Quick Background
If you're a die-hard Star Wars fan, chances are you probably already know this next paragraph, so you can just jump down a little further. But if you've been living in an ice cave for the past few years, then here's what you might have missed...

There's a new Star Wars movie about to hit theaters! Here's what happened...during Celebration III in 2005, George Lucas announced he was planning a 3D animated series set during the timeframe between Episodes II and III, the time of the Clone Wars. There's a lot of story to tell here, but there wasn't enough room in the movies to fit it all in, since most of the action was centered (and rightly so) on Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Padmé Amidala. So now that the live-action movie saga is complete, the time is right to go back and take a closer look at the action that fans have been wondering about for over 30 years now.

It should be noted that the events of the movie (and the upcoming TV series) take place between Chapters 21-22 of the micro-series: Anakin is now a Jedi Knight, the clones are still in their phase I armor, and there are subtle changes to the vehicles that incorporate elements from the films and the animated series.

In fact, the overall design of the characters that was first glimpsed during Celebration IV last year also nicely blends elements together that incorporates the live-action look of the movies, and the micro-series as well, yet director Dave Filoni and his crew have truly come up with a unique feel to the series that is fresh and approachable for those who may not be familiar with Star Wars. So much so in fact, that while the first episodes were being made, George Lucas saw the results and decided that fans should really get to see this on the big screen. And just like that, it was decided to kick off the TV series with a theatrical debut!

The Clone Wars comes to Rochester
Local radio station 106.7 KISS-FM was chosen to give away special advance screening passes yesterday morning for die-hard Star Wars fans who braved the rainy weather and march in a parade dressed in costume. Additional tickets were also given away by listeneing to the show and calling in at certain times when requested. You can check out the results here.

While I wasn't able to attend the parade, extra passes were given out to some of my collecting friends, who were gracious enough to hook me up with a ticket! So this morning I headed to the Regal Cinemas in Greece, NY where I joined roughly 50 fans (some dressed in elaborate costumes!) and watch the screning of the film. The security was TIGHT! No cellphones or cameras were allowed inside the theater, and everyone was encouraged to leave them back in their cars. Inside the theater, a fan dressed as Anakin held mock lightsaber duels with fellow Star Wars Kids, a 7-foot tall Chewbacca greeted fans at the door (I had to put my camera away, so I missed getting a photo of him), a Jedi mom watched over her kids dressed as their favorite astromechs (R2-D2 and R2-KT, for the record) and an skinny Ephant Mon with googly eyes sat in the comfort of the chairs to watch the film.




The Spoiler-Free Review
So, how was the movie? Actually, it's very entertaining.

First of all, this ain't your father's Star Wars (or if you're old enough, this ain't YOUR Star Wars). This is something completely fresh and new. While it does feature the same familiar characters we've seen in live action and animated forms, this feels like an all-new take on that galaxy far, far away.

The action kicks off right from the opening shot, where we're given just enough information to remember the events from Attack of the Clones, and after a brief opening sequence on Coruscant that kicks off the plot, we're right in the action-packed battle on an alien planet filled with larger green rocks. There's Jedi & Clone Troopers on one sides, and there's Separatists & Battle Droids on the other side, and both sides are taking heavy damage. I mean, you see the troops getting blown away, although it's not graphic or anything like that....it's still Star Wars after all!

Since the movie was planned to be 3 separate episodes of the TV series, there are definite breaks in the action, but the story quickly leads into the next sequence (and the next planet) without missing a beat.

The film is pretty self-contained, as far as the storyline goes. You can go in fresh withoiut HAVING to know years of backstory. This is nicely done by introducing a new female Jedi padawan named Ahsoka Tano...you enter the story through her eyes, although she is by no means the center of the action. Just a nice addition to it.

The rest of the characters act just as they do in the film. Obi-Wan is still cocky, Anakin is still whiny, Yoda is still too serious, and Mace is still too full of himself. The biggest changes in personality comes from the troopers, from both armies.

The clones now have distinct personalities, although we only get to know Captain Rex in the movie, thee is a great scene with other clones, and you can see where they are developing their own personalities and looks. This is something that was originally started in the comic books, and it's nice to see it continue here.

The battle droids are no longer walking automatons, but instead they are bascially cannon fodder and comic relief. They also have their own personalities, although it's of a much more humorous nature. While it may be distracting to some older fans, everyone laughed (kids and adults alike) during these sequences.

The rest of the cast gets their chance in the spotlight as well: Padmé, C-3PO, R2-D2, Palpatine, Yoda, Mace, Jabba, Dooku, Asajj...but the bulk of the storyline is centered on Anakin, Obi-Wan, Rex, and Ahsoka. There are even some Original Trilogy nods in here as well, but only the diehard fans might catch those little "easter eggs".

Star Wars: The Clone Wars is definitely targeted towards a younger audience, but there's a lot for older fans to love here as well. I can't wait to see it again, and then tune in each week this fall when the animated series begins.

Oh, one last thing...for those who like to stick around after the credits to see if there's an extra scene or something special? You won't be disappointed. ;)