Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones

What’s the Story?

In this installment of the sci-fi saga, Star Wars, Natalie Portman returns as Padme Amidala, now promoted from Queen to Senator. Anakin Skywalker has now grown up into a very talented but impatient and sulky teenager and is played by Hayden Christensen. Both are in important jobs that require them to forego romantic entanglements, but while they are hiding out in a remote and idyllic part of her planet together they feel a powerful attraction. Anakin thinks that his mentor, Obi-Wan Kenobi is unfairly holding him back and that things in general move too slowly. If only he were in charge....When Anakin dreams that his mother is in trouble he returns to his home planet of Tatooine to rescue her. But he arrives in time only to say goodbye to her and return her body to her husband and step-son at the below-ground home Luke Skywalker will live in when we meet him in what is now Episode 4. Meanwhile, Obi-Wan is on a mission to see whether an army of clones will help the Federation protect itself from insurgents.

Is It Any Good?

Okay, it's "Star Wars," everyone. So don't be surprised if the plot is murky, the dialogue is stiff, and the performances look like the only direction the actors received was "Look over there! When we put in the effects, it's going to be something really scary!" Instead, go in looking for expertly staged action sequences and eye-popping special effects, and you'll be very happy.

If you want to enjoy the movie, don't get bogged down in the plot. Just sit back and let your eyes feast on the wonderfully imaginative visuals -- the glowing colors, the fantastic creatures, and the marvelous technology. Fans of the series will enjoy the way this movie puts some of the puzzle pieces together and introduces us to characters who will become more important later on, like bounty hunter Bobba Fett and Luke's Uncle Owen. And there is some real acting by Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan, who manages to suggest that he just might turn into Alec Guinness by Episode 4 and by horror movie veteran Christopher Lee as the very evil Count Dooku. But mostly, it is just a chance to enjoy the fabulously inventive visual and action effects.