Change Your Image
popcorn paul
Reviews
Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)
Mediocre
Great special effects and dazzling monsters can't make me like the latest piece of the Star Wars epic, but they certainly tried. Of course, some people enjoy Star Wars films precisely for this reason and I can't argue with that. However, if you like your films to contain a well-written script, believable characters, good acting, and chemistry then look elsewhere as this movie fails miserably.
The original trilogy contained all of these things and were a joy to behold. Somehow, George Lucas has lost the ability to develop characters that resonate with me. I can't speak for others but I suspect that many people feel the same way. My wife was quick to point out the non-existent chemistry between Anakin and Padme and I noticed other failed connections between the characters. Including Samuel L. Jackson and Jimmy Smits into the cast was distracting as I kept thinking about 'pulp fiction' and 'NYPD Blue' every time they appeared. Oh well, at least there *were* cool looking monsters and creatures to look at and the "5th Element" looking cities with air traffic weren't bad. This film should have been so much more...5 out of 10.
Joshua (2002)
Spiritually Moving
Simple, heartwarming story of latter day Jesus mingling with a small town and changing the lives of everyone in it. Couple of hard jabs at modern day organized religion are a nice touch as Joshua shows the townsfolk that love of God and your fellow man are all that's needed to gain lasting fulfillment. This movie is low budget to be sure but blessed with some fine performances, especially Tony Goldwyn as Joshua and Kurt Fuller as Father Pat Hayes. Expect to get a few lumps in your throat during several very moving and personal scenes that may or may not strike a chord with you. A very uplifting movie and heartily recommended. I give it 10 stars just for the sheer purity of it's message.