Steven Spielberg has revealed his favoriteStar Warsmovie is one of its most controversial, and one that was directed by series creator George Lucas. Spielberg has been a consistent collaborator with Lucas on theIndiana Jonesfranchise, directing the first four installments, while the sci-fi series creator served as co-writer. While their constant work together doesn’t extend to theStar Warsmoviesits creator made over the decades he owned the franchise, their differences are also what gives them fresh perspectives on each other’s work.
Speaking withSlashFilm, Spielberg revealed that one ofhis favoriteStar Warsmovie is Lucas' 2002 prequel,Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones. Calling it his “second favorite just behind [The Empire Strikes Back],” Spielberg praised the action, positing its director and co-writer had pulled from James Cameron’sTerminator 2: Judgement Dayin gathering inspiration for the movie. This reflects a sentiment he expressed in a 2012 interview with Roger Ebert, where he called it his friends' “most accomplished” film of his career. Check out Spielberg’s latest statement onAttack of the Clonesbelow:
It was great. The action scenes looked like George [Lucas] had been inspired by James Cameron because they were as good as any of the action scenes in [‘Terminator 2: Judgement Day’], and I think George did his best directing with this one too.
What Steven Spielberg’s Praise For Attack Of The Clones Means For Star Wars
The Filmmaker’s Pick Isn’t An Expected One
Attack of the Clonesis not a popular choice as the best movie in the franchise, sporting a 65% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes and generally considered weaker due to underdeveloped characters and a less engaging plot. Even so, it established important elements of theStar Warstimeline, such as the introduction of Clones and how war with the Sith ushered in Palpatine’s (Ian McDiarmid) rise to power. It also consisted of many action sequences that have since become classic, including Yoda (Frank Oz) dueling Count Dooku (Christopher Lee), and the arena fight on Geonosis.
Star Wars: Every Major Event That Happened Between The Phantom Menace & Attack Of The Clones
10 years pass between The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones, and some of the most important events in Star Wars happen during that time.
While Spielberg’s choice for a favorite film in the franchise is unconventional,his viewpoint shows there are plenty of redeemable elements to the movie, even if it’s not as beloved as other entries. The focus on action appears to play a major role, especially when the Jedi storm the arena and subsequently give chase to Dooku. It leads to one ofStar Wars' best lightsaber fights, with Yoda wielding the weapon for the first time. Because of how memorable these moments are, it’s understandable whyAttack of the Clonesstands out among all other movies in the series.
Our Take On Attack Of The Clones 22 Years Later
Does The Prequel Reflect Spielberg’s Praise?
Reevaluating the movie 22 years after it was first released,Attack of the Clones' action-centric storyline helps detract from some of its underwritten characters and a less engaging plot that many otherStar Warsmovies. However, it’s still an accomplishment because of its massive scale and important setup, making it clear why Spielberg praises it as one of the best in the whole series. While many won’t agree, we understand where the director is coming from, and why the film holds an important place in his heart.
Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones
Cast
Years after the events of The Phantom Menace, the Skywalker Saga continues with Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones. When Senator Padme Amidala’s life is threatened, Jedi Knights Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker are tasked with her protection. While Obi-Wan uncovers a clone army made in secret, Anakin falls in love with Padme, marking the beginning of his inevitable fall to the dark side of the Force.
