'Star Wars' -- Our Critics' Roundup

If you want more than one opinion from about "Star Wars: Episode II -- Attack of the Clones," you've come to right place. All of our Lifewhile.com movie critics have seen the film, and we've got their scoops on the movie.

Here's the rundown again: After a failed assassination plot on Senator Padme Amidala (Natalie Portman), Jedi apprentice Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) is assigned to protect her while Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) investigates.

But Kenobi discovers the development of an army of clones, and new villains emerge, including a powerful Jedi gone bad, Count Dooko (Christopher Lee), and a bounty hunter, Jango Fett (Temuera Morrison).

Debra Scott: The nonhuman characters often steal the show from the humans, but the action sequences are spectacular and you find yourself holding your breath more than once, hoping they all make it out alive.

The most delightful revelation is the development of Yoda. The toylike creature from previous films is much more lifelike and shows why he is the master that all Jedi look up to. Even Amidala gets to mix it up with the big guys.

George Lucas directed and co-wrote this chapter and his attention and respect for the conventions of the legend makes "Star Wars II -- Attack of the Clones," a must-see for "Star Wars" fans.

Michelle Solomon: If you're a rookie to "Star Wars," the latest "Attack of the Clones" is probably the best installment to see.

Although the screen is cluttered with so many characters you'll feel like your head is spinning faster than C-3PO's, it won't take long for novice droids to catch up.

It helps to take along a "Star Wars" fan to guide you through some of the more confusing plot lines. Eye-popping special effects make the 142-minute film fly by.

Patrick Morgan: Fans should take comfort in knowing that Anankin was played perfectly. My only request -- please cut back on all the computer generated images (CGI), especially Yoda.

"Spider-Man" will probably make more money, but then again "The Empire Strikes Back" made the least of all "Star Wars" movies, yet it is still my favorite of all time.

A lot of story gets covered with "Attack of the Clones." After seeing it once, I can assure you, that it will get better each time I see it again.

Tim Lammers: Despite its faults, die-hard fans of the "Star Wars" saga will love this film no matter what. After all, any movie that builds on the story of the "Star Wars" trilogy instantly gives those classic films even more depth.

While Christensen displays depth by playing Anakin as a troubled soul, Portman's performance comes off as flat and unconvincing. McGregor makes up for it with humor, and and Christopher Lee with menace. Unfortunately, Lee is featured in far too few scenes.

Fans of Yoda will get their due with "Episode II," as the potential of the Jedi master is fully realized. He's a computer-generated character now, and is responsible for one of film's most entertaining moments.

As eye-popping as it is, though, the CGI is also a problem. Too much concentration on it has obviously diminished Lucas' focus on his actors.

Dave McGuiganAfter the disappointing mess that was "Episode I: The Phantom Menace," George Lucas has righted the star ship and put it firmly back on course in "Episode II -- Attack Of The Clones."

Clones delivers on everything fans want and expect from a Star Wars movie. Great action and amazing special effects are a given, but this time Lucas adds what was missing from the last one: a heart. Much more time is spent fleshing out the relationship between Padme and Anakin, and we see a mean streak that makes you believe this guy could become Darth Vader.

Some of the dialogue is eye-rolling horrible and the plot is a bit dense, but these are minor nits to pick. The force is back with "Star Wars" and audiences will be back in force.