Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones

The arrival of a new Star Wars film always prompts expectations of the perfect action adventure epic, with state of the art effects, all crammed into 120 minutes. Many people claim that the films consist of little more than great action sequences strung together with absurd dialogue, perfunctory acting and tenuous plots. Attack Of The Clones shows just how wrong those people are.

As the film opens Obi Wan Kenobi and trainee Jedi Anakin Skywalker are assigned to protect Senator Padme Amidala, and soon finds the master chasing across the galaxy to find an assassin whilst the apprentice struggles with his feelings for the senator. Fitted in are scenes that show the rise of the evil empire and the usual assortment of light-sabre fights and space-craft duels.

The usual character and plot limitations are still there, but never as bad as Titanic or Pearl Harbour (something it would take a concerted effort to match) and the effects are superior to both. The opening scenes, based in a over-crowded metropolis are highly reminiscent of Ridley Scott's Blade Runner and have a depth and richness to them that out-does most real location shooting. However whilst the set-pieces are well constructed throughout, some of them seem like they were designed as Playstation games, a feeling which the computer generated effects only reinforce.

These quibbles are all forgotten in a finale which withstands comparison with anything committed to film (or high definition digital video). More than anything the appeal of the Star Wars films lies in their celebration to the classic swashbuckling films of Errol Flynn and the Zorro serials and the last 20 minutes serves up giant size portions of Jedi whoop-ass. The adrenalin rush of seeing such cinematic luminaries as Samuel L Jackson and Christopher Lee throwing themselves into gravity defying battles that make The Matrix look like it had crashed are complemented by the almost balletic choreography and beautifully abstract visuals. Even the addition of hundreds of Jedi fighting doesn't saturate the senses, with each duel more exciting than anything in the series to date.

The film is stolen by an old hand in new clothes. Yoda, now freed from the indignities of having Frank Oz's hand up his backside, thanks to some of the most remarkable CGI ever seen, rejoices in being able to wander freely into battle. His jumbled up dialogue is as eccentric and enjoyable as ever. However Yoda's greatest moment in the film comes when he finally draws a lightsaber and engages in battle, a scene which will be played out to the sound of the jaws of entire audiences hitting the floor in unison the world over. The fact that a 3 front tall old-codger can convincing be portrayed as the most powerful warrior in the universe is testament to the power of Lucas' fantasy worlds, and it is here that the viewer is reminded why Star Wars became so successful.

When it is at it's best Attack Of The Clones not only looks truly amazing, it feels truly amazing too. It has moments where it totally immerses you in another world, one which is even more amazing when it has our beefy sound system providing the lightsaber noises.

David Goody