Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Great action, intense mood, but romance may bore kids.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the second prequel in the epic Star Wars saga isn't the most intense of the series, but there are still moments of striking violence (including a beheading and an amputation) and a few very emotionally intense moments. The death of a major character's mother on screen is a particularly dark and disturbing sequence that may upset children. Kids able to handle the stronger moments will especially enjoy several exciting and imaginative sequences, from a white-knuckle chase in a flying car to battles against surreal space monsters.

  • The line between good and evil is clearly drawn; heroic characters demonstrate positive behavior traits, although one character is unable to choose the greater good over his own personal desires.
  • Most of the heroes demonstrate great bravery, strong decision-making and problem-solving skills, and other positive traits.
  • Heavy sci-fi violence, although none of it is especially gory or detailed. The film opens with a terrorist attack/explosion in which a minor character dies on screen. One character is killed by beheading (no gore) on screen; another has his hand amputated during a sword duel. There are action sequences throughout, but the major violence takes place in the film's finale, a massive battle between human clones and robot drones that's depicted both in close-up vignettes and widescreen shots of many skirmishes at once. Perhaps the most intense sequence involves a lead character becoming consumed by rage and murdering the alien creatures who killed his mother.
  • One of the film's central plotlines is a blossoming romance between two of the lead characters. Though their interactions are relatively tame, there's some mild flirting and a few substantial kisses.
  • Occasional use of both "damn" and "hell" by main characters. Less insult-laden banter between characters than in any of the other films in the series.
  • The film takes place "a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away," so there are no real-world product placements. But this franchise is perhaps one of the most heavily merchandised in the history of film, with action figures, kids' clothing and accessories, and every other type of product available.

What's the story?

The second film in writer/director George Lucas' trilolgy of prequels to the original films, STAR WARS: EPISODE II: ATTACK OF THE CLONES picks up 10 years after the events of The Phantom Menace. Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christiansen) is a Jedi student under Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan MacGregor). After an attempt on the life of Senator (and former Queen) Padme Amidala (Natalie Portman), the pair split up to protect Padme and investigate the assassin. Their paths converge again on the planet Geonosis, where the evil Count Dooku (Christopher Lee) has finalized plans to launch an all-out war on the Jedi and the Galactic Republic.


Is it any good?

 

After the subpar Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones represents a significant improvement in every department, from plot to character and even in computer-generated special effects. Like the second film in the original Star Wars trilogy, The Empire Strikes Back, Clones introduces an ever-growing darkness into the prequel trilogy and splits up its leading cast to pursue separate adventures before reuniting them for a desperate stand against evil.

 

The climactic battle on Geonosis is a high point, as is a skirmish between Kenobi and the mysterious Jango Fett (Temura Morrison). However, the issues that plagued Menace are just as pronounced here, especially dialogue, which continues to clatter on the floor as soon as it leaves a character's mouth. Although Lucas worked with a second screenwriter on this film (Jonathan Hales), the most painful sequences, in which Anakin and Padme excruciatingly fall in love, seem to be pure Lucas. A subplot following Obi-Wan in galactic gumshoe mode trying to solve a key mystery is far more successful. If nothing else, the spectacle on display in Clones insures that it's easy to ignore the more squirm-inducing attempts at a romantic subplot and instead enjoy the big battles.


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about the movie's violence, including the death of a lead character's mother. What makes more of an impact -- violence or loss? Why do movies have such a powerful impact on us?

  • Do the special effects look realistic, or is it obvious that they're fake? Which movies have done special effects really well? What goes into creating special effects? What kind of training do special effects creators undergo?

  • Who are the heroes in this movie?


This review was written by Matt Springer
Teen, 15 years old
June 28, 2010
 
not the best movie in the saga, but good
this movie was good, but not as good as the others. For one thing, the love scenes between Anakin and Padme were too long. I think the scenes should have been shortened a little, since the movie is more about action rather than romance. But as the stroy progresses it gets better, like during the battle of genosis. But the entire star wars saga is good, so I recommend this movie to all star wars fans (like me :D)

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Teen, 14 years old
June 21, 2010
 
Best movie ever
BEST MOVIE EVER!!!!! it's sooooo good. the visual effects are awesome and the action is really fun and not that graphic. the most epic scene is the beginning of the Clone Wars on Geinosis and the arena fight. also on Geinosis. same with the amazing droid factory scene. again on Geinosis. i really like the beginning with Obi-Wan and Anakin chase Zam Wessel through the streets of Coroscant. Anakin also slaughters Tuskin Raiders in a scene but it's not shown

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Kid, 13 years old
December 3, 2010
 
Good movie
Great action movie!

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Teen, 14 years old
June 13, 2011
 
Second Prequel is good, not outstanding
The Attack of the Clones is better than The Phantom Menace. The story is more involving and I finally see the Darth Vader coming out of Anakin. It is mostly used as a transitional device to the final prequel, but still fun entertainment. Note to parents: The movie does not contain any more violence than The Phantom Menace, so if they were not bothered by that, then I suppose Attack of the Clones is okay for them.

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Parent of 15 year old
August 8, 2010
 
good movie,but still the worst star wars film

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Teen, 16 years old
October 14, 2010
 
Awesome! But not as good as revenge of the sith.
Really awesome movie but kind of innapropriate because padme and Anakin do some kissing and also a lot of "oh Anakin i love you so much" or "by heart is beating, hoping that this kiss will not become a scar. You are in my very soul tormenting me" kind of talk. For older kids, It's definitely not as good as revenge of the sith but still good. I would also be a little concerned about violence for the younger ones.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Best Star Wars Movie Ever!
I believe that this is the best Star Wars movie ever! Watch it see why. There are two parts that might bother children: the first is when Anakin's mother dies and the second is when Boba Fett's dad dies. But other than that, it is a wonderful movie, filled with action adventure and humor. Great for the whole family!

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Teen, 14 years old
August 27, 2010
 
eh
way too much romance. my least favorite in the series

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Overall - Mild content
Violence: Mild - There is a brief sequence where one of the main characters bloodlessly kills a number of human-like creatures (this is very brief and mostly off-screen). Another main character also becomes wounded after receiving a scratch from a large tiger-like creature and another character is bloodlessly decapitated. A head-but is administered by one of the main characters to another character and there are various battle scenes (one of which includes a main character's hand being cut of by a 'lightsaber') where creatures are killed bloodlessly. A character is shot and killed by a dart (we hear the noise but to do not see the dart). None of these scenes have a major impact and are only mildly intense. Sex/Nudity: None (Although there is an ongoing 'forbidden' relationship between two of the main characters which is only mildly intense in some scenes). Horror: Mild - A character witnesses the death of his mother (she is not killed but is dying from becoming too weary after being captured) but despite being the most emotionally intense thing in the film this is still brief and discreet. The characters are menaced by (and, in the case of one character, hurt by) animal-like creatures in a colosseum. Characters are taken by surprise in a tunnel full of creatures armed with 'laser-beam guns'. A young character mourns his dead father who has been decapitated (he holds his father's head, concealed by a helmet, in his hands). All of these scenes/sequences are either brief or handled with a mild intensity. Language: None. Drugs/Alcohol: Very mild - Someone tries to sell one the main characters "death sticks" (presumably a type of drug) which he declines and advises the seller (through mind-control) to "go home and re-think his life". It is unlikely that this will be of any concern to children. Overall: Mild themes. There are some moderate concepts addressed such as dealing with the loss of a parent which may well lead to questions being asked by more inquisitive children. These are, however, handled briefly and within the context of fantasy. Younger children may also be frightened by the creatures in the colosseum.

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Kid, 13 years old
January 21, 2011
 

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This review was written by Matt Springer
Topics:adventures, robots, space and aliens
Studio:Lucasfilm
Director:George Lucas
Cast:Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christensen, Natalie Portman
Genre:Science Fiction
Run time:142 minutes
Theatrical release date:May 16, 2002
DVD release date:November 12, 2002
MPAA rating:PG
MPAA explanation:sustained sequences of sci-fi action/violence

This review was written by Matt Springer
 

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ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
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