Set ten years after the events of "The Phantom Menace," the Republic continues to be mired in strife and chaos. A separatist movement encompassing hundreds of planets and powerful corporate alliances poses new threats to the galaxy that even the Jedi cannot stem. These moves, long planned by an as yet unrevealed and powerful force, lead to the beginning of the Clone Wars -- and the beginning of the end of the Republic. (1)
Review
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Hello, Movie Buffs!
It is almost impossible to dispel a negative atmosphere around a film once it has already been established. The first Star Wars trilogy by George Lucas was well-loved by many movie-goers but now for some reason, the Lucas’ new Star Wars prequel trilogy has earned more negative reviews than its predecessors. The Phantom Menace (1999) earned a lot of attacks, more negative than positive, from just about everyone. The Phantom Menace is not my favorite film in the prequel trilogy but I don’t think it was horrible either. I have very much enjoyed all of the Star Wars films, although some in lean more towards than others, I can see why some movie-goers may not like some of the films. Perhaps it has to do with the original fans from the ’79 to ’83 growing up. When the original trilogy came out it was basically the first of its kind so it didn’t matter what the quality of acting, script writing, special effects, etc. were. What matter was that it was captivating to the fans, it was silly and fun but now those fans have grown up and I think they want Star Wars to grow-up as well with an R Rating that could satisfy the reminiscent kid inside and the now full-grown adult that they are. Personally, I am glad that Lucas kept the prequel trilogy PG-13 more so for the sake of new and younger movie fans. I enjoyed a new kind of adventure and excitement, so it’s shocking to hear people say that the prequel trilogy did not live up to the original trilogy.
The special effects were amazing, it felt like the planets and spaceships we were seeing really existed. This is one of Lucas’ specialties; [although he may not be the person actually doing the special effects he does have a big say in the end result] he finds away to take the worlds that don’t exist and turn them into a reality. Lucas has always pushed the limits of special effects technology, he did so in the original trilogy and he did it again here. He even invented a new technology without having to seem as if he has just now jumped on the special effects bandwagon. The reason why the special effects are different here than in the original is simply that of time. The original trilogy came out during the late 70’s early 80’s and special effects technology was good but was rudimentary in comparison to the special effects that we have now. The cast was pretty good in this film but I find it confusing and yet it is understandable that many audiences found Anakin’s behavior as a whiny brat to be annoying. It's understandable that Anakin’s (Hayden Christensen) behavior is annoying because there are times when he does get annoying but I find it confusing that almost all of the negative comments mention this small issue. I say small because doesn’t anybody remember how whiny Luke was in the first two films. I mean he didn’t actually do anything but whine and complain until Return of the Jedi (1983). How many times did they say Luke was like his father? Despite any issues with the characters and their behaviors, in the end, they all had pretty great chemistry with each other.
Overall, Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clone Wars (2002) is an entertaining film that although possibly a lesser entry, is still a worthy addition to the Star Wars franchise. There are some faults but those faults are outweighed by its strengths. My point is that fans who saw the initial release of the original trilogy, have taken a beloved piece of entertainment on a pedestal and that pedestal has gotten higher and higher over time, to the point that they can no longer see what is on that pedestal, to begin with. The new films are from the same material as the original trilogy, the only thing that has changed is the quality and technology but what has changed are the opinions of the original fans. In the end, despite its strengths and weaknesses, this is still a Star Wars film and for what it is still worth to see.
BEST ORDER TO WATCH THE SERIES:
Rogue One: A Star Wars Film (2016)
Star Wars Episode IV: New Hope (1977)
Star Wars Episode V: Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Star Wars Episode I: Phantom Menace (1999)
Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clone Wars (2002)
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
Star Wars Episode IX (TBA)
"Why do I get the feeling you're going to be the death of me?"
- Obi-Wan (to Anakin)
Final Vote
Worth Seeing: 4 of 5 star
Worth Buying: 4 of 5 stars
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Movies Similar
John Carter (2012)
Rogue One (2016)
Star Trek 1 (2009)
Star Trek 2: Into Darkness (2013)
Star Trek 3: Beyond (2016)
Star Wars I: Phantom Menace (1999)
Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
Star Wars IV: New Hope (1977)
Star Wars V: Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Star Wars VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
Star Wars VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
Cast & Crew
Directed by George Lucas.
Written by George Lucas, and Jonathan Hales
Music by John Williams
Cinematography by David Tattersall
Film Editing by Ben Burtt and George Lucas.
Casting By Robin Gurland
Production Design by Gavin Bocquet
Art Direction by Phil Harvey, Fred Hole, Peter Russell, Michelle McGahey, Jonathan Lee, and Ian Gracie,
Set Decoration by Peter Walpole
Costume Design by Trisha Biggar
Cast:
Ewan McGregor ... Obi-Wan Kenobi
Natalie Portman ... Padmé
Hayden Christensen ... Anakin Skywalker
Christopher Lee ... Count Dooku / Darth Tyranus
Samuel L. Jackson ... Mace Windu
Frank Oz ... Yoda (voice)
Ian McDiarmid ... Supreme Chancellor Palpatine
Pernilla August ... Shmi Skywalker
Temuera Morrison ... Jango Fett
Jimmy Smits ... Senator Bail Organa
Jack Thompson ... Cliegg Lars
Leeanna Walsman ... Zam Wesell
Ahmed Best ... Jar Jar Binks / Achk Med-Beq (voice)
Rose Byrne ... Dormé
Oliver Ford Davies ... Sio Bibble
Ronald Falk ... Dexter Jettster (voice)
Jay Laga'aia ... Capt. Typho
Andy Secombe ... Watto (voice)
Anthony Daniels ... C-3PO / Dannl Faytonni
Silas Carson ... Ki-Adi-Mundi / Viceroy Nute Gunray
Ayesha Dharker ... Queen Jamillia
Joel Edgerton ... Owen Lars
Daniel Logan ... Boba Fett
Bonnie Piesse ... Beru
Anthony Phelan ... Lama Su (voice)
Rena Owen ... Taun We (voice)
Alethea McGrath ... Madame Jocasta Nu
Susie Porter ... Hermione Bagwa / WA-7
Matt Doran ... Elan Sleazebaggano
Alan Ruscoe ... Lott Dod
Matt Sloan ... Plo Koon
Veronica Segura ... Cordé
David Bowers ... Mas Amedda
Steve John Shepherd ... Naboo lieutenant
Bodie Taylor ... Clone Trooper
Matt Rowan ... Senator Orn Free Taa
Steven Boyle ... Senator Ask Aak / Passel Argente
Zachariah Jensen ... Kit Fisto
Alex Knoll ... J.K. Burtola
Phoebe Yiamkiati ... Mari Amithest
Kenny Baker ... R2-D2
Jerome St. John Blake ... Oppo Rancisis
Hassani Shapi ... Eeth Koth
Gin Clarke ... Adi Gallia
Khan Bonfils ... Saesee Tiin
Michaela Cottrell ... Even Piell
Dipika O'Neill Joti ... Depa Billaba
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