Star Wars- The Clone Wars Parent Guide
Parent Movie Review
For Star Wars fans who’ve mourned the conclusion of George Lucas’ sextet of galactic space adventures, the release of Star Wars: The Clone Wars is sure to relieve some of the misery. The computer-generated adventure, animated in a style influenced by such diverse art forms as Japanese anime and marionettes, takes place during the Clone Wars, a period only briefly explored during the previous stories.
With battles raging across the Empire, the Republic’s forces find their resources stretched to the limit. In the midst of this turmoil, Jabba the Hutt (voice by Kevin Michael Richardson) appeals to the Jedi Knights to come to his aid. Renegade forces have kidnapped the crime lord’s son and Jabba is eager for his safe return. Realizing the need to ensure safe passage for their ships through the Outer Rim Territories, which is under the Hutt’s control, Yoda (voice by Tom Kane) agrees to send Anakin to scout out and scale the fortress where they believe the young captive is being held.
But, Anakin isn’t going alone. The impetuous and often arrogant Jedi has been assigned to take on a Padawan apprentice, Ahsoka Tano (voice by Ashley Eckstein). Clearly a gifted and devoted student, Ahsoka is eager to prove she is a capable pupil despite her tender years. Yet when it comes to recovering the little Hutt, the twosome clash over how to infiltrate the captor’s lair, which is guarded by Asajj Ventress (voice by Nika Futterman) and her twin lightsabers. Meanwhile Count Dooku (voice by Christopher Lee) and the Separatist army try to sabotage their rescue mission.
Playing out on the large screen like a visually enhanced video game, the film is packed with rapid-fire assaults, fiery explosions and the relentless dissemination of ammunition from both forces. The decapitation of one character and perilous situations for others also plague these intergalactic warriors. Unfortunately the females in the film are left to fight their enemies without any semblance of body armor. Clothed in a midriff-baring band of cloth and tiny shorts, Ahsoka must take on the battle droids without the benefit of protective wear. The Republic’s senator Padm0xE9 Amidala (voice by Catherine Taber) and the evil assassin Asajj Ventress also strip down to body-hugging gear to fight their opponents.
Costuming discrepancies aside however, the script offers nearly 100 minutes of fast-paced warfare, new characters, including Jabba’s uncle Ziro the Hutt (voiced by Corey Burton), and a reunion with old favorites like Obi-Wan Kenobi (voice by James Arnold Taylor) and Mace Windu (voice by Samuel L. Jackson).
While Anakin’s dark ending is no longer a mystery, The Clone Wars confirms that for diehard fans, the galaxy is still full of unexplored worlds and unknown inhabitants waiting to have their stories told.
Directed by Dave Filoni. Starring Anthony Daniels, Matthew Wood.. Running time: 98 minutes. Theatrical release August 14, 2008. Updated July 17, 2017
Star Wars- The Clone Wars
Rating & Content Info
Why is Star Wars- The Clone Wars rated PG? Star Wars- The Clone Wars is rated PG by the MPAA for sci-fi action violence throughout, brief language and momentary
Nearly constant depictions of gunfire, cannons and other heavy-duty artillery use give this film a video game feel without the benefit of a controller. Though the body count grows exponentially throughout the conflicts, minimal gore or graphic injuries are seen. A man’s head rolls down the ramp of a spaceship after it is decapitated. Sprawling bodies of dead or dying soldiers are strewn across numerous battlefields. Political wrangling, treachery and subterfuge are employed by various characters in order to discredit their enemies. Female characters wear minimal or body-hugging clothing. Some are seen dancing in the background of several shots. A young child is gravely ill and near death. A single mild curse word is included. One character smokes an unknown substance.
Page last updated July 17, 2017
Star Wars- The Clone Wars Parents' Guide
How does Anakin feel about being given a Padawan? What impact does this new assignment have on him? How do you feel about being a teacher or mentor to others?
In a press packet, George Lucas says the idea of doing an animated version of Star Wars allowed the filmmakers to “tell other stories, show other Jedi, introduce new characters and even tell stories about the clones themselves.” What do you think about this decision? Does the animation enhance or distract from the live-action film franchise?
For games and activities aimed at the young Star Wars fan, check out the official website at StarWars.com.
Home Video
The most recent home video release of Star Wars- The Clone Wars movie is November 10, 2008. Here are some details…
Release Date: 11 November 2008
Coming to a galaxy near you, the DVD release of Star Wars: The Clone Wars delivers The Clone Wars: The Untold Stories (preview of tales from Season One of The Clone Wars television series), The Voices of The Clone Wars (meet the voice over actors), Webdocs (six making-of featurettes) and The New Score (watch Kevin Kiner and the orchestra that creates the music for the movie and TV series). Other extras include an audio commentary by director Dave Filoni, producer Catherine Winder, writer Henry Gilroy and editor Jason W.A. Tucker, as well as an art gallery, deleted scenes, theatrical and videogame trailers. Audio tracks are available in Dolby Digital EX 5.1(English, French and Spanish), with subtitles in English, French and Spanish.
The Blu-ray presentation of Star Wars: The Clone Wars offers all of the above along with a Digital Copy of the movie, the Hologram Memory Challenge and A Creative Conversation (a video commentary with director Dave Filoni, producer Catherine Winder, writer Henry Gilroy and editor Jason W.A. Tucker). Audio tracks are available in Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (English, French, Portuguese and Spanish), with subtitles in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish.
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The other movies in the Star Wars franchise include Episode I: The Phantom Menace, Episode II: Attack of the Clones, Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and Episode IV: A New Hope, Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.