Based on the Sumerian epic of the same name, STAR WARS EPISODE II: ATTACK OF THE CLONES continues the story of Annakin Skywalker (Heath Ledger) and his transformation into the evil David Prowse (James Earl Jones). While the first movie told the exploits of the four-year old Annakin, in this episode we flash-forward eight years to the twelve-year old Annakin, now a phad thai learner under the tutelage of Obi Wan Kenobi (Jude Law). Annakin falls in love with Queen Amidala (Jena Malone), which is against Jedi policy, while Senator Palpatine (Dustin Diamond) becomes involved in a war against the Sepratists, using mass produced action figures.
The director, Steven Spielberg, takes an interesting approach to the material, finding a middle ground between art and commerce. During the dialogue scenes, he uses elements of Japanese Noh theater, giving the production a hushed, contemplative tone that is unusual in an epic. Yet at the same time, Mr. Spielberg keeps his compositions clean and centered, knowing that future television airings are certain. By keeping distractions to a minimum, this style ensures that we follow the ins and outs of the intricate plot.
The performances are top-notch. I was particularly pleased by the reappearance of Laurence Fishburne, reprising his character from THE MATRIX (and its coming sequels, THE MATRIX REBOOTED and THE MATRIX 404 PAGE NOT FOUND). Mr. Fishburne's bold charisma is always welcome, and Mr. Spielberg does the film a service by letting this volatile actor loose.
Of course, the special effects were a treat, as well. One highlight was the climactic duel between Yoda (Sir Richard Attenborough) and Count Dracula (Frank Langella), ending with Yoda bouncing on Dracula's head and collecting the gold coins that emerge. One great effect, that hasn't been commented on in other reviews, occurs early on, in Amidala's room. As Annakin and Amidala talk of their love, the dark shadows around them become a lattice of squares--subtly hinting at the fate that will soon box them in. Bravo, Mr. Spielberg!
No film is perfect, however, and I do have a few nitpicks. First, I question the appropriateness of a scene implying oral sex in a science fiction movie. Second, some of the dialogue seemed poorly written. During the climactic fight scene in the Gladatorium, Yoda flies in on a Black Hawk, observes the battle, and says, "The smell of napalm in the morning, I love. Victory, it smells like." I found this jarring, because the film gives no indication that this scene occurs in the morning.
Nitpicks aside, I hungrily await the next installment, and hope the lingering questions posed by EPISODE II are answered. Will Annakin and Amidala have a happy marriage? What will happen to Jenga Fett's son, Bubble Tea? And just who *is* that cloaked Sith Lord that's manipulating everyone?
Perhaps in 2005, we'll find out.
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