Star Wars Attack of the Clones Episode 2 Review

Attack of the Clones is the second Episode in the Star Wars saga set ten years after the events of the Phantom Menace. During that time, Anakin has become a strong Padawan under the teachings of Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi. This instalment sees Chancellor Palpatine continue to use his political power for the good of the Republic, but is everything as sound as it appears to be? Of course not, it’s Star Wars!

This Episode sees numerous members of the Republic try to break away from it, along with the discovery that a Jedi issued orders to start a clone army to protect the Republic. There is also the progression of the bond between Anakin Skywalker and his love interest, Padme Amidala. Throw in the fact that you’ve got Christopher Lee making an appearance as an all round bad guy brandishing a lightsaber, and you’ve got a great film on your hands.

Like the Phantom Menace before it, Attack of the Clones did receive some stick from the Star Wars fanatics. This was mainly due to the love story angle in it. However, is a crucial element of the whole saga, and for them to dismiss it is foolish. The acting also came under a bit of scrutiny again in this one, mainly on the part of Hayden Christensen, with some critics labelling him as emotive as a plank of wood. As with Jake Lloyd before him though, he needs to act like a stroppy, moaning nuisance because the character dictates this.

Elsewhere, the film received critical acclaim thanks to the inclusion of Jango the Bounty Hunter and just how the Clone Wars as mentioned in Episode 4 comes about. It also has a certain Jedi entering into an epic duel that has to be seen to be believed.

As with the Phantom Menace, the special effects are amazing, as is the score. There’s rarely a scene that doesn’t both look and sound amazing. Sure, there were sections that could have done with a bit of streamlining but it’s sour grapes when you consider how monumental the story is.

Even better, whilst Jar Jar Binks is indeed in the film, you don’t hear or see much of him, so that’s a big thumbs up on the part of George Lucas. A special mention has to go to the portrayal of Chancellor Palpatine. Ian MacDiarmid does an outstanding job of portraying an evil, and yet highly convincing leader.

Attack of the Clones is an outstanding addition to the series, and it truly deserves to be remembered as an excellent piece of movie history.

Score: 8/10