Welcome to my Star Wars Rewatch; a full chronological journey through the galaxy far, far away, from the mystic shadows of the High Republic to the fractured futures of the sequel era. With each film and series, I’ll be diving into the themes, characters, and cultural ripples that make Star Wars more than just space opera. Whether it’s the quiet tragedy of a fallen Jedi, the rise of a powerful villain, or the shifting philosophies of the Force itself, I’ll be exploring what still resonates, what challenges us, and what deserves a second look. The Force may bind the galaxy together, but it’s the stories that keep pulling us back.
Let’s get into part 4, the 2008 Clone Wars movie!
A galaxy divided. Striking swiftly after the Battle of Geonosis, Count Dooku’s droid army has seized control of the major hyperspace lines, separating the Republic from the majority of its clone army. With few clones available, the Jedi Generals cannot gain a foothold in the Outer Rim, as more and more planets choose to join Dooku’s Separatists. While the Jedi are occupied fighting a war, no-one is left to keep the peace.
— Opening Crawl
Let’s be honest, this isn’t a movie in the traditional sense. It’s three stitched-together episodes meant to launch the Clone Wars TV series, and it feels like it. The pacing is episodic, the stakes are oddly segmented, and the plot – rescuing Jabba the Hutt’s kidnapped son – is more Saturday morning cartoon than cinematic epic. It’s a fetch quest.
But while the structure is clunky, the film’s legacy is undeniable. It introduced characters, relationships, and tonal shifts that would define what would go on to become one of the most beloved chapters in Star Wars storytelling.
Ahsoka’s debut is… rough. She’s snarky, impulsive, and clearly written to appeal to younger viewers. Her nickname for Anakin (“Skyguy”) and her constant quipping make her feel like a forced addition. At this point, she’s very much the Scrappy Doo of Star Wars. But knowing what she becomes – a fan-favorite, a moral compass, and one of the most emotionally resonant characters in the franchise – makes her awkward introduction easier to forgive.
This film doesn’t show us why she matters. But it plants the seed.
One of the film’s highlights is the dynamic between Obi-Wan and Asajj Ventress. Their flirtatious hostility and strategic sparring add texture to the war. Obi-Wan’s dry wit and Ventress’s theatrical menace make their scenes pop, even when the animation feels stiff. It’s a relationship that would deepen beautifully in the series, but here it’s already compelling.
A subtler thread in the film is that of Anakin’s shifting sense of responsibility. While he’s still impulsive and emotionally reactive (especially in his interactions with Ahsoka) there’s a noticeable shift from the brash Padawan of Attack of the Clones. Now a Jedi Knight and battlefield commander, Anakin is forced to make decisions that affect entire legions of clone troopers. His mentorship of Ahsoka, though rocky at first, begins to reveal a more reflective side: he sees in her the same recklessness that once defined him, and that recognition begins to temper his own instincts. The film doesn’t fully explore this growth, but it hints at the deeper arc that the series would later develop; one where Anakin’s maturity is forged not by peace, but by war.
Despite its flaws, the movie sets up key themes:
- War as routine: The Jedi are already weary, and the clones are treated as tools. The moral fog is settling in.
- Diplomacy through manipulation: The plot hinges on political manoeuvring with the Hutts, foreshadowing the Republic’s compromises.
- Mentorship and legacy: Anakin’s reluctant acceptance of Ahsoka mirrors his own struggle with authority and attachment.
It’s not subtle, but it’s foundational.
The animation has a glossy marionette vibe, like watching action figures emote through sheer willpower. Characters move stiffly, and facial expressions are limited. But the environments are rich, and the action choreography is ambitious. Kevin Kiner’s score experiments with world music and electronic textures, hinting at the sonic palette the series would refine.
Some throwaway observations:
- Dialogue? Serviceable. Chemistry? Not quite yet.
- The plot hangs on baby Hutt diplomacy. Yes, really…
- The film skips galactic complexity in favour of a babysitting mission with lightsabers.
- Ziro the Hutt speaks like Truman Capote on karaoke night; confusing, fabulous, and completely weird.
- Vertical battle tactics! Jedi scaling cliffs like acrobatic space goats was a choice.
- Christophsis is the first new planet we explore, and it’s made entirely of angular crystal structures and mood-setting fog.
- Battle droids continue their (d)evolution into pure comic relief; clunky, chatty, and barely threatening.
The Clone Wars (2008) is not a great movie. It’s a clunky, uneven pilot disguised as a theatrical release. But it’s also the doorway to something extraordinary. It introduces Ahsoka, deepens Obi-Wan’s role, and sets the tone for a series that would redefine Star Wars for a generation.
Rating: 3/10
Come for the clones. Stay for the legacy. Forgive the awkward start.
Next up, let’s take a look at the first couple of seasons of The Clone Wars.
No Rerolls 
2 Comments