Dan and Nancy: Now Playing
The Broomfield Enterprise, Broomfield, CO

The newest installment of the "Star Wars" series is finally here. "Star Wars: Episode II ? Attack of the Clones" opened last week to big crowds and much excitement. More pieces of the puzzle come together in this Episode including Anakin Skywalker and Senator Amidala falling in love, Anakin inching closer to becoming Darth Vader and the birth of a clone army. Starring Ewan McGregor ("Moulin Rouge"), Natalie Portman ("Where the Heart Is"), and Samuel L. Jackson ("Changing Lanes") and directed by George Lucas. Rated PG for sci-fi action and violence typical of previous "Star Wars' movies. Time spent sitting next to Boba Fett while two dudes have a light saber duel in the theater: 132 minutes.

Nancy's Take: This sequel that falls short of the first episode. "Star Wars: Episode II" is slow during the first half, but the second half makes up for it. The love story was pretty weak and frustrating. Maybe it was the fact that I was tired, but there wasn't enough oomph.
Natalie Portman did a superb job as Senator Amidala. I also loved her outfits. At times it seemed like a fashion show, but I enjoyed it. Hayden Christensen wasn't the greatest as Anakin. I think they should've picked a different, stronger actor. They needed to find a person who is more convincing of being a Jedi. Yoda was outstanding. His fighting scene made the whole movie and you might even get a chuckle out of it.
Is this movie worth the price of admission? Yes. It's "Star Wars," of course it is. Would I see it again? Yes, I'm sure like most movies I missed something. And this will definitely be a classic. Also, when standing in the huge line and being surrounded by other lines, it was nice to see so many generations excited to see the same movie. It was just like the saying "The Power of Cheese" but it was "The Power of the Star Wars."

Dan's take: I have a feeling that I will be in the minority by saying this but, I was generally disappointed with "Star Wars: Episode II." This is not to say that I didn't like it, I just wanted more out of it.
The love story-laden first hour was so boring it almost put me to sleep. Granted I was at the midnight screening but the beginning was about as entertaining as a city council meeting on TV. I know the love story is essential to the story and they did try to interweave another essential and intriguing storyline but I needed more fighting.
On the other hand, the light saber-laden second half was great. Light saber fighting, Yoda using "The Force," and a blaster-carrying Senator Amidala, now that feels like "Star Wars." The end almost made me forget about the slow start, but that was probably the idea, as a lot of people will be blinded by the sheer magnitude of the fighting at the end.
Is this flick worth the price of admission? Of course it is. This is a must see for even the smallest fan of the "Star Wars" series. Personally, however, I think it may be my least favorite Episode yet. Would I see it again? Well, I saw it twice opening day and I figure I'll go at least one more time.

By Dan Marcucci and Nancy Serougi. Broomfield, CO
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