Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)
★★★½ — Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)
George Lucas returned to the director's chair for Attack of the Clones having not directed a feature since The Phantom Menace in 1999, itself his first directorial effort since the original Star Wars in 1977. The film was a significant technical landmark of its era, shot almost entirely on high-definition digital video rather than film, making it one of the first major studio productions to do so. Principal photography took place across multiple locations including Tunisia, Italy, and a purpose-built complex at Fox Studios in Sydney, with extensive reshoots following September 11th, which delayed parts of the production schedule. Released in May 2002, it was the second instalment of Lucas's prequel trilogy, continuing the story of a young Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen, in his first appearance in the franchise).
I'd rather have sand everywhere. If The Phantom Menace had its moments and Revenge of the Sith delivered emotional weight, Attack of the Clones just sort of happens. It’s easily the weakest of the prequel trilogy. The romance between Anakin and Padmé is meant to be a driving force, but it’s so awkwardly written and performed that it feels like a parody (I don’t like sand will haunt us forever). The political intrigue is sluggish, and even the action, aside from the final Geonosis battle, lacks the excitement you expect from Star Wars. Credit where it’s due, Ewan McGregor is fantastic as Obi-Wan, and the visuals were impressive for the time. But as a whole, this is a bloated, meandering chapter that fails to be memorable outside of a handful of moments.
Rating: ★★★½ | Year: 2002 | Watched: 2002-12-04
Where to watch (UK)
Stream: Disney Plus
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Related on Movies With Macca
More from George Lucas: American Graffiti (1973) · Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999) · Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005) · Star Wars (1977)
More with Hayden Christensen: Jumper (2008) · Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005)
More from the 2000s: Kirikou and the Wild Beasts (2005) · Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004) · Daredevil (2003) · Apocalypto (2006)
More adventure: Alice in Wonderland (1951) · The Eagle (1925) · Louisiana Story (1948) · The General (1926)
More action: A Better Tomorrow (1986) · The General (1926) · Hand of Death (1976) · Daredevil (2003)
