The Greatest Trick

First, in case there is any confusion, Clone Wars is not an official Star Wars film. It is a spin-off set between episodes II and III originally designed as a pilot episode for an animated TV series. However, Star Wars creator George Lucas decided to give it a cinema release instead, which has led to all manner of unrealistic expectations from those expecting Episode 2.5, so to speak.

In spite of the return of the principal characters of the prequels, there is hardly any reference to the larger saga here. What little plot there is revolves around an attempt by Count Dooku and his separatists to frame the Jedi for the kidnap of Jabba the Hutt’s son in order to secure control of the supply routes need in the outer part of the galaxy during the Clone Wars. The Jedi and Republic Clonetroopers also want control of these strategic areas, and this hook is merely an excuse to launch into endless non-stop battles and lightsabre fights. Some of these justify Lucas’ claims that this ought to be seen at the cinema, most notably a vertical assault on a fortress, handled with a modicum of cinematic verve by director Dave Filoni. Better still, Anakin Skywalker seems to have dropped the stroppy petulance that frequently made his character a bore in the prequels and behaves much more like a hero here, especially in the amusing banter between him and his padawan, Ahsoka Tano (whose absence from the films sadly means she will probably eventually go the way of the doe-doe in the upcoming Cartoon Network series).

That said, the slight premise does not escape its TV movie origins. The animation is deliberately cartoonish, which might be considered untrendy in the light of Pixar’s insanely detailed visions, but once the viewer gets used to the puppet like characters, it works in a Thunderbirds kind of way. Most of the original actors were unable to return for vocal duties and Frank Oz’s Yoda is particularly missed, but James Arnold Taylor in particular does a good job of impersonating Ewan McGregor (who was himself impersonating Alec Guinness in the first place). Bizarrely, Christopher Lee does return to voice Count Dooku, which is a great if ultimately throwaway selling point.

One thing that is frustrating is the lack of a John Williams score. Kevin Kiner’s music is serviceable, but hardly cinematic, especially when he occasionally produces his own tinny versions of the classic Williams themes. On the other hand, I for one applaud the deliberate decision not to have an opening title crawl, as it sets it apart from the official films. The Pathe news style introduction of what’s going on in the galaxy may be childish, but it’s a good replacement.

In short, children will probably love it, but if you’re over 12, there is little here of interest. However, if you are a Star Wars fan, provided you adjust your expectations, you’ll find it great fun (if inconsequential).

Simon Dillon, August 2008.