may be- to the helmeted bad guy (one friend of mine pointed out that Episode II could have been Episode I, granting us the Sith Lord on a much faster time horizon; I tend to concur). There were a couple of truly awful parts that I must make mention of. One of the lowest points for me was the foray into Dexter Jetster's bar. Now, for those who have seen what I am talking about: did you ever believe you'd see a Johnny Rocketts in a Star Wars film? I know, I know, you're saying to yourself there is precedence for such indulgence, many of our current bits of culture have made it into the series already, but somehow, that set went a bit too far (I had a similar negative reaction to the ESPN-like two-headed podrace announcer in MENACE). And I found the scene where a certain diminutive Jedi Knight's charges help Kenobi find his lost planet extraneously goofy at best. Now, as a balance to some of my criticisms, I can direct you to the arena scene near the end, which was handled very well. Also, the flight through the asteroid field and the journey through the mines of Geonosis were rendered with passable skill; and the explosive theater of operations at the climax was wonderful sugar for the visual receptors. Perhaps the biggest emotional response during the viewing came when Count Dooku- played with exceptional flair by Christopher Lee- took on the digitally-updated, future-denizen-of-Dagobah Yoda himself, a spastic, kinetic fight which was as emotionally invigorating as it was completely surprising. Unfortunately, overall, the story of CLONES failed to resonate with me. I'm not necessarily sure why this is; all the political machinations were present, there were the requisite number of twists and turns and forks in the road, but somehow, it didn't reach the speed where velocity of escape is possible, blowing my mind past the atmosphere of the ordinary and into the space of wonder. I know that further inspection of the film will allow me to find more value to it (this occurred with MENACE, to a degree). I still rate Lucas's second episode three stars, for even though I may have been disappointed, the franchise nevertheless carries on in my mind as a memorable and worthy diversion (I think the fact that it is struggling to reach the $300 million mark might offer proof of the market's agreement with such a statement). May the Force be with us all.
Rating:
Summary: "Clones" shows Star Wars as it was truly intended
Review: I can't tell you how sick I am of the occasional negative review that is smug and presumptuous. Reviews that say things such as, "you won't enjoy this" or "you'll be bored to tears" are inappropriate. Tell us your opinion, but DON'T presume to know everyone else's reaction to the film. Especially since most people have LOVED this movie, that should be a hint that many won't agree with you. Star Wars II shows Star Wars the way Lucas originally intended: with a scope so vast that we'd be overwhelmed and blown away. Consider the following segment of an older review:
Even for casual moviegoers who are looking to "just be entertained," the newest Star Wars film even fails to deliver on that task. Unlike the original three films, which put a simple story of good versus evil in a world formerly unseen by moviegoers, everyone involved with Attack of the Clones seems to have lost any sense that less is more. Why have two Jedis fighting when you can have 100? Why have one Jango Fett when you can have an army of them? Why have a simple good guy/bad guy story when you can create a plot much more needlessly complicated?
I'll answer all of these questions. First of all, the original films were *never* simple stories about good versus evil. While some fans may have appreciated them on that level, "Empire" in 1980 made it clear that Star Wars is about the close relationship between good and evil and the path that links them. "Menace" and "Clones" reveal even more of that theme, and thank God they do. The complex political backstory and Anakin's temptation *enhance* for me the appreciation of the original films. I was never one of those fans that loved Luke just because he was cool. Rather, I am drawn to the deeper mythological implications surrounding the true hero of Star Wars: Anakin Skywalker. Because of the prequels, I am a bigger fan now than I ever was at six years old when "Jedi" came out. Why have 100 Jedi fighting? Because that's the story!! That's how it happened! Frankly, ever since the original trilogy I LONGED to see the Jedi in their heydey, fighting in throngs that would make evil-doers quake in their boots. Finally, Lucas is showing it and I'm glad he is. "Attack of the Clones" is what I'd always dreamed Star Wars could be. I have a feeling that those complaining are the kind of fans that just liked having a simple Sci-Fi/Action story. Well, I'm sorry Lucas has messed with your memories, but as I've already pointed out, SW never WAS a simple story. It was always complex, but you weren't seeing it for what it was. When you speak so highly of the OT in comparison to the prequels, you're just in love with a watered-down version of those movies in your head.
Rating: 
Summary: Bad... very bad.
Review: The name "Star Wars" used to mean something. Now it's a joke. A sad joke. The first trilogy is a classic. Er... was. Until the new trilogy came along and muddied it's own namesake. "The Phantom Menace" was decent, and could have passed as the one not-so-classic fluke in the "Star Wars" saga... But then came "Attack of the Clones". Horrible. Uninspired. Cheesy beyond belief. They CGIed the entire life out of anything in the movie. It's like watching cartoons, except it's trying hard to be taken seriously, whereas cartoons are just brainless fun. The acting is by far the worst of any "Star Wars" film yet (although we are still waiting on Episode III... hold your breath). The dialogue is so poor that I want to donate to it's charity. The story takes a backseat to the chase and fight sequences, and thus makes for a simply run-of-the-mill studio film. A long long time ago (in a galaxy far away) "Star Wars" was anything but run-of-the-mill. There is so much obvious blue-screen in practically every shot that you feel like you're watching an empty wherehouse, with performances so cardboard that you're sure the first reading of the script is what they filmed for the final product. Half the time you can tell the actors weren't even in the same room together, it's so half-heartedly pasted together. Production scheduling gone awry. A good editor can only do so much, George. What else... oh yes, though there was one improvement over "The Phantom Menace" (the addition of humour), "Attack of the Clones" simply tries too hard to make you enjoy it. It's like pouring sugar on fat-free ice cream. Not gonna do it for us, buddy. "Clones" overcompensates for complaints received over "Menace"'s being dull by giving us laughable action scenes (Yoda flying through the air? Bloodless decapitation?? Big huge angry evil arena monsters that have nothing to do with anything???) as well as repetative chases moments like Anakin's flying antics on Coruscant. It gets more dull by the minute. The romance between Anakin and Amidala feels so forced that you almost root for their demise. Forced also, is the angst that little Ani seems to develop for no apparent reason other than he misses his mom. (C'mon, what did Obi Wan ever really do to deserve reprimand?) Use the force indeed, Mr. Lucas. I walked out of the theater halfway through my second viewing, it was that bad.
Rating:
Summary: Yet another post mordem on "Attack of the Clones"
Review: When expectations are so high I suppose being disappointed is inevitable, but the idea that George Lucas could top "The Empire Strikes Back" is a bit absurd. What made that one so great was that once we knew there was going to be a trilogy it was obvious that at the end Luke Skywalker was going to kill Darth Vader which meant that at the end of the second film Darth would have to beat Luke. But when Darth beats Luke by cutting off his hand and then reveals he is Daddy Dearest, suddenly the end of the trilogy was in doubt. Cool move. But what do we have this time around? Just the fact that Anakin Skywalker is going to turn in Darth Vader in the third film. Presumably the stage is being set, but how the dots connect is way beyond me. Suddenly the sweet little Anakin has turned into an angry young man with apparently no other motivation than that is how it reads in the script. You know, the biggest mistake in "The Phantom Menace" was not Jar Jar Binks and it was not having Anakin being a kid. It was making Queen Amidala so much older (Weird Al Yankovic was right), because while it is perfectly understandable that she has been the girl of his dreams for many a double moon, there is no reason for her to fall for him. Furthermore, there is nothing that he says or does in this film that would make her fall for him. We know George Lucas can do a great love story; he proved that with Han and Leia. But he is not even in the same ballpark this time around. Then there is the fact that most of the principles are in no danger of being killed. We get to the big climax of the film and everyone is thinking, "Oh, look, he's doing 'Gladiator,'" because Ben, Anakin and Padme are obviously going to survive (although I do fear for her in the third episode). It is hard to have dramatic tension under such circumstances, although it can be done with some creativity, which, is supposed to be Lucas's hallmark. Finally, despite the big fun Lucas is having with his digital toys, sometimes less is more. Obviously his goal is to get to the point where you can have a million distinct object on the screen at the same time. When you had the Millennium Falcon being chased through the asteroids in "Empire" and the attack on that other Death Star in "Jedi," that was really great. There were lots of space ships and debris and stuff flying around, but that is probably a tenth of what he now put into the scenes where nothing happens. So, "Attack of the Clones" is good, but it is not great and that is what we all want. Or, to put it yet one more way, was your goal really to have everybody come out talking about Yoda's light-saber skills? I don't think so, George.
Rating:
Summary: The Third Ranked Star Wars Movie I Have Seen
Review: Next to Empire Strikes Back and of course the original, Episode II is a tremendous picture. The visual effects far exceed anything done in this saga thus far, and the story really pieces things together. The story pulls you in and makes you more eager for the next installment when you hope your questions will be answered. Another winning aspect is the return of the bad guys to fight another day. Don't we all love a good villain? My favorite moments in the movie were Yoda's battle, Skywalker's rage against the sand people, Samuel Jackson's arrival and the chase for the would-be assasin through the passage ways of Coruscant. There was a lot to like about this movie. Sure the acting was a bit corny as was the love story, but remember this a Sci-Fi movie. Follow the entire story and forget about how well the acting is. After all we're not watching Broadway, but we are viewing probably the best fantasy saga ever created. ENJOY IT!
Rating:
Summary: Star Wars episode II:attack of the clones
Review: I ' ve never written a review for anything before. I love Episode II so much though, that I feel I must say something. Well first of all I think Star Wars episode II is the best one yet. My favorite things about it are tht Christopher Lee is in it. He is my favorite actor. And the intire Kamino scene. I strongly sugest that the people who havn't seen it should.
Rating:
Summary: Okay Movie
Review: This movie is an okay movie but nothing special about it. The special effects weren't as good as I thought they were going to be and I saw them in both the Digital and regular screens. The acting was horrible especially the love scene between Anakin and Senator Amidala. I also found out that Yoda was digitized and I don't like that I like Yoda in his original form as a puppet. Anyways this movie is a fine watch but don't think anything highly of it or you will be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: THE SPIRIT IS BACK
Review: THE STARWARS SPIRIT IS BACK.AS APERSON WHO HAD BEEN AT HIS CHILDHOOD AGES(TODAY 33)STARWARS IS A PHENOMENON TO ME.WE WAITED TWO YEARS TO BE ABLE TO WATCH A NEW HOPE EPISODE 4 AS WE CALL TODAY.IT HAS BEEN LIKE A TRADITION TO ME TO WATCH THE SERIES ONCE EVERY YEAR SINCE THE TRILOGY VHS CAME OUT.PHANTOM MENACE WAS TOO FAR FROM FULFILING MY EXPACTATIONS.BUT ATTACK OF THE CLONES HAS BROUGHT THE SPIRIT BACK.AND I BELIEVE THE VALUE OF THIS MOVIE WILL BE BETTER ESTIMATED BY PEOPLE FROM MY GENERATION WHOSE HEART STILL BEATS LIKE A DRUM WHENEVER SEES A JEDI'S SWORD.THIS MOVIE IS THE ANSWER OF SOME QUESTIONS THAT WE KEPT ASKING FOR 25 YEARS.I SAVE MY 5 STAR RATINGS FOR THE NEW EPISODE WHICH I BELIEVE WILL BE THE MOST FANTASTIC OF ALL.
MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU!
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