Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones is the second movie in what is commonly referred to as the “Star Wars prequel trilogy”. Taking place before the events of the Death Star in Star Wars Episode IV, Attack of the Clones continues to show us the rise of the iconic villain Darth Vader. This prequel/sequel promises more lightsaber action, a more mature plot, and plenty of the signature Star Wars charm. The first prequel, The Phantom Menace, was originally met with tepid reception. Let’s see if Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones can bring the trilogy back on track.
How to Stream or Download Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
You can stream it or you can download the movie from iTunes. To begin, click on the Download button below this review.
The Movie Review
Attack of the Clones starts a decade after the events of The Phantom Menace. Once again, times have turned to political unrest, as numerous solar systems have threatened to abandon the Republic. Led by a shadowy man named Count Dooku, the rebellion against the Republic has caused nothing but headaches for the Jedi Knights to maintain peace. Amidala (Natalie Portman) is now a full-fledged Senator and comes up with the idea to form a defensive army to aid the Republic.
Now past his teen years, Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) continues his Jedi training with General Obi-wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor). The two meet up with Senator Amidala to offer her protection, as assassins from the rebellion have started closing in. After a while, the Jedi split up; Anakin is left to defend Amidala while Obi-wan attempts to find the source of the assassins.
Attack of the Clones flips back and forth between the two groups, with Anakin and Amidala discussing their budding love for each other and Obi-wan investigating the growing mystery. Like the Phantom Menace, the story is deeply baked in politics, which provides plenty of world-building but at the cost of excitement.
The Jedi council continue to be a key entity, with Jedi knights such as Mace Windu (Samuel L. Jackson) getting plenty of screen time. Unfortunately, the romance plot between the young Jedi padawan Anakin and Senator Amidala feels plastic and unearned. This is in part due to a wooden performance by Hayden Christensen and the lack of chemistry between the two actors.
However, Attack of the Clones excels when it flips to Obi-wan’s side of the story. Without giving too much away, the Jedi knight’s investigation uncovers a vast conspiracy that spells certain war in the galaxy. His adventure is prime with lightsaber bouts, intense sequences of peril, and a few exceptionally memorable characters. This half of the adventure more than makes up for the more tedious romance sub-plot, and it ultimately saves the movie and keeps it entertaining.
Overall, Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones is a step up from The Phantom Menace, but still held back by some weak performances and ham-fisted storytelling. Despite this, it remains an exciting action flick with plenty of fun Star Wars content and characters.
If you enjoyed this title, check out our reviews and streaming guides for Green Lantern and The Angry Birds Movie 2.
Readers who appreciate strong cinema might also want to explore Dune (2021) next.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones take place?
Directed by George Lucas and released in May 2002, Attack of the Clones is set ten years after The Phantom Menace as thousands of star systems join Count Dooku’s Separatist movement. Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi investigates a mysterious clone army on Kamino while Padawan Anakin Skywalker protects Senator Padme Amidala.
Who stars in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones?
Ewan McGregor stars as Obi-Wan Kenobi alongside Hayden Christensen making his debut as Anakin Skywalker, Natalie Portman as Padme Amidala, Christopher Lee as Sith Lord Count Dooku, Samuel L. Jackson as Mace Windu, Ian McDiarmid as Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, and Temuera Morrison as bounty hunter Jango Fett.
What major Star Wars milestones happen for the first time in Episode II?
Attack of the Clones reveals the origins of Boba Fett and the Republic’s Grand Army of Clone Troopers, stages the arena battle of Geonosis with hundreds of Jedi igniting lightsabers, and features Master Yoda wielding a lightsaber in combat for the first time on screen.
Where can you stream or digitally download Attack of the Clones in 4K?
Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones streams in 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos on Disney+, and is available for official digital download on Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play Movies, and YouTube.
