Godiva Film Reviews

Star Wars: Episode II- Attack Of The Clones

Cast: Hayden Christensen, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Ian McDiarmid, Christopher Lee, Samuel L. Jackson

Synopsis: Second film in the prequel trilogy, set 10 years after "The Phantom Menace" and 22 years before "A New Hope". After a failed assassination attempt on the life of Senator Padme during a trip to Coruscant to vote on the controversial clone army issue, Chancellor Palpatine assigns two Jedi Knights as her bodyguards - Obi-Wan and Anakin. When a second attempt is made, the duo give chase and track down the assassin who is killed before she can talk. Obi-Wan sets off for the water planet of Kamino to find out who hired the assassin - a man namd Count Dooku, believed to be one of 20 Jedi who left the order long ago. Meanwhile Anakin escorts Padme back to Naboo and along the way the two begin to develop a romance, but when a nightmare sends Anakin to Tatooine (against orders of the council) to find his mother, Padme tags along. All will soon be rocked to the core as Obi-Wan uncovers a vast underground army of clones and battle droids being constructed secretly by someone with ties to the highest ranks of the Republic, whilst Anakin witness something terrible - beginning his descent into the dark destiny that awaits.

REVIEW: Ahhh "Star Wars", at this juncture, many a reviewer would be telling you how the original trilogy was such an important part of inspiring them to get into the film business and how those films have more than any other been a key part of their lives- This episode has FINALLY captured the quality of the saga's essence.
Let me give you the setting: I had downloaded Ep 2 a week before but swore to myself I would not see it until opening night and in its true digital format and screen with my friends. I'm standing in line with my ticket, ready to get a great seat, 30 to go...the line of star wars fanatics is parted like the red sea as another screen is opened for that night. Two screens, two lines out the door of fans...one extremely bad ass movie.That is how the night began, that is how it would end. As the Star Wars logo went up and the music started, everyone in unison cheered and leaned forward to read the words as they scrolled, then...in unison we were all blown back by the huge explosion of visual beauty and emotion. The CGI effects has finally met its match with Lucas and his company mastering them having had 135 digital artists work for over two years to give us our symphony of brilliance on screen. After the film sets its characters in place, it becomes apparent that although Anaking has become excellent at jediship, his arrogance and desire for independence conflicts with the watchful and guarding mind of Obi-Wan.The action scene between flyers in Coruscant is an exciting adventure onscreen, setting up the coming events and charcater developments. Soon Anakin will protect Padme in Naboo where they grow closer and his mind becomes unguarded and open. Character development for this trilogy has finally happened! The chemistry between these two actors was excellent. However, Portman's acting seemed restrained and not altogether believable, while Christianson excelled better at fighting tuscan raiders than acquiring a girlfriend. Towards the end, her acting shows more sincerity and warmth rather than a color by numbers book on acting guide.
Christianson did a fine job as Anakin, especially during the scenes about his mother. This was a plot callback from EP I, where he had always felt guilty about leaving her behind. In EP II, his dreams haunt him until they echo the pain and suffering that he must go and try and save her. The audience feels empathetic towards him, perhaps understanding vengeance. Yet, knowing what it will eventually do to him in the future...
McGregor has finally come into his own as Obi- Wan Kenobi and has mastered the role that would eventually become legendary. His chemistry with Christianson is right on target for the love/hate relationship that musters and eventually... "Anakin, I do believe you will be the death of me." Its this kind of play on words that gives the audience the dramatic foreshadowing of what is to eventually become of the characters. As for Christopher Lee as Dooku, he is not only convincing as Darth Sidious's right chair in secret but his jedi battle scenes with all three top jedi leaves us all hungry for more.
The humor is back where it should be and got plenty of great laughs from the crowd. C3PO got the most laughs I must say, and Yoda got a huge round of applause as the little CGI Master of Whoop-Ass opened up a can on Count Dooku. You are the Master, Yoda...my hero you are! He looked like a miniature green jackie chan with a light saber. Fantasic work!
I will not go into the scene by scene as it is posted in my website if you search carefully enough... But this film has brought back the magic taht teh original trilogy gave us all.So, I'll end this ridiculously long review by thanking Lucas for once again taking me on the greatest ride of my life, an emotional rollercoaster of darkness, love, loyalty and honor. All the performances to me were exactly what they needed to be for this movie, and this is a part of the Star Wars Saga that slides nicely into one of the greatest of the six once it's all said and done. I give it 9.3 out of 10...I hope you all enjoy it and May The Force Be With You.

More reviews to follow....

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