Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones

The galaxy teeters on the brink of civil war as Senator Padmé Amidala survives an assassination attempt, sparking a chain of events that pulls Jedi Knights Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi into a dangerous investigation. Directed by George Lucas, this 2002 prequel follows the trio as they uncover a secret army poised to ignite conflict across the stars. The film features Hayden Christensen stepping into the role of the young Skywalker, alongside Ewan McGregor and Natalie Portman reprising their roles as the seasoned mentor and the political leader. Christopher Lee joins the cast as the menacing Count Dooku, while Samuel L. Jackson brings gravitas to Mace Windu. Produced with a budget of $120 million, the movie became a massive commercial success, grossing nearly $650 million worldwide despite receiving mixed reviews from critics who found its dialogue stiff and its digital effects uneven. Rated PG, the film blends high-stakes action with political intrigue, marking a pivotal moment in the Star Wars saga where the Republic begins its transformation. With music by John Williams and cinematography by David Tattersall, the production delivers a spectacle that defines the tone of the early 21st century for the franchise.[edit]