Star Wars: The Clone WarsReview by Russ Breimeier |
posted 8/15/2008
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Unfortunately, about the most that can be said for The Clone Wars is that it reminds you of the other movies that you either loved or loved to hate. Though fans may enjoy the movie, no one would be foolish enough to put it on par with the original films—the special effects and design are all spot-on, but it's still an animated copy of the real thing. And those who disliked the tone of the prequels will find this to be more of the same—more political scheming by the Sith, endless explosions between robots and troopers, corny dialogue peppered with amateur one-liners, and lots of whining. Either way, it's not a good thing.
Yoda
The animation is not as groundbreaking as the filmmakers would like to think. It's stylish eye candy at times, for sure. But more often than not, it looks like the sort of CGI commonly shown on Saturday morning television and Nickelodeon. Much of the action is smooth and flawless, but some of it is rather choppy looking. Plus, things like hair and skin look rather fake and plastic in this (like the Happy Meal toys being used to promote it). Pixar this is not, and it's ironic that this movie comes out the same summer as WALL•E, which felt closely related to Star Wars in many ways.
The story and dialogue also feel juvenile, even for Star Wars. Here again it feels like your average Saturday morning cartoon with the lame one-liners (though some of the droids give humorous commentary before being summarily destroyed). Anakin and Ahsoka have lots of banter about what it means to be a Jedi and the importance of following orders. The teenage apprentice is plucky, but she's also very irritating in the way she often disobeys Anakin and complains about everything. Of course, she's not nearly as laughably grating as Jabba's purple, tattooed, uncle Ziro the Hutt, who speaks in a swishy Southern drawl. (Seriously???)
There's also something to be said for the role of John Williams' rousing score. Here it's reduced to a cheaply produced rendition of the opening march, with some smatterings of familiar themes. The rest is a hodgepodge of rock and world music that unintentionally removes us from the Star Wars universe that we're used to.
How you like it depends on who you identify with. Kids will enjoy it, fans will tolerate it, geeks will feel obligated to love it, and cynics will note that at least Jar Jar doesn't make an appearance. It's a thoroughly so-so affair, but at least this much can be said about The Clone Wars: it proves you don't have to be George Lucas to direct stiff characters and wooden dialogue in a semi-enjoyable Star Wars story that relies heavily on computer animation.
>Talk About It
Discussion starters
- What side of Anakin Skywalker do we see in this movie: hero or tragic servant to the Dark Side? Ignoring the fact that Anakin eventually becomes Darth Vader, do you think he's ready to take on an apprentice in this movie/series? Why or why not?
- Is Ahsoka respectful of her elders—Anakin, Rex, Obi-Wan, and Yoda? Do you believe her attitude changes later in the film? Will this movie cause kids to become more mindful of obedience, or will they think it's cool to strike out on their own?
- Anakin says that a Jedi must be humble. Which Jedi seem to have humility down? Which ones still need to learn it? In what ways is humility demonstrated in this movie?
- What does Ahsoka mean when she tells Anakin that old sins can cast long shadows? How does that relate to his past? How can we dispel the shadows of a sinful or painful past?
The Family Corner 
For parents to consider
Star Wars: The Clone Wars is rated PG for sci-fi action violence throughout, brief language and momentary smoking. Though an animated feature, the content is perfectly in step with that of most other Star Wars movies, with plenty of action-packed shoot-outs, lightsaber duels, and explosions. There's nothing bloody or as graphic as Revenge of the Sith, though a few severed alien heads are shown quickly in passing. I noted a "damn" and an "oh my God" as the only offensive language in the film. As for the "momentary smoking," I can only assume it refers to one of the Hutts smoking, just like Jabba in Return of the Jedi. Overall, this entry in the Star Wars saga has a lighter, Saturday morning cartoon feel, appropriate for most kids into sci-fi action/adventure.
Photos © Copyright Lucasfilm/Warner Bros.
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