'Clones' episode puts the excitement back in 'Star Wars'

By David Germain
Associated Press

Part two of the "Star Wars" trilogy, "Attack of the Clones," is expected to be a darker, more gripping outing than the first episode. It hits theaters Thursday. Gannett News Service

Surrounded by fresh-faced film serials, it no longer holds clear claim as the year's most anticipated movie.

"Star Wars" may have rusted a bit in the 25 years since Luke, Han, Leia and Obi-Wan blasted into theaters. Yet as "Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones" arrives next week, George Lucas' creation remains the Cadillac of film franchises, the surest sure thing that a blockbuster-minded movie industry can deliver.

Consider "Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace." After waiting 16 years for the first prequel to the original trilogy, audiences almost universally found something to deride in "Phantom Menace," a critical dud that sacrificed story to special effects and introduced the loathed buffoon Jar Jar Binks.

What other film franchise could produce a mediocre movie that disappoints the most loyal fans yet still rakes in more than $900 million worldwide and $431 million in the United States and Canada alone?

"Sure, the last movie was not what people hoped it would be," said Barrie Osborne, a producer on "The Lord of the Rings" franchise and executive producer on "The Matrix," which beat "Phantom Menace" on visual effects and two other categories at the Oscars for 1999.

"But I think everyone will want to see the new 'Star Wars.' It's something we all grew up with, and the whole body of work is more powerful than any one of the films. This powerful, mythic story George originated way back still captures the imagination, and people want to see what happens next."

Even the cast is more enthusiastic this time.

"I really love it. I personally like this film a lot better," said Natalie Portman, who returns as Padme Amidala, reunited with her Jedi pals Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and the now grown Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen).

"I get really bored in action movies, but I was at the edge of my seat with my mouth open," said Portman, who saw the finished film last weekend. "It's so gorgeous. It's got a great story, a real arc. You really care about the characters."

"'Star Wars' is one of the surest bets there is," said Bill Warren, a science-fiction expert whose books include "Keep Watching the Skies!: American Science Fiction Movies of the '50s." "Why do people go see John Wayne movies? They've got John Wayne in them. People see 'Star Wars' movies because they're full of 'Star Wars' stuff. There's a familiarity and affection for the material.

"All the new movie has to be is a little better than 'Phantom Menace' and people will go bananas."