Big spoilers here. Not that anyone’s really going out of their way to see this one…
You know how everyone decreed that the Star Wars Prequels were absolutely awful and such? Well, Star Wars: The Clone Wars actually is that awful.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars was basically made as a commercial for the Clone Wars animated series. While not the strongest reason to make this film, I’m surprised (and not in a good way) by the direction the film went.
The story on paper sounds solid. Set between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, Jedi Knights Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi are battling the separatists all over the galaxy on behalf of the republic. Jabba the Hutt’s son has been kidnapped, and since the Hutts control important routes through space that would aid either side in the war, Yoda has Kenobi and Skywalker rescue the Hutt child. Count Dooku though is in fact setting the republic up, making it seem like the Jedi were in fact the ones who kidnapped the child, and Dooku himself is going to rescue him. Also, Yoda decides Skywalker can have an apprentice and Ahsoka Tano comes along for the adventure.
Let’s get the good out of the way because it’s quick: the action scenes are pretty cool. In fact, if the entire film was just action scenes it would have served as a great commercial for the TV show. Also, Asajj Ventress, a Sith warrior, is also pretty cool.
Alright the bad. Everything else. Skywalker’s apprentice is one of the most annoying characters I’ve seen in a feature film. Between calling her Skywalker “Skyguy” and complaining about almost everything Skywalker asks she’s unbearable. There’s a scene where Skywalker and Tano are hiding in a container, Tano actually complains about now being able to crouch too long and that she needs to stand up, blowing their cover. This is someone who wants to be a Jedi. She does have the occasional moment I guess. Speaking of unbearable, once the Hutt child comes into the picture the story moves from the Clone War to taking care of a sick Hutt. The Hutt son is just as annoying, if not worse. It’s also a lot less interesting.
Obi-Wan Kenobli could also obtain the unbearable tag, although luckily in small doses. Everything he says is some positive cliché, and he’s also involved in one ridiculous scene where he tries to set up a surrender. I won’t spoil it here, but if you ever watch it try not to shake your head on how stupid the idea is.
There’s also an entire 3rd act that’s completely unnecessary involving Jabba’s uncle, Queen Amadala and a storyline twist that seemed completely random.
But hey, the actions scenes were good.
Pros:
+Action scenes.
Cons:
-Annoying characters.
-Stupid plot choice.
-Missing major Clone Wars characters. Where’s Savage Oppress, Darth Maul and General Grevious?
Avoids an F for one reason…the action scenes really are cool.
Grade: D