So does anyone
know where we are?
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George Lucas
could be forgiven for dreading the release of Episode II.
After the debacle
that was the ‘Phantom Menace’, Lucas may think the knives will be
out again.
However
he hasn’t a single thing to worry about, Attack of the Clones is
a great film.
The Plot
Ten years on from the last episode, there’s an increasing number
of attempts on Senator Amidala’s (Portman) life from galaxy separatists.
Jedi knights, Obi Wan Kenobi (McGregor) and Anakin Skywalker (Christensen)
are assigned to protect her and investigate the attempts to murder
her.
Meanwhile, dark
forces are at work; a mysterious character called Jango Fett is
building a huge clone army for reasons unknown to the Jedi.
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| For the
first time Yoda is completely computer generated. |
Review
If the condemnation of the Phantom Menace was for the lack of battles,
substance, story, then Episode II totally makes up for it.
As a Star Wars fan, I was worried that the scripted love affair
between Anakin and Padme would null the action and the spirit of
the whole franchise.
However, the
scenes are short and subtle, enough to convey the character’s increasing
love – and not bore the audience. In fact, the performances of Portman
and Christensen are quite touching.
Christensen has a huge burden on his shoulders, why? Because if
you’ve not been on Mars for the past six years, you’d know that
his character anakin, becomes the wheezing-leather-clad-giant, Darth
Vadar.
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| Jango Fett
shows just how menacing he really can be. |
His scenes give
us enough evidence that the Jedi student is on the fast lane to
favouring tight pants.
One such scene includes his slaughter of a tribe of Tuscan Raiders.
If that wasn’t
dark enough, what’s more alarming is his remorseless confession
- aptly the Darth Vadar theme tune plays as he comes clean.
As you would
expect the special effects are stunning – groundbreaking even.
As always Lucas makes you believe you’re in another galaxy with
bizarre alien lifeforms and fantastic spaceships.
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| Blast!
These railway timetables can be really hard to work out. |
Other expertly
directed scenes include Incredible duels, notably Obi Wan and Jango
Fett, as well as one between Count Dooku and the walking-stick-aided
Yoda – yes Yoda!
Another ingredient
of Episode II that was lacking from its predecessor is the lack
of comedy. After watching Star Wars (Episode IV) I realised how
funny it was.
Attack of the
Clones has its comedy moments. For example, in a bar, Obi Wan is
offered ‘death-sticks’ by a drugs dealer, Mr Kenobi with the aid
of a Jedi mind trick makes him go home to re-think his life – if
only it was that easy cry Notts police.
If there is a criticism it would be from non-Star Wars enthusiasts,
they'd argue the dialogue is a bit ropey and in some cases the performances
the are slightly wooden.
But, on the whole ‘Attack of the Clones’ is an excellent film, well
worth queuing for and seeing again and again.
Episode III is due in 2005 and with so many loose ends to tie up,
the final part of this particular trilogy is going to be worth waiting
for…
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