Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones

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Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones

PG

Released May 16, 2002

2h 23m

Sci-Fi

Adventure

Action

Fantasy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

61%

Tomatometer

319 Reviews

56%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

Set ten years after the events of "The Phantom Menace," the Republic continues to be mired in strife and chaos. A separatist movement encompassing hundreds of planets and powerful corporate alliances poses new threats to the galaxy that even the Jedi cannot stem. These moves, long planned by an as yet unrevealed and powerful force, lead to the beginning of the Clone Wars -- and the beginning of the end of the Republic.

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Critics Consensus

Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones benefits from an increased emphasis on thrilling action, although it's undercut by ponderous plot points and underdeveloped characters.

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Chris Hewitt (UK)

Empire Magazine

Clones is the anti-Phantom Menace — funny, complex and enormous fun.

Rated: 5/5

Apr 23, 2025

Full Review

Alexander Walker

London Evening Standard

The pulp-fiction adrenaline continually pumps.

Apr 23, 2025

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Jane Horwitz

Washington Post

The computer-generated effects dazzle, and the story, while complicated in the manner of a comic-book serial, clips along at a decent pace.

Apr 23, 2025

Full Review

Honolulu Star-Bulletin Staff

Honolulu Star-Bulletin

George Lucas should seriously think of handing over the director duties to someone else for Episode III. All of this digital effect dazzle can't even spark his weak work with actors.

Rated: 2.5/4

Apr 23, 2025

Full Review

Michael Tsai

Honolulu Star-Advertiser

George Lucas continues to show signs of being altogether unconcerned with the burden of storytelling, using painfully awkward dialogue and endless coincidences to advance the plot.

Apr 23, 2025

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Michael Snyder

Miami Herald

Attack is more of the same; the thespians are pawns subservient to the epic sweep of the story. But after a tepid Episode 1, this is rapture.

Rated: 3/4

Apr 23, 2025

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Jack L

Attack of the Clones is easily the worst of George Lucas’ Star Wars films. Plagued by wooden dialogue, a forced romance, aged CGI, and countless other flaws that critics have pointed out for decades, it struggles on many fronts. However, the core story of Palpatine’s political manipulation and Obi-Wan’s detective arc offer compelling threads, supported by strong world-building. Ultimately, it’s not a good film—but I still look at it fondly, maybe just out of nostalgia

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

05/12/25

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Audience Member

Better action and fight scenes compared to the first movie.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/10/25

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Luke B

"Star Wars: Attack of the Clones" delivers plenty of exciting action, boosted by CGI that, while impressive in scope, sometimes leans too heavily into video game-like visuals that can feel awkward in a live-action setting. Hayden Christensen’s performance as Anakin Skywalker is a bit questionable, yet it oddly fits the character’s conflicted nature. The romantic subplot is famously awkward—so much so that it becomes oddly endearing in its own way. Despite its flaws, the film stands out as an exciting and memorable chapter in the Star Wars saga, offering not just adventure but also a surprisingly meaningful and spiritual message that gives the story added depth.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/09/25

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J H

Other than some good moments here and there, this is a very weak movie.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

05/06/25

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Kyle M

Improved spectacle in a blur that sensationally deepens the lore and satisfy fanatical excitement with manageable emotional touch, whilst much of the deliverance comes across as ignorant when effortlessly glancing at the screenplay’s processing characterization. (B)

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/04/25

Full Review

Leo M

Despite some poorly written romance dialogue, "Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones" excels in worldbuilding and action in the latter half. Additionally, it cleverly constructs the origins of the Galactic Empire.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/04/25

Full Review

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Synopsis

Set ten years after the events of "The Phantom Menace," the Republic continues to be mired in strife and chaos. A separatist movement encompassing hundreds of planets and powerful corporate alliances poses new threats to the galaxy that even the Jedi cannot stem. These moves, long planned by an as yet unrevealed and powerful force, lead to the beginning of the Clone Wars -- and the beginning of the end of the Republic.

Director: George Lucas
Producer: Rick McCallum
Screenwriter: George Lucas, Jonathan Hales
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Production Co: Lucasfilm Ltd., Twentieth Century Fox
Rating: PG (Sci-Fi Action Violence)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Adventure, Action, Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 16, 2002, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 10, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $310.7M
Runtime: 2h 23m
Sound Mix: Dolby EX, Surround
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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