Pop Culture Movies and More: Star Wars: Episode II

After an assassination attempt on the life of Senator Padmé Amidala, Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Padawan learner Anakin Skywalker are sent to investigate. After tracking down the assassin, she is killed before any information can be obtained. The two Jedi are then sent on two different missions: Anakin is sent to Naboo with Padmé to protect her and Obi-Wan is sent to the planet of Kamino, where he will investigate the assassination attempts following a lead. Little does he know, his investigations will uncover a connection between the assassination attempts and a Separatist movement led by the former Jedi, Count Dooku, against the Republic. The Galactic Republic finds itself on the brink of a civil war. Set 10 years after the events of Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999), this film continues the story of the prequel trilogy in the Star Wars galaxy. Attack of the Clones is a movie I adore so much, and I know that many people dislike the prequels (including this one), but I love them all so much. They were a huge part of my childhood and I have never had an issue with them. There are so many elements of this particular adventure from the planet of Kamino with the cloning facility to the arena and the first battle of Geonosis are some of my favourite pieces of content in the entirety of Star Wars. It was also interesting to finally see things put in motion with the beginning of the Clone Wars, which was name-dropped in the first production Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977). showing Lucas' had planned this out far ahead. Anakin Skywalker has grown up too since the last film and is now a skilled Jedi learner under an older Obi-Wan, who looks so cool now with a mullet and beard. Meeting with Padmé again, Anakin's feelings start to grow into something more than friendship. The two begin to fall in love, however, love is forbidden to the Jedi as they fear that it will lead to emotions that could spawn the dark side of the force. My favourite planet introduced in this film is, hands down, Kamino. Everything about it I just find so cool, from the constant rain outside contrasted with the completely bright white halls. It screams sci-fi to me, and like the rest of this film, it looks absolutely stunning. Even the music is just beautiful, bringing every scene to life thanks to the magnificent work of John Williams yet again. Most of the mystery laid out centres around the planet Kamino and how the clone army was created. It doesn't get explained to its full extent unless you watch the phenomenal show Star Wars: The Clone Wars (TV Series 2008-2020). It shows the events following this film set during the Clone Wars and before the events of the next movie (which you should watch first). The template for the clones is a bounty hunter named Jango Fett. If you have seen the originals, this name should instantly make you think of Boba Fett. Turns out he is an unaltered clone of Jango, whom he raises as a son who would go on to take up his father's armour later on, which is a fun detail. One of the main complaints in this film is the romance between Anakin and Padmé. Whilst it is odd and, at times, painful, it is hardly as bad as it made out to be, although it is still not the best. Of course, like the last film, the finale is easily the best part, with Anakin, Padmé and Obi-Wan being captured on Geonosis and placed in an arena. There they battle against three unique creatures before the Jedi arrive. It's such an impressive battle with droids spewing into the arena, where all-out conflict ensues, and hundreds of lightsabers illuminate the fight. Mace Windu, played by Samuel L. Jackson, carries a purple lightsaber, which is one of a kind. What makes it all the better is he asked to have that colour. So awesome! Overall, I adore Attack of the Clones and will continue to rewatch it frequently. I enjoy it so much, paying no mind to the hate it gets, like the other prequels. They will always be favourites of mine. Definitely check this one out with the outstanding duels, battles and improved CGI that look so good, not to mention a magical score. What's not to enjoy? Also, see the next and final entry in the trilogy Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005), and may the force be with you.