by Fleet Admiral Brad (bafordham@earthlink.net)

First off, I should explain what my expectations were before watching the movie. Since Episode I, I was expecting better visual effects, more story, and most importantly, less Jar-Jar. :-)

After watching it, my expectations were met. Unlike a few who I saw respond on the Emperor's Hammer Message Boards, who were dissappointed (or worse) on the acting abilities, especially of Haden Christiansen (sp), who played Anakin Skywalker. My thinking is, if you are watching a Skywalker on screen, don't be expecting and demanding great acting. Anyway, I was impressed with how far and real it was made that Anakin was turning towards the Dark Side. At times it was so blatantly clear that even a 4 year old can pick up on it.

Another obvious thing is the romance which takes place between Anakin and Senator Padme Amidala. That started in Episode I, which I didn't think was necessary at all. But anyway, back to this movie..

I was very impressed with the special effects and being able to see more of Coruscant in the chase scene near the beginning. The explosion on the Senator's ship was unexpected and enjoyable to see something get started right away. I was glad to see much more Jedi and much more lightsabers in this movie. Yoda with a lightsaber and doing more force powers than just telekinesis and mind reading was a great bonus. After thinking and considering, Count Dooku was a good step in creating someone as a Dark apprentice for Palpatine (Darth Sidious). The thinking is that Palpatine must make the step of converting a former Jedi Knight to the Dark Side. Since he will be doing this for Anakin. (Well perhaps still a Padawan, but we will see in Episode III -- I hope!).

Even more than in Episode I, the visual affects bombard you with little chance to breathe, but seeing the Star Wars movies, and Episode I and visualizing what Episode II might be like, I was ready for it. More casual fans and viewers of the movie may easily get overwhelmed. Especially when the pace is fast and blistering, which happens in the entire movie except the middle.

For those Star Wars fans who were turned sour from Episode I, you should see Episode II. The Phantom Menace I thought was a practice for the digital effects and technology for a full length film and a major test for computer graphic (CG) characters. (Star Wars Special Edition was the initial tries at computer generated scenes). Considering Attack of the Clones isn't a movie in itself, but a chapter in a 12-hour movie with 6 episodes, it was very exciting and brings along the story very well. The pace is faster and you aren't bogged down by introducing a bunch of main characters. I enjoyed a few funny lines and circumstances. Obi-Wan's line to Anakin "Sometimes I feel that you will be the death of me."

If you're a serious Star Wars fan, you should watch Attack of the Clones. If you enjoy action movies then watch Attack of the Clones. If you are looking for award-winning acting and extremely intricate plots, then look elsewhere. For me, it fits in with what I like to watch. The main expectation I had was fulfilled (Less Jar-Jar). He is still in the film but only has a few minutes of on screen time, which is a lot better than before. This time, Attack of the Clones is for an older audience. Many comparisons are made with Empire Strikes Back since it is the second film in a trilogy. (This time the prequel trilogy). I still like the Empire Strikes Back better, but this may be my 2nd or 3rd favorite Star Wars movie.

I give it a thumbs up. 4/5 stars or whatever..

<SALUTE>

CA:SO-DIS-UA/FA Brad/CA-9/SSSD Sovereign, MoH/HoI/IC/GOE/GMoF/FoEWx2/BS/PCx6/ISMx5/MoC-7BoC-5SoC/OV-5E [HUSS] {IWATS-AIM-ASP-CBX-IIC/1/2/3-M/1/2-RT-SM/2-TT-VBS}, SBL(Sith), (BN)