Star Wars Episode II Attack of the Clones (Contains spoilers!)

Review written by John Hood

After the relative disappointment of the first prequel, much rides on this second instalment in Lucas’ six-part magnum opus. Does it deliver and can it equal ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ in the dramatic stakes?

On Tuesday, May 21st 2002, I travelled (with friends) to see the movie at the Odeon, Leicester Square. This is one of too few venues, which has the facility to present motion pictures digitally (if it’s available in the format). Suffice to say that I was excited to see, for myself, whether or not ‘Clones’ could deliver both in terms of dramatic and technical performance.

Anakin’s ‘Tusken slaughter’ confessional to Padme is, arguably, almost on a par with Vader’s paternal revelation! Hayden Christensen (finally getting centre stage) chillingly convinces as the conflicted apprentice. John Williams serves to underscore this pivotal scene, reflecting on what is to come with familiar leitmotifs that sound somehow fresh and new.

Christopher Lee excels as Count Dooku! His confrontation with Obi-Wan is rich with kinetic tension. Dooku’s choreography shadows Vader’s thereby embellishing the series’ mythology further. And this is cemented when Anakin loses his right arm during the duel - echoing Luke’s loss of hand in ‘Empire’. Lets hope that Lee reprises the role in Episode III.

Whilst ‘Clones’ is certainly an improvement on ‘Menace’. Lucas is still unable to write dialogue (an affliction that is not unique to him) and the production methodology intrudes at times - too often one is aware of the layers of fx composition. Natalie Portman and Hayden Christensen’s chemistry is wasted on relatively poor dialogue. And a few of the later scenes are laughable! The worst offender, not involving the doomed duo, features a clone trooper asking Padme if she was O.K after falling from an airborne gun ship? Surely it would have been more poignant (and ironic) if clone troopers had recovered her unconscious body, from the desert, in a scene echoing Stormtroopers confronting Leia at the start of A New Hope?

On a technical note. The difference between analogue (film) and digital (hard drive) sources is palpable! The sound and picture is vivid and, at times, an overwhelming feast for the eyes.

In conclusion. Ultimately it was inevitable that ‘Empire’ wouldn’t be displaced, in my opinion, as the best Star Wars movie. But, there is much to enjoy and relish in ‘Clones’. The performances, pacing and visual virtuosity are exponentially improved. Star Wars has never looked more beguiling - replete with unrivalled colours and textures. It is with elevated spirits that I look forward to the darkest, and by extension, most complex instalment: Episode III.