At least for now. I was ready to head over the the cineplex to immense myself into the latest chapter — which actually falls somewhere between Episode II and Episode III — of the Star Wars lore, and catch a big screen viewing of Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
Now, before you take my geek card away, let me once again reiterate that I am in fact a Star Wars fan. Again, the license plate on my truck refers to the spaceship of a certain notorious bounty hunter from a galaxy far, far away. But, my admiration for the franchise is much more entrenched with the original trilogy — A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi. That’s not to say that I disdain the prequels, but they didn’t live up to my expectations. Now, were my expectations set too high. I don’t think so. After not having a new Star Wars film (outside of a few somewhat forgettable Ewok movies made for television) for some sixteen years I was plenty hungry for more. The Phantom Menace was enjoyable enough. Attack of the Clones just fell flat. And Revenge of the Sith just reminded me of how much I miss the original trilogy as it crept closer in chronological terms to A New Hope.
The reviews for The Clone Wars haven’t been stellar, to say the least. But, that’s not what is keeping me from committing myself to the 98 minutes (and $12 popcorn/soda combo that I’d end up purchasing) of sitting in a darkened theater for the seventh theatrically released Star Wars installment. It’s just that I don’t feel that “the force is strong with this one.” (There, can I keep my geek card with that reference?)
So, I’m thinking that maybe Star Wars: The Clone Wars wasn’t made for me. It’s an animated movie made for the kids that grew up on the prequels. And that’s fair. I have “my Star Wars” and they can have “their Star Wars“. But, this movie is serving the purpose of a “curtain-raiser” to the upcoming Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated TV series. Perhaps this chapter of Star Wars lore is best served as 22-minute vignettes on the small screen.
Sorry, Ahsoka Tano. It’s nothing personal. You seem like an alright plucky Padawan. But, it looks like I’ll just be meeting you on the small screen.
Dan Taylor Blog 