Star Wars: Episode II - Attack Of The Clones is rated PG:

We've heard about wars, striking back, and menaces before, yet The Force has always delivered family friendly content. Considering this Star Wars is titled Attack of the Clones, and knowing the young Jedi's life is destined to go sour, it's natural to assume things may get violent... but how much?

Picking up ten years after Episode I, Queen Amidala (Natalie Portman) is now a senator. Her hard-line stance against a growing separatist movement within the Galactic Republic has hardly aged her, while Anakin (Hayden Christensen) has sprouted into a young man. Apart since the credits rolled in the last movie, the couple is reunited under the supervision of Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor), when the master and apprentice are asked to protect the politician from an unknown assassin.

Openly crooning for her love, Anakin puts his heart before his mind, giving Obi-Wan good reason to frequently correct him while they search for Amidala's enemy. But instead of narrowing their suspicions, a far wider problem is revealed. On the other side of the universe, countless human clones are being readied to fulfill an order supposedly made by the Jedi Council a decade ago. At the same time, the mysterious Count Dooku (Christopher Lee) -- the newest player for the Dark Side -- has seemingly endless robotic battle-droids in his inventory.

When Amidala's life is threatened, Anakin Skywalker is assigned to be her bodyguard. But staying out of harms way is not a talent possessed by either of them. Thanks to a few rash decisions, the Republic is soon swept up into the Attack of the Clones in what is undoubtedly the most violent Star Wars film to date.

Yup... it has all the makings of a showdown at the galactic corral.

But the ultimate ruler, George Lucas, is involved in a different battle. Always wanting to push technical limits, it seems he's forgotten why we came to theaters 20 years ago -- to see a great story where three principal characters had sparks flying between them. In contrast, this film's pathetic performances deliver a love interest that smolders worse than an X-Wing on diesel.

However the real smoke may be from the many parents who assume anything Star Wars will be appropriate for children. Instead droid decapitations, human dismemberment, and countless combat scenes create one of the most violent PG-rated movies ever. Fortunately there is a near-lack of profanities and sexual content. Still, lets hope the next outing isn't a clone of this episode.

Studio: 2002 Lucasfilm Ltd..

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Overall: B-

When Amidala’s life is threatened, Anakin Skywalker is assigned to be her bodyguard. But staying out of harms way is not a talent possessed by either of them. Thanks to a few rash decisions, the Republic is soon swept up into the Attack of the Clones in what is undoubtedly the most violent Star Wars film to date.

Violence: D+

Violent depictions are continuous throughout the film, including hand-to-hand, army-to-army, and ship-to-ship combat. Weapons and artillery of every sort are used (especially light sabers), and numerous victims are shown. Many explosions occur resulting in death and injury. Characters sustain injuries such as scratches, cuts, electric shock, dismembered arm and decapitation; minimal blood is shown. Character’s life threatened by poisonous creepy crawlies. Vehicles are driven in reckless fashion. Characters fall from height; no serious injuries sustained. Discussion of a character being kidnapped and tortured. Character confesses to slaughtering the inhabitants of a village. Characters narrowly escape injury from mechanical equipment on assembly line. Gladiator style show down between characters and hungry large beasts.

Sexual Content: A-

Many female characters are attired in costumes that expose shoulders, backs, legs, navels or cleavage. A man’s bare chest is shown. A couple embraces and engages in playful wrestling. They also discuss their mutual attraction and kiss on several occasions.

Language: A-

At least: one mild profanity.

Alcohol / Drug Use: A-

Drinks are served in a bar setting. A poisonous dart is used as a weapon.

Miscellaneous Concerns:

Characters display a rebellious attitude and disrespect for authority.

At the beginning of the movie the Jedi’s clearly state they are keepers of the peace, not soldiers. Does the rest of the film support that statement?

Anakin and Amilada argue over politics because one favors the idea of a single strong leader, while the other prefers a committee consensus. What are the benefits and drawbacks of each of these forms of government? Can you see evidence of these strengths and weaknesses in the political plot of the story?

The other movies in the Star Wars franchise are:

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.