The Clone Wars

Well, I just had to see it to believe it. 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars' is the latest piece of space fiction to come from the office (not the mind) of George Lucas. I went into this movie with a fair attitude towards something new from Mr. Lucas, after all, I used to love the Ewok movies. There were several things a little off when it began, most notably John William's triumphant score and the familiar scroll (it's even in every video game!). The plot, without divulging too much, centers around the rescue of Jabba the Hutt's son, or Huttling. The Jedi are appointed this task because the Outer Rim, where Tattooine (that dusty planet where 'nothing' happens) is located, is home to strategic supply routes for both sides of the war. The two Jedi chosen for this task are none other than Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi. All the characters are familiar and known with the exception of a newcomer named Ahsoka Tano...she repeats this name frequently so you don't forget it like I did despite the repetition. The animation style is certainly new for American audiences, but it is apparently growing in popularity as seen with the animated 'Transformers' and of course the new 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'. The animation on a few characters is pretty cool, like Anakin and Obi-Wan, but for others it just doesn't work, like Yoda or Jabba the Hutt (who looks like he was literally carved out of wood).

By far the most impressive sequences are the larger battles, the camera is really in the action during these portions and some seemingly go on forever...I was disappointed at the fact that there was one really huge sequence in the beginning and they got gradually smaller and shorter as the movie went on. This technique has only worked once, and that was with 'Saving Private Ryan'. I can honestly say that the large battles were the only parts I really enjoyed. The lightsaber duels were fast paced, but once you've seen Hayden Christianson and Ewan McGregor really going at it on screen, their computer generated counterparts are lack luster. Quick note, only three of the prequels actors lent their voices for this installment: Samuel L. Jackson, Christopher Lee, and Anthony Daniels. I'm sure there are many young Star Wars fans who are going to love this movie, even a few older ones too, but I, as well as a few others I know, was disappointed. The day 'The Clone Wars' was released, MSNBC.com had an article branding George Lucas a mogul, rather than a filmmaker...it seems they were right, like his character Anakin Skywalker, he is destroying everything he swore to protect.

Only time will tell when it comes to 'The Clone Wars'. Will it be embraced nostalgically by young fans as I embrace the Ewok movies? Or will it go down as just another blunder like the 'Star Wars Christmas Special'? Let's hope this dark period passes, and Mr. Lucas can bring balance to his Force.