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Truly Wonderful, the Mind of a Child Is...
date posted: Aug 19, 2008 2:11 PM  |  updated: Aug 20, 2008 9:20 AM
Star Wars: Clone Wars review
Hello everyone!

So I've waited for a little while to post my Star Wars: Clone Wars review, as I wanted to read some other ones to see where people stood. Frankly, I was surprised that so many people were so negative! I figured most people would take it for what it is and be happy about it... but oh well, here's what I think.

The Animation:
Let me just point out that I absolutely loved the animation style. It was so new and cool. I really thought it fit really well, and I really loved the animé touch to it. The animators did a great job with giving life to the characters, especially Ahsoka (those eyes!).

The Music:
Despite my absolute love (is that a strong enough word?) for John Williams and his brilliant, brilliant scores (not just for SW, mind you), I was very worried going into the theatre. I knew that his music wasn't going to be in it, and I was, honestly, scared. But I think the music took the greatest elements from his music and worked it into a fresh, exciting score. The music during the Battle of Christophsis really hit me as fantastic. I will definitely be buying the soundtrack to this film.

Ahsoka:
I know that many people disliked Ahsoka, and I have to admit she wasn't my favourite. At time some of her comments/actions made me go, "Oh, okay...". But in the end I think she was a great addition to the Saga, and I think having her as Anakin's apprentice is really going to make for some interesting plotlines... their sense of immediate friendship and camaraderie was great, in my view. Also, I think she brought out a side in Anakin that we haven't seen yet. He became kind of a big brother to Ahsoka, and I loved their relationship. (Granted, the nickname thing got a little annoying after two hours, but you've got to take the good with the bad, eh!)

The Battles:
I really enjoyed the battle scenes in the Clone Wars (and yes, I know, the majority of the film was battle scenes). The best scenes, however, were the space battle scenes. They, in my opinion, looked really, really awesome with the animation. There were many moments where I forgot that it was digital animation.

The Storyline:
I didn't really have a problem with the storyline. People have been saying that saving Jabba's son (cute little Stinky!) to aid the Republic's war effort was bogus, but I really don't think so. Outer Rim trade routes would have been essential to both the Republic's and the CIS's war efforts and I can completely understand the scramble on both sides to resolve the issue.

Asajj:
Asajj Ventress was definitely, absolutely the highlight of Clone Wars. I cannot wait to see more of her in the upcoming TV series. I think she was the most outstandingly animated, and her voice was exactly right. I really enjoyed watching her onscreen, and Nika Futterman did an incredible job voicing her. Ventress was without a doubt my favourite character in the movie, and I can't wait to see more of her.

Outstanding Moment:
There was this one scene (I can't remember exactly where it was, but I'll look for it when I see it again) where they did this long panning shot of the Star Destroyer. I just sat there, with my mouth open, taking it all in. For some reason, those few seconds really stood out for me, and I was extremely impressed. I think that scene really shows the animators' outstanding job on this film.

The Opening:
Despite my disappointment on hearing that there would be no title crawl, I was impressed (in a weird kind of way) with the opening intro sequence. The HoloNet report feeling was kinda cool, and I enjoyed it (it would be interesting, I think, if they did this at the beginning of each TV episode, but probably not).

I do admit that there were some things that weren't the greatest with the movie, but I think we have to think about this as not necessarily a seventh Star Wars movie, but a fun, exciting add-in that adds to our enjoyment and understanding of the SW universe. Some people have expressed their reasons for disliking (or some apparently hating) the movie, such as certain characters (some comments being rather surprisingly ignorant and condescending about certain characters... namely Ziro), and continuity issues, but I think in the end it was fun, and I definitely look at it as a great addition to the SW EU.

Final Rating: 4 stars (out of 5)
*(Check out this review... it's on the same wavelength as me.)

With that, I bid you farewell once more... I hope you appreciate my opinions and comments, and May the Force be with you, Always!

"113...7?" :^O

kyle228
Truly Wonderful, the Mind of a Child Is...
date Posted: Aug 19, 2008 2:13 PM
P.S. I got my beginners drivers license today... stay off the roads!! :D ;) Wish me luck!
usetheforce19
MasterMonkey13
date Posted: Aug 19, 2008 3:51 PM
P.S. I got my beginners drivers license today... stay off the roads!!

Congrats man! I got mine in the early summer.

I highly agree with your review.

(Granted, the nickname thing got a little annoying after two hours, but you've got to take the good with the bad, eh!)

Yeah, the first time I was like "Ha! Ha!" The second time was "Ha." And the twentieth time was "Argh!" And Ahsoka calling R2 "Artooy"? That's just wrong.

The HoloNet report feeling was kinda cool, and I enjoyed it

Gotta disagree with you there. The voice was terribly cheesy.

Asajj Ventress was definitely, absolutely the highlight of Clone Wars.

Either her or Obi-Wan.

Great review!
  jkelly
There Is No Conflict
date Posted: Aug 19, 2008 4:21 PM
I didn't like the start. I kind of liked the HoloNet news thing, but I think the original start/music should've stayed.

I liked the music. I hate the new ROTJ music (I loved the Ewok War Cry), but, for some reason, I really like this music.
  jkelly
There Is No Conflict
date Posted: Aug 19, 2008 4:24 PM
Also, the battle scenes were nice.

I think my favorite was near the beginning when a clone trooper stuck his head up from behind his cover and got blown away.
DJ Maul: Got Feet?
DJ Maul's Dancin' Cantina Party
date Posted: Aug 20, 2008 6:14 AM
nice review :)

I think the problem is too many people were expecting Episode 2.5 or something and its just NOT the case.

The only thing I think the film TRULY suffered from was that it is difficult to get truly involved in a storyline where the outcome of all the major players has already been predetermined by the events in Ep. III.

as interesting as the plot was (or wasnt depending on your view) we all know how the Clone Wars end already so there's no real tension IMO.

But its a fun movie if one doesnt take it TOO seriously...
kyle228
Truly Wonderful, the Mind of a Child Is...
date Posted: Aug 20, 2008 9:24 AM
Thanks for all the comments, all!

And Ahsoka calling R2 "Artooy"? That's just wrong.
That was the one that I thought was the easiest to handle, but it still got under my skin... a tiny bit.

The voice was terribly cheesy.
To be honest, I think that's why I liked it so much... :p

Also, the battle scenes were nice.
Very nice.
kyle228
Truly Wonderful, the Mind of a Child Is...
date Posted: Aug 20, 2008 9:25 AM
I think the problem is too many people were expecting Episode 2.5 or something and its just NOT the case.
Exactly! It's a new kind of Star Wars, and we have to acknowledge that there are going to be things that are wierd to start, but soon they'll be commonplace!

But its a fun movie if one doesnt take it TOO seriously...
Right you are.

Thanks again for all the comments, and FINALLY!! I got onto the most popular blog section on the main page! Woot!!
anakin&padme99
A strong woman who sacrificed everything for love..was it wrong?
date Posted: Aug 20, 2008 11:27 AM
I totally agree with you that Asajj was awesome! She is my new favorite charactor and I also can't wait to see more of her!!
Qui-Gon Reborn
The Fifth Dimension
date Posted: Aug 20, 2008 5:27 PM
Hey, thank you sooooo much for adding me to your blog roll!!! :^O

As for your review, I agree with most of your opinions. The movie was real fun to watch, and nothing was boring. Obi-Wan was the greatest! But I loved the droids and Ahsoka.

Great work, and CONGRATULATIONS on making it into the most popular blog section, and on your beginner driver's license! My parents won't let me get mine until next summer...:(

MTFBWY!
  Merryman-Lyon
A Wild Bantha Chase
date Posted: Aug 20, 2008 6:22 PM
Nice review, very positive take on it. Good job! :)
  mich4
date Posted: Aug 20, 2008 7:58 PM
I agree completely with your great review.

I was quite appalled at some of the really nasty comments that people have posted - particularly the personal attacks at the creators! On my way in to work this morning I had in my head what I wanted to say about that - but there you go - I've just said it! (it never sounds quite as good when I write it down!)

I thought the animation was great, the music was great - I had a thouroughly good time.
Change is a good thing!! - it introduces a new style - that kids these days love, by the way - and it really matched the pictures I had in my mind from reading the EU books and comics.

(whoops - running out of space)
  mich4
date Posted: Aug 20, 2008 7:59 PM
I think the problem is too many people were expecting Episode 2.5 or something and its just NOT the case.

Absolutely - it's a movie - go along and lose yourself in another universe for a while and don't go in looking for what's wrong with it because then you'll be disappointed and you've lost the whole point - entertainment!

Have a great day everyone
Padaweirdo
Weird Like My Father Before Me
date Posted: Aug 20, 2008 9:57 PM
I agree with most of the people here in that it came out really good with a few annoying bits (Artooey, Sky Guy, etc.) My favorite scene was part of the opening battle where Cody goes badass on some droids and beats the crap out of them without firing his gun.
Krash
Shadow12 standing by!
date Posted: Aug 20, 2008 10:45 PM
Great review, pretty much said everything I would.

Only instead of Asajj Ventress... it was Commander Rex that impressed me the most (aside from Anakin, Ahsoka and Obi-Wan) I've never been a huge fan of the clonetroopers ever since ROTS, but Rex was the kinda trooper I can cheer for.

Soundtrack is awesome, expecially Track #14 - "Battle of Teth"

It was nice to see SW be FUN again!
jedivan2
Jedivan's Viewpoint
date Posted: Aug 25, 2008 9:20 PM
In my case, I will see it again, but on DVD. I liked the scores for the "Battle of Christoph and the "Battle of Teth". The film works as a pilot episode for an animated series. In that sense, it should have been released either direct to DVD or as a made-for-tv movie. My review was judging it as a movie. If it were a direct DVD release or a made-for-tv movie, my review would have been more positive.
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