Opening Today: The Clone Wars
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.
Uh, THE CLONE WARS wasn’t the stake in the heart of loyal fans; episodes I, II, and even III were.
Then I guess that means CLONE WARS is just beating a dead corpse.