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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (May 16, 2002)
Features Editor: John Liebhardt johnliebhardt@dailyemerald.com Thursday, May 16,2002 Review Blackalicious unleashes their fiery talent on a major label CD. Page 8 : REVIEW: ‘Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones’ hyperjumps past “Phantom Menace” in visual quality, storytelling and appeal ‘Star Wars: Episode II —Attack of the Clones’ ★★★★★ By Jen West Oregon Daily Emerald The much-anticipated “Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones” hits theaters today, and it is well worth the wait. Writer/director George Lucas redeems himself with this newest chapter in the pre quel trilogy that incorporates high-tech special effects and great storytelling with a finesse that far surpasses his lukewarm film, “Star Wars: Episode I—The Phantom Menace. ” Modeled after “The Empire Strikes Back,” “Attack of the Clones” is much richer and darker than its recent predeces sor and even rivals the artistry of the clas sic “Star Wars” trilogy. The events of “Attack of the Clones,” set 10 years after “Phantom Menace,” explore the budding romance be tween Anakin Sky walker (played by || Hayden Chris tensen) and Pad e Amidala f (played by Natalie Portman) and the beginning of Anakin’s turn to the dark side. This is the dark romantic chapter of the prequel trilo gy, but like its predecessor, it is a love sto ry that unfolds under the strain of a devel oping war. Those wary of the romantic aspects in this movie need not fear. The love story does not distract from the action, and after all, Luke and Leia have to come from somewhere. The state of the Republic goes from bad to worse in “Attack of the Clones.” The movie is riddled with subplots and surprises that pull the characters and the audience on a wild ride to several planets to thwart a multitude of Turn to Review, page 10 ANALYSIS: Ongoing ‘Wars’ between critics, fans focus on whether George Lucas’ films portray strong female models By Alix Kerl Oregon Daily Emerald for die-hard “Star Wars” fans, any at tack on the Holy Trilogy is consid ered blasphemy, although there are those who think the series is target ed at males and features, at best, weak female characters. Since the release of the original “Star Wars,” the series has become a popular classic and has spanned generations. There are fans who think that the hero ines of “Star Wars” are positive female role models, while others argue they are merely stereotypes. The roles of the “Star Wars” women are “one-dimensional and patriarchal,” said Edrie Sobstyl , a research fellow with the University’s Center for the Study of Women in Society . Some fans say that Princess Leia kicks butt in the original “Star Wars,” “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi,” and Queen Amidala (played by Natalie Portman) rules in “Star Wars: Episode I — The Phan tom Menace” and “Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones.” But the female stars are vastly outnumbered on screen by their male co-stars. “Amidala’s role is over whelmed by special effects and technology,” Sobstyl said. “You don’t get the sense that she is a strong role model.” Turn to Analysis, page 8
