From the Chronicles of Joe Wilson

-- On Thursday, May 16, 2002 3:29 PM, fjose... writes


I saw it! I saw it!

Last night I attended the 12:01 a.m. showing of "Star Wars: Episode
II--Attack of the Clones" at the Spencer 3 Theatres in Spencer, Iowa. I only had to wait in line for four hours, from 6:30 until we were seated at 10:30 p.m. That was quite a bit easier than
waiting in line at the Coral Ridge Mall for about 16 hours on May 18, 1999,
for "Star Wars: Episode I--The Phantom Menace."

But what of the movie? Without revealing any plot details or ruining any
surprises, here's my initial preview....

Many people who loved one or all three episodes in the original trilogy of
the "Star Wars" saga were disappointed by the May 1999 release of "Star Wars:
Episode I--The Phantom Menace." I believe those who were disappointed by "The
Phantom Menace" will be pleasantly surprised by "Star Wars: Episode
II--Attack of the Clones."

While some may not like the corny title, people should keep in mind that
"Star Wars" creator George Lucas always wanted these movies to have the
simplicity yet entertainment value of the Saturday matinee movie serials he
enjoyed in the 1950s. While "Attack of the Clones" may have the feel of
matinee serials, it certainly doesn't have the look.

Lucas, who has written the story and written or co-written the script of all
his "Star Wars" films, is perhaps best known in the entertainment industry as
a special effects (SFX) pioneer. Industrial Light and Magic, the special
effects branch of his Lucasfilm, Ltd., is still considered to be the best SFX
house in the industry.

For "Clones," Lucas pulls out all the stops. While Lucas has written all five
episodes of his saga thus far, this is only the third "Star Wars" film he's
directed. It's gotten to the point, apparently, that almost nobody
understands special effects to the extent that Lucas does. Consequently, very
few directors are qualified to helm a "Star Wars" film.

If possible, even more than it's predecessors, "Clones" is a visual feast
from start to finish! While that might be fun for "Star Wars" fans, there are
drawbacks. Many scenes, especially the action scenes, are so visually loaded
that it's difficult to process everything on the screen. It will be a treat
for fans who see the movie more than once because they'll spot new elements
upon repeated viewing. For the casual filmgoer, however, this may be visual
overkill.

There are also the wonderful sound effects and another stirring soundtrack by
John Williams, arguably the all-time-best composer/conductor of film scores.
For those who prefer to watch movies at home on video, the experience will be
significantly diminished. This is one of those films that should be seen in a
cinema or not be seen at all.

Of course, visual and sound effects are incidental to the more important
elements of storytelling, including character and plot. While this isn't
Shakespeare, the story and script are more engaging than "The Phantom Menace."

Most of the surviving characters from "Menace" return in "Clones," a story
which is more character driven than it's predecessor. Some characters return
in cameos, while others have expanded roles. Samuel L. Jackson, as Jedi
Master Mace Windu, has a larger part, better suited to his talents as an
actor.

There are some exciting new characters, including a couple of engaging
villains. One is played by horror and fantasy film legend Christopher Lee.
The other, played by hunky Temuera Morrison, provides a threat for classic
characters of the original or "middle" trilogy, the first three "Star Wars"
films. Speaking of villains, throughout "Clones," as expected by those who
remember the middle trilogy, Darth Sidious, a.k.a. the phantom menace,
continues to gain power. I won't reveal the actor who reprises his role as
Sidious, but those who know "Star Wars" know who he is.

Fans of the 1977 original "Star Wars" will be excited to see younger versions
of characters not seen since the first film, and to see sets and props from
"Star Wars" carefully recreated in exacting detail.

The actors faced the challenge of doing much of their work in front of SFX
blue and green screens, acting with and reacting to characters, props and, in
some cases, even sets that weren't added until long after the performances
were shot. Given this challenge, there are performances worth noting. Natalie
Portman is even more engaging than before as Padme Amidala, formerly Queen
and now Senator of Naboo. Voice performers Frank Oz as Yoda and Anthony
Daniels as C-3PO bring life to their classic characters.

Because "Clones" takes place ten years after "Menace," Jedi Padawan (in
training) Anakin Skywalker is recast by older actor Hayden Christensen. I
didn't find him any more convincing than young Jake Lloyd from "Menace," but
what do I know? For a timeline of relevant dates, refer to the chronology of
the "Star Wars" saga below.

Perhaps most impressive of all is Ewan MacGregor, reprising his role as Jedi
Master Obi-Wan Kenobi. Not only is he an impressive actor, but he's clearly
having fun with his larger-than-life role. The makeup people deserve some
credit, too, for aging MacGregor ten years and making him look more like Sir
Alec Guinness, who originated the role in the first "Star Wars."

More is revealed about the returning characters, except for Jar Jar Binks.
Those who found the Gungan so annoying in "Menace" will be glad to know that
his role in "Clones" amounts to little more than a cameo. On the other
extreme, Yoda, who has played an important part in four of the five films so
far, has his largest role yet. For those who think they know Yoda, "You ain't
seen nuthin' yet!"

Most enjoyable for me are the droids. R2-D2 and C-3PO are clever enough
characters, but I find they're really only entertaining as a duo. After
spending most of "Menace" apart, they're reunited in "Clones," which leads to
a few funny scenes.

For those unsure of where "Clones" fits into the larger saga, I offer the
following....

CHRONOLOGY OF THE "STAR WARS" SAGA

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away....

Star Wars: Episode I--The Phantom Menace
Set 32 years before Episode IV
USA release: May 19, 1999
Star Wars: Episode II--Attack of the Clones
Set 22 years before Episode IV
USA release: May 16, 2002
Star Wars: Episode III
Set 18 years before Episode IV
Slated for USA release: May 2005

Star Wars: Episode IV--A New Hope
The original episode
USA release: May 1977
Star Wars: Episode V--The Empire Strikes Back
Set 3 years after Episode IV
USA release: May 1980
Star Wars: Episode VI--Return of the Jedi
Set 4 years after Episode IV
USA release: May 1983

As meaningless entertainment goes, "Attack of the Clones" is as good as it
gets. George Lucas has made another fun film. As with his original "Star
Wars," which premiered 25 years ago, Lucas again effectively recreates the
entertainment value of the simple Saturday matinee serials of his youth, yet
on a much grander scale. But don't just take my word for it--see the film and
judge for yourself!

Sincerely,
J W