Hey folks, Harry here... I've been reading with much bemusement about my 'back-pedeling' on George Lucas' latest episode of STAR WARS. I've also been reading 'rumors' appearing through the internet that there is a mass exodus of ILM employees headed to join up with Peter Jackson on LORD OF THE RINGS because they were tired of their work being wasted on the likes of what STAR WARS had become. Finally I've been watching as people so wantonly dish out spoilers for the upcoming film like children learning their first cuss word. Well, today TIME MAGAZINE's Richard Corliss chimes in on the new chapter. What does he say?
"After seeing a rough cut of the film and reading the script, we can say that Clones seems poised to get the series back on track—and provide an exhilarating two hours of serious fun. It should easily ace the last movie in chills (when two icky centipedal creatures called "kouhuns" crawl into the sleeping Padme's bed) and thrills (when Anakin and Obi-Wan drag-race the changeling Zam Wessel across Coruscant's wonderfully varied urban nightscape)." Richard Corliss & Jess Cagle
"An Exhilarating Two Hours Of Serious Fun." -- Yup, that it is. Contrary to the folks out there that want so badly for me to be on some payroll somewhere. Contrary to those that want to think my opinion on the film has chilled over time. This chapter of STAR WARS continues to be breathlessly entertaining and thrilling for me. And yes, I am dying to see the film on its first day of release.
Last night as I was coming out of screening of an archive print of TRON at the Alamo Drafthouse a pair of fairly drunk older hispanic fellows came up to me declaring, "Eeeh Maan, you are that guy that has seen the new Star Wars right?" I confirmed it. "Well man, I read what you wrote and man I just want to know one thing. Does Yoda really kick ass like he should in this film?" I began laughing and confirmed it. "Alright ese, Maaaan, didn't you always want to see him just let go and kick ass man, I do. I think Yoda could kick everybody's ass. I can't wait to see that man!" and around that time I was whisked away from the scene to head home.
Folks, this movie is going to force a lot of folks to eat crow, and for those that decide to still 'hate' Star Wars afterwards. Well, whatever. I dug Anakin and Padme's romance. It is a young love and a budding love borne out of conflict and proximity. CG Yoda works 100% for me. For one it really frees up the camera on him. Far more full body shots. Far more motion and expression in the face and in dialogue. Sure you can tell it is CG, just as we could always tell he was a puppet by the way his lips never really enunciated the words he was saying.
Watching others getting excited by this film is part of the joy. But steer clear of TALK BACKS and emails with attachments from here to the time you see STAR WARS for your own. Right now, I'm so glad I've seen the film because there seem to be so many willing assholes that want to spoil key moments simply because they can. Respect those that have not seen the film yet. Don't make their choice for them, don't be an ass. And from here on out... You should continue to hear nothing but great things about STAR WARS EPISODE 2 because.... um... it is great.
And for the record. What I meant when I said that ATTACK OF THE CLONES was the most entertaining of the saga so far is that. The entertainment level is spectacular. For me, personally, I still prefer the original Star Wars and Empire Strikes Back. I love the innocence and the performances of the actors that brought those films to life, plus... Frankly the place in my life where I saw them... and what it reminds me of has more meaning than seeing these films today. Today, this new one is fantastically entertaining. And that is not a bad thing... ever.
