Star Wars Episode 2: Attack of the Clones
The second move in the prequel series of George Lucas was released to the joy of Nerds and Non-nerds alike. I must admit, I was not anxious to see this movie. The first one, say it with me now, sucked. One Saturday night I decided to go see it. I'm not a massive Star Wars fan, but I know more than the average person because of some friends who are massive Star Wars fans. (Shout out to Josh and Brady.) I arrived at the movie theater, sat in my seat, and waiting for the flying words.
The Good: One of the things I most enjoyed, and more so than in any of the other Star Wars movies was the special effects. The CG characters were great, from the numerous robots, to Jar Jar Binks, and to Yoda, who I will discuss in more depth later. My favorite CG characters were the Clone Creating Aliens. They looked like some strange combination between a giraffe, a unicorn, and a snake, the result was quite interesting; you can tell they went to great trouble to make these characters seem realistic. Also the interaction between the CG characters and real actors was convincigly. It was amazing to see Obi Wan's cloak ruffle when he hugged the alien fry cook.
The cities and planets were simply breathtaking. The golden shores and greenery of Naboo, and what seemed and infinitely complex metropolis of Corisan. It's easy to imagine it as a sort of "Ultra-New York". The special effects truly blew my mind.
Another good aspect of the movie was Story Developement. In Episode One, they basically had to set the stage for 5 more movies. This was boring. However, in the second they were able to use much of the stage that was set. We gained insight into Anakin's metamorphasis into Vader (The first time we hear the Vader theme in the prequels!). We learn of the early developement of the Death Star. We see how Boba Fett became the evil dude who freezes Han Solo in carbonite. We learn how the Clone Wars are started. However, the most important plot developement of all: Jar Jar Binks is responsible for the creation of The Empire. You think I'm kidding? Go see the movie.
Yoda kicks ass. As stated earlier, Yoda made the transition to a CG character. At the beginning of the movie, I didn't like it. Yoda just didn't look right, but as I got to see him more and more during the movie, I started to like it, especially in the fight scene! I won't spoil it for you, but Yoda really steals the show in this movie.
There were also some good bad puns in the movie with R2D2 and C3PO. Again, I won't spoil it, but they were great.
Of course, the lightsabers. I'm a big fan of lightsaber fights, and there are plenty in this movie. There are also some interesting space battle scenes. Preticularly with Boba Fett's Guitar Riff Bombs.
Natalie Portman was really hot. 'Nuff Said.
The Bad: The acting was marginal at best. Hayden Christensen sucked. He just didn't show enough emotion, and when he did, it just seemed akward. Natalie Portman did what she always does: look hot and say a few one word lines. Ewan McGregor was good to great as always. Frank Oz and Sam Jackson get major props for Yoda and Mace Windu, they played great Jedi Masters.
Too many Mushy scenes. When I wanted to find out how they made the clones and who they were cloning and what not. Instead, I was forced to watch Anakin and Padme rolling around in the grass. Yes, nat is very hot and all, but there was just way too much of it. They did in 20 minutes what could have been done in half the time or even less.
General Thoughts: This is a HUGE step up from Episode One. It properly tied up loose ends from Episode One and set the audience up for Episode Three. As I have told many people I consider it the best of the five Star Wars movies. I highly recommend it. The only problem, and I quote Mad Magazine, "That was great, so wait? we have to wait Two and a half years to find out what happens next? What? are you kidding?". Thanks For Reading My Review.
P.S. I couldn't help swinging my invisible lightsaber and making the appropriate sound effects on my way to the car.
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