Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones
Second prequel focuses on Anakin's fall and clone army origins
The brief
The most maligned prequel is actually a gorgeous space opera that gets lost in its own ambitions. Lucas crafts stunning digital worlds and lightsaber choreography that still slaps, but Christensen's wooden Anakin and some truly painful romantic dialogue make stretches feel like homework. The detective plot with Obi-Wan investigating clone armies has genuine intrigue, and the final act's arena battle delivers pure spectacle. For Star Wars completists and anyone who can forgive clunky romance for incredible world-building and that John Williams score doing overtime.
The verdict
If you're a Star Wars fan who can overlook clunky dialogue for gorgeous world-building, stunning lightsaber battles, and that legendary John Williams score, this delivers genuine spectacle and intrigue. If wooden performances and painfully awkward romantic scenes kill your movie enjoyment, skip this one and stick to the original trilogy.
Watch with
- 👥 Star Wars fans and sci-fi completists
- ⚠️ Those expecting tight storytelling may struggle
Heads up
- Battle violence and lightsaber combat (moderate)
- Mass execution attempt in arena (brief)
- Parental death discussed (brief)
Credits
- Director
- George Lucas
- Cast
- Hayden Christensen, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Christopher Lee, Samuel L. Jackson, Frank Oz, Ian McDiarmid
Official synopsis
Following an assassination attempt on Senator Padmé Amidala, Jedi Knights Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with Speed Racer (2008)
Both Lucas and Wachowskis create colorful, kinetic sci-fi spectacles.
Total runtime: 2h 22m + 2h 15m = 4h 37m
