Movie Review: Star Wars - The Clone Wars

This is an interesting release to say the least. It all started some years ago when the original Clone Wars shorts were commissioned. Under the directorship of Genndy Tartakovsky, of Dexter's Laboratory and Samurai Jack fame, the shorts were a hit. The episode length was increased from three minutes two ten for the second go around. Again, they proved to be a hit making fans (myself included) thirst for more. It was then announced that the series would continue, this time in full half-hour long episodes. The series would also make the switch from traditional cell animation to computer generated animation. Unfortunately, it would also continue without Genndy Tartakovsky's involvement. This film is the first fruits of those labors, and while it is enjoyable, it is definitely not all that it could have been.

I entered the theater hoping for another blast of a Star Wars experience. I sat down and waited for the movie to start. The lights went down, the trailers rolled, and then the Warner Brothers logo appeared. I must say that it was very strange not to have the Fox logo and fanfare open a Star Wars film. Next change came with the appearance of the Star Wars logo. First, the accompanying music was different, it is like a remixed version of John Williams theme, I sort of liked it, but upon first hearing it, it does sound a little awkward. Secondly, rather than a screen crawl to set the stage, we get what looks and sounds like a news broadcast from Starship Troopers, I was half expecting to here them ask: "Want to know more?" This led directly into the start of the story.

Now, this film is essentially the first four episodes of the series strung together. Being so, I was looking for the episode breaks, but must say that I did not see them. Also, being a television series the animation is not on par with what we are used to from big screen animated features, like Kung Fu Panda and Wall*E, although it is a definite step up from Space Chimps and will likely play well on the small screen.

As the story opens the Republic, with their clone army, are doing battle with Count Dooku and his Separatist droid army. The Republic's shipping routes through the inner systems have all been compromised by Separatist control, so they are attempting to negotiate with Jabba the Hutt to allow safe passage through the outer rim, which is under his control. This is where the plot begins to take shape.

We learn that Jabba's son has been kidnapped and he wants the Jedi army to find him and ensure his safe return before allowing any travel through his territory. This leads to the entrance of Obi Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, the two Jedi available to mount a Hutt rescue operation, they are joined by Ahsoka Tano, a young padawan assigned to Anakin.

However, before they can head off on a Hutt hunt they must deal with a battle with the droid army on a remote planet. This is a pretty good action sequence, although when it comes to internal logic it, shall we say, is somewhat lacking. Once finished, we can put it behind us as the search and rescue mission commences.

The mission is complicated when Jabba is informed that the Jedi are actually behind the abduction. This adds a little more drama to the mission, not to mention the introduction of a little intrigue back on Coruscant, the seat of power in the Republic.

You know, when it comes right down to it, this is not a very good movie; although, I would be lying if I said I did not enjoy it. It does not rise to the heights that film series rose to, but it has its good points, just like anything.

The problems lie with the story. Seriously, who cares about Jabba's son? Where is Jabba's wife? It just strikes me as a story that was forced into the universe. I am sure they could have come up with a better story to tell here. Hopefully, when the series launches this Fall, the stories will be improved.

One thing that became abundantly clear, if you did not already know it, is this movie (and likely the series) is tailored with the child in mind. This is not made for the longtime fans. Yes, there are nods to the film continuity for fans to pick out, and there is still enough lightsaber action to satisfy those fans, the story plays stronger to children. At least that is my experience with the audience I saw it with. There does seem to be a concerted effort to make this appeal to youth. It is a bit oversimplified, but they have achieved this goal.

Bottomline. Not nearly as good as it could have been, not nearly as bad as some would have you believe. It may just be an extended trailer for the television series, but it is still fun to see on the big screen. Let me finish by saying that the sound design is very strong.

Mildly Recommended.