The storyline of this second prequel in the "Star Wars" saga begins with the reunion of Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen), Padme Amidala (Natalie Portman), and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor). The trio is brought back together when an attempt on Padme's life was narrowly thwarted. This new threat seems to be linked to the fracturing of the Republic and a new emerging darkness. Obi-Wan and Anakin are forced to split up as Anakin must protect Padme and Obi-Wan must investigate where the threat on Padme's life is coming from.

Obi-Wan searches all over looking for a reason for the attack and has run ins with a lethal bounty hunter named Jango Fett (Temeura Morrison) and a rogue Jedi named Count Dooku (Christopher Lee). As Anakin grows closer to Padme a new side of the young Jedi is awakened and through that the face of Republic and our heroes will change forever as the dawn of the "Clone Wars" bears down on them.

"Clones" is a return to what makes the "Star Wars" epic so good. We have a powerful storyline that re-engages us back into the mythos and the spirit of the series. The film is laid out a lot like "The Empire Strikes Back" as it covers a lot different locales and sinister plots. The layout of "Empire" has always been the hi-light of what made it the best of the series. This layout allows for quick pacing and heavy action but still brings us deep into whom these characters are.

"Clones" is a great second attempt at making a new "Empire" but its only problem is that director George Lucas has far to many love scenes interwoven in the film. These scenes steal from the film's pacing and should have been trimmed by a couple. Princess Leia and Han Solo fell in love in "Empire" but it was handled on a smaller scale, which made their kiss while inside the asteroid so memorable.

I loved the exotic locales dreamed up by Lucas and the interesting new creatures we meet throughout the film. I was totally captivated with Obi-Wan's journey. Which is really why I was dismayed that it wasn't explored more. These prequels should be here to not only exlore Anakin but other Jedis as well like Obi-Wan, Mac Windu and even Qui-Gon Jinn in the first film.

But the two greatest things about "Clones" are the return of C-3PO and the evolution of Yoda.

C-3PO was the humor and heart of the original trilogy as his one-sided conversations with rebellious R2-D2 was unforgettable. We finally see a completed C-3PO and Lucas doesn't delay in getting C-3PO involved with the storyline. The scenes in robot factory are priceless. Thank goodness, Lucas did away with Jar Jar's longer screen-time and brought back a fully functional and hilarious C-3PO.

Yoda gets more screen-time in this film than any other before. We actually get to know more about Yoda and his involvement in the story. I loved how this film explores Yoda more and brings us one of the strongest supporting characters in the series.

I loved how Christopher Lee brings Dooku in as a new and powerful menace that will shake the foundation of the universe. You can't split this guy in half with a light-saber. Lee has always been great at being evil and spooky and he shines in this role. He reminded me so much of the late Vincent Price.

I enjoyed the strong performances from the film's lead but Hayden Christensen encompasses the character with reverence because it's in his portrayal that we can see where Vader came from even more. Portman continues her strong female performances as we see more inside who Padme is. McGregor finally is aloud to stretch his wings and allow more flesh in Obi-Wan.

The scenes in the latter of the film will make your jaw drop. They are probably going to be remembered as the best of the summer. There are sequences and events that will make every fan's mouth water as we scream, "Oh, yeah!"

"Clones" is probably the second best "Star Wars" movie of the entire series thus far. It is a giant leap above "The Phantom Menace" and a return for Lucas as a "science-fiction" genius. This film amplifies why we love this series so much. (4.75 of 5) So Says the Soothsayer.

Other Star Wars films:

Star Wars (1977) (4.25 of 5)

Empire Strikes Back (1980) (5 of 5)

Return of the Jedi (1983) (4 of 5)

Ewok Adventure, The (1984) (3.5 of 5)

Ewok: Battle for Endor (1985) (3 of 5)

Episode One: Phantom Menace (1999) (3.5 of 5)