Parallel Quest

Our Least Favorite Star Wars Film | Attack of the Clones

Episode Summary

Many have their rankings of Star Wars films, Parallel Quest puts Episode II at the bottom of that list.

Episode Notes

Everyone is entitled to their own opinions on how they feel about stories. Many have created lists of how they rank the Star Wars films, most will put Episode I at the bottom of that list. While we don't claim that Phantom Menace is a great film, we believe that Attack of the Clones is a misstep for Star Wars, and a missed opportunity with the lead up to the era of the Clone Wars. The storytelling is what we have the largest critique for in this particular entry. While we have our own opinions, we share them knowing that many will not agree with us, and that is completely okay, just sit back and enjoy this journey of Parallel Quest. If you think we are totally off-base with our assessment, we'd love to hear from you :)

Intro

Stories From the Guys:
A Conversation about Cuties on Netflix and Storytelling
- A well-intended theme but maybe not the right way to go about telling this type of story.

MAIN TOPIC: Attack of the Clones (Timestamp - 00:48:00)

History

Attack of the Clones was released May 16th 2002
Was one of the first movies shot on a high-definition digital 24-frame system (aka, not film stock)
The first Star Wars film to be outgrossed the year it was released, finishing 4th at the box office
As a joke, the working title of the film was called Jar Jar’s Great Adventure
Lucas originally wanted the clones to be Lando Calrissian, but later changed it to Jengo Fett (although, in A New Hope it’s alluded that Lando is a clone)
Lucas added the droid factory scene after the initial shooting due to a lack of pacing. They shot it in four and a half hours--which is why it’s terrible
Despite negative reception, it still kept with the SW theme of pushing technology in film. The new way of filming digitally is pretty much the standard now
Received a 65% on RT and Ebert gave it a 2 out of 5
- Did win two awards at the Golden Raspberries: Worst Screenplay (George Lucas) and Worst Supporting Actor (Hayden Christensen)

Plot

Oh boy….
Three plot lines (sort of) happening at once:
- Anikin and Padme hiding out on Naboo because of an assassination attempt
- Obi-wan trying to piece together who tried to kill Padme and uncovering a larger plot for a clone/droid army
- The senate voting Palpatine into ULTIMATE POWER!!!!
Dude, honestly, this one is so convoluted I thought we just might talk it through

Initial Impressions

Zach:

The only SW film I’ve ever seen on DVD first. I had no interest in seeing it after Phantom Menace
- Glad I didn’t
This one was so bad that I completely forgot how it ended because I don’t think I ever finished it
I remembered all the Legos coming out
My friends all said SW was dead

Cody:

Disappointing! I was hoping for more war, less romance.
Master Sifo-Dyas is one of the most confusing things in all of Star Wars
From the earliest days of watching it (typical Haggard house rewatching), I would fast forward to all the best parts.
Watching Yoda is the highlight of this film.
As a kid I really liked the increased action over Phantom Menace.

Lasting Impressions

Zach:

Still THE worst Star Wars movie and one of the worst movies I’ve ever seen
- Even John Williams didn’t seem to know where to throw in his music
BUT, there are some redeeming qualities I can appreciate as I’ve gotten older
- The relationship between Obi-wan and Anikin is important now that I’m older because I have kids that are just like Annie at work
- Also, think the theme of democracy versus dictatorship is always going to a pertinent discussion in America

Cody:

As time has gone by, this one has fallen to the bottom of my list of Star Wars Films.
I still get a good laugh every time I watch the beginning when Anakin is getting shocked.
My wife actually really liked this movie when I was introducing her to Star Wars.

Final Thoughts/Closing

Zach:

DUNE!

Cody:

Finished Big Fish

Thank you so much for checking out Parallel Quest. This is a production of Steel Lake Studio. We don't just have one podcast though, we are a team of storytellers trying to use a variety of different mediums to tell stories that we have been working on our whole lives. If you would like to check out more of what we do, check out https://www.steellakestudio.com/

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