Star Wars: The Clone Wars is the new chapter of the legendary saga that serves as the first episode of the new TV series. The CG animated film will be a disappointment for the fans of the original trilogy, but has enough excitement to entertain the Padawans in the audience.
The film takes place between Episodes II and III and further develops the story that began with the hand-drawn cartoon series from a few years ago. All the characters are here; Anakin, Obi-Wan, Yoda, Padme, C3PO and R2-D2. Only C3PO is voiced by the original actor with all the other leads given new similar sounding voices.
In this chapter the Clone Wars are in full swing and along with a new Padawan learner, Anakin and Obi-Wan must rescue Jabba the Hut's tadpole-looking offspring from the evil clutches of Count Dooku.
Along with the classic score and some exciting action sequences the film sits comfortably alongside the new trilogy. This, as many fans know, is by no means a compliment.
The same problems that plagued the new trilogy are present in this outing. Uninteresting characters, underwhelming special effects and cringe-worthy dialogue make this a hollow experience with no emotional impact whatsoever.
The main characters resemble thunderbird puppets and have marionette-like movements that you would not expect from a modern day CG movie. The animation overall is uninspiring and this is an absolute pity given the potential for a movie set in the Star Wars universe.
The action scenes in the first half are spectacular and have an intensity that rivals most of the big scenes in the new films. Loyal fans of the original trilogy will probably continue to curse George Lucas but it works well as an action-filled adventure for younger audiences.
- Review by Sebastian Cordoba.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars is released in Australian cinemas this Friday, August 15.
You can view the trailer here on TheVine.