Opening Today: The Clone Wars

By Steve Biodrowski • August 15, 2008

The latest feature film installment of the never-ending STAR WARS franchise arrives in theatres today, and the critical response has been less than overwhelming. THE CLONE WARS has earned a discouraging 19% rating in a survey of 101 reviews(19 fresh, 82 rotten) at RottenTomatoes.com. The critical consensus is that “Mechanical animation and a less-than stellar script make The Clone Wars a pale shadow of George Lucas’ once great franchise.” Some representative barbs:

“Pretty much drives a stake into the heart of every loyal fan of the movies.” - Linda Barnard, Toronto Star

“‘Clone Wars’ is just the latest drop of anemic blood squeezed from the petrifying husk of a once innovative science-fiction franchise.” - John Beifuss, Commercial Appeal (Memphis, TN)

“Unlike its predecessors, this one doesn’t even try to aspire to myth. It aspires only to merchandising.” - Mike Russell, Oregonian

Sounds pretty harsh, no? Yet, judging from the trailer, it’s easy to believe the reviews are at least as accurate as Luke Skywalker targeting a tiny target on the Death Star.

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About the Author

Steve Biodrowski

Cinefantastique's Los Angeles Correspondent from 1987 to 1993 and West Coast Editor from 1993 to 1999. Currently the webmaster of Cinefantastique Online, I also run a website called Hollywood Gothique that covers Halloween Horror and Sci-Fi Cinema Events in the Los Angeles area.

2 Responses to “ Opening Today: The Clone Wars ”

John T. Stanhope Aug 16th, 2008 at 5:27 pm

Uh, THE CLONE WARS wasn’t the stake in the heart of loyal fans; episodes I, II, and even III were.
Steve Biodrowski Aug 17th, 2008 at 10:32 am

Then I guess that means CLONE WARS is just beating a dead corpse.

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