Reviews

Despite what critics have said, "Star Wars: Episode II-Attack of the Clones" is a wonderful, fun filled adventure from a galaxy far, far away. There are a few problems with the script, and the acting is stiff in places, but George Lucas has, for the most part, succeeded with creating a visually compelling, dramatically focused, and very emotional film. Much like "The Empire Strikes Back", Lucas has dwelled into darker territory with "Clones", as we begin to see Anakin Skywalker's inevitable descent to the Dark Side. We also get to see the beginning of the end for the Galactic Republic, and its transformation into the Empire.

At 142 minutes, "Clones" may seem like a long movie, but it moves at a ferocious speed, and it's over almost as soon as it begins. For me, this was a bad thing. Not enough time was given to specific scenes. The love story between Anakin and Padme Amidala feels rushed, and loses some believability because of this. The scenes with the Homestead on Tatooine had the potential to be great, but Owen Lars and Beru Whitesun, Luke's uncle and aunt from the original "Star Wars", have very few lines, and their roles in this movie seem rather pointless. I was really anxious to see this part of the film, but I was ultimately disappointed.

As for the acting, it's mostly pretty good. Ewan MgGregor does a fine job as Obi Wan Kenobi, and offers a couple of pretty good laughs during the film. Hayden Christensen is terrific as the young Darth Vader. He brings a lot of intensity and emotion to the role, and, at times, you can't help but feel sorry for him. Natalie Portman is only ok with her role as Padme Amidala. She delivers some of her lines in a dull monotone. The rest of the cast is excellent, especially Ian McDirmid as Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. He's devilishly sneaky and corrupted, and it's amazing to watch him in action. Samuel L. Jackson is also back as Jedi Master Mace Windu, and, as always, he's a pleasure to watch. Christopher Lee manages to bring us a truly memorable villain with Count Dooku, who's light years ahead of Darth Maul. His skills with a lightsabre are incredible, to say the least.

All of the technical aspects of the film are a wonder. The special effects, the sound, everything, are fantastic. The battle at the end of the film is truly one of the best action sequences ever put on screen. John Williams has also given us a dazzling musical score, his best since "Empire", I think. The love theme is amazingly beautiful.

For me, the best part of the film was the story-telling. It's absolutely masterful. The missing pieces of the saga begin to fall into place, as Anakin slowly begins his transformation into the evil Darth Vader, the beginning of the Clone Wars, the fall of the Republic, and the rise of the Empire. The final sequence of the movie will no doubt send chills down your spine, as it gives you the feeling of the impending doom that's about to be unleashed upon the galaxy.

Even with its faults, "Attack of the Clones" proves that George Lucas still has it in him to create an epic story that not only offers a huge treat for the ears and eyes, but a film rich with exhilarating emotions, raw intensity, and beautifully crafted drama.

Final Grade: B+

Star Wars: Episode 5-The Empire Strikes Back

Wow, it's hard for me to come up with words to describe George Lucas' epic continuation of "A New Hope". It's fun, thrilling, exciting, romantic, and with all of this, it still manages to be a serious film. There is not one thing wrong with it, not that I can find anyway. It shouldn't be judged as a stand alone film from the series, although many consider it the best of the 3 Star Wars films. I love it as much as I do the others. I wish George Lucas would release these movies in the theater again, I would to see them on the big screen one last time.

I remember when I first saw "Star Wars: Episode One-The Phantom Menace" almost 3 years ago. It was on opening weekend, and I can still clearly remember all of the hype surrounding this movie. It was incredible. I mean, everywhere you went, you saw and heard Star Wars. Whether you were eating Taco Bell, or drinking Pepsi, you were experiencing the hype of the most wildly anticipated movie since, perhaps, "Gone With the Wind". It was on the cover of every major magazine in the world, and it was the topic of every news show around the globe. The theater I saw the film in, was, of course, packed. When the line "A Long Time Ago in a Galaxy Far, Far Away" appeared on the screen, I knew I was in for something special. Before I knew it, the film was over. It ended almost as soon as it had begun, it seemed. For a 2 hour and 10 minute film, it really went by quick. I should probably get down to the point of the review and answer the most important questions: Was it any good? Is it better than the originals? But, before I answer these questions, it should be clear to everyone that this is only the first part of the new trilogy. Two more films are coming, and truthfully, as a stand alone movie, "The Phantom Menace" does not really hold up that well. Don't get me wrong, it's a good movie, and it does an excellent job of introducing all of the characters that will no doubt play a more important part in Episode's 2 and 3. It nicely sets everything in motion for the next 2 installments.

Since pretty much everyone has seen the movie, I won't dwell too much into the plot, but the best aspect of the movie is with Senator Palpatine. He secretly joins an alliance with the Trade Federation, and uses the conflict to his advantage and to gain control of the Senate, and soon, the Republic. The events that transpire all lead to the formation of the Empire, and his control of it. This was all done very nicely, but it should have been the main focus of the movie, not the story with Anakin. It's very complex, and for me, it was a little too hard to understand when I first saw this movie, but now, it is as clear as day. I just wish it hadn't been so subtle. Other parts of the movie, such as the story with Anakin and the podracing, are not as well done, but are still entertaining to watch. It's very intriguing to learn where he came from, and while most people were put off by it, I actually liked the idea of Anakin being conceived by the Force. It's somewhat mysterious and sort of poetic. In the end, after all was said and done, George Lucas's first installment of the new trilogy is a great set up of things to come. It's unfair to say that this movie isn't as good as the originals. You really can't compare one movie to a whole trilogy and expect it to stand up to it. It's almost impossible. But, if you want to be picky about it, I'd say it stands somewhere along the lines of "Return of the Jedi" if you want to judge the movie by itself. But it would be a lot smarter to wait for the other films to be released to make any kind of serious judgment.

It's been over a year since "Dinosaur" came out, but I've never seen it until now. The critic's reaction to the film kept me from seeing it, and now, I wish I had never listened to them. This is one of the most awe-inspiring movies I've seen in a long time. It's simply a joy to look at. While the story may be a rehash from half a dozen other Disney movies, but it works, as it does for every Disney movie. This is one of the few films that I've kicked myself in the butt over, for not seeing it when it first came out. A splendid masterpiece.

With a year of disappointing movies, director Joe Johnston gives us one of the better action-adventure movies of the past few years. While it may not be as exciting as the revolutionary film that started it all, it's still a breath-taking ride that leaves us begging for more. There is very little to the story but it's enough to keep the movie interesting in terms of plot. That was pretty much how the first 2 were, but it was never the story that kept the movies exciting. It was the dinosaurs, and there are plenty of them in this one. There's even a fantastic showdown between the mighty T-Rex and the all new Spinosaurus. Although it was very entertaining to watch, the dino battle should have been left for the end, instead of near the beginning, but that is only a minor complaint. Then there is the length of the film, WAY TOO SHORT. Some of the action scenes could have been more drawn out, and there could have been more room for character development, but, once again, another minor complaint. The movie is everything it promises to be, and it never wears out its welcome. For my money, "Jurassic Park III" is one of the best movies of this summer, bested only by "Planet of the Apes".

I remember the first time I watched the classic series for the first time, not too long ago. My initial impression: Shock. I had never before witnessed such a captivated tale. The series kept getting better with each movie. Not long after I found out that Tim Burton was to remake "The Planet of the Apes" and I asked myself, "Why bother?" The original series have hardly aged a bit and are still vastly entertaining to watch. Even though the original is over 30 years old, it doesn't feel like it at all. I felt there was no need for a remake. I saw the new film on opening day, and I have to say I was disappointed. The movie wasn't as shocking as the original. It wasn't as captivating. It wasn't anything like the original. The only thing that seemed to save it was the truly shocking twist ending. It really made me think for a while, but, eventually, I gave up. It didn't make sense to me at all. Then, I decided to throw all my initial thoughts of the film away and decided to go see it again for a second opinion, and, this time, I was blown away. Rarely do I see a film and loathe it only to go see it again and absolutley love it. I didn't compare it to the original as I did the first time, and I think that's the reason I completely hated it the first time around. Tim Burton really did an amazing job creating a whole new world of apes where humans are slaves. The cinematography, the set designs, and just about every technical aspect of the film is a marvel, especially the make up and costume designs. Danny Elfman's score is one of his best, and at times, very frightening. The acting is also top notch, from Wahlberg's subtle but heroic portrayal of Leo, to Roth who is absolutely stunning as General Thade. This has got to be the most impressive movie of the summer, if not the year, easily on par with "Hannibal". Just don't go see it and compare it with the original. My grade: A-