Movie Review - 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars'

Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Featuring the voices of Matt Lanter, James Arnold Taylor, and Samuel L. Jackson
Directed by Dave Filoni
Rated PG

Although it sports crystal clear digital animation and some of the imagination that powered the franchise in its first two films, there are elements of Star Wars: The Clone Wars that casual fans might not warm up to. To a die hard Lucasian – the sort of devotee who will see this on opening night with light sabers on his utility belt – this could be a vital and vibrant new beginning. However, a lot of those fans have already seen an animated Clone Wars, so they, too, may be wondering what the score is here. In terms of chronology, The Clone Wars falls between Episode II and Episode III in the saga. Jedi masters Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker are assisting the Galactic Republic in its battle against the seceding star systems, and the war is being waged by an army of clones against evil battle droids. During one such battle Skywalker is assigned a new Padawan, or apprentice, a spirited teenager named Ashoka Tano. Purists may resent the inclusion of a new character, but she is one of the film’s most refreshing new developments, along with the distinctive animation style that gives new character to old characters. The details of the story aren’t of much consequence; Star Wars: The Clone Wars is merely an appetizer for the animated series that debuts this fall with plans of launching about 100 episodes. This is just another adventure somewhere in the middle of the Wars. We see an extended Hutt family, which I’m not sure was demanding a greater thrust. Jabba and two relatives figure prominently in the plot, perhaps even more than Obi-Wan and Yoda. Hardcore fans won’t care, and ultimately, they’ll decide whether this movie is successful by choosing or not choosing to watch the series this 100-minute commercial promotes. The pristine quality of the digital animation, even if you disagree with the exaggerated features it gives certain faces, is a refreshing change. I like the appearance of a new central heroine, too. The overwhelmingly youth-oriented dialogue could siren that Star Wars is counting on a new generation of fans to carry the series forward from here. That remains to be seen, although the banter between Ashoka and Skywalker (whom she calls “Sky Guy”) feels more appropriate for a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie than it does for Star Wars. For the casual viewer, however, the new additions may make this movie feel longer than the Kessel Run.

Comments

[Lost Wilson]

I had my midichlorians surgically removed last week. But that won't stop me from seeing this movie.

May the Force be with you!

[~Z~]

Saw it,and I must say that I thought the movie was ok. I was rather upset that Anakin was called a "Master" during the movie. After all wasn't it the decision of the Jedi council to include Anakin without making him a Master leading him down the dark path in episode 3? Also I think the absence of the slow crawl at beginning of Clone Wars was somewhat un-Star Wars. The narration at the beginning brought back memories of Starship troopers. I loved the action sequences. Seeing Anakin and Obi-Wan in full scale battle with the battle droids made the movie worth seeing.

~Z~