DATE=05/16/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE="STAR WARS" OPENS (L-ONLY)

NUMBER=2-289895

BYLINE=MIKE O'SULLIVAN

DATELINE=LOS ANGELES

INTERNET=YES

CONTENT=

Intro: Critics have given it mixed reviews, but fans in Los Angeles had nothing but praise for the latest film in the "Star Wars" series. "Star Wars Episode Two -- Attack of the Clones" opened around the United States Thursday. Mike O'Sullivan has reaction from the West Coast.

Text:

/// MUSIC ACT "STAR WARS" THEME ///

This is the fifth film in the "Star Wars" series and the second "prequel," which outlines events before those of the early "Stars Wars" films. A fan at an early showing was not disappointed.

/// FAN ONE ACT ///

This is amazing. I am shaking.

/// END ACT ///

Another fan of the series by director George Lucas says this film is a winner.

/// FAN TWO ACT ///

It was just great. It was exciting. George Lucas cannot do anything wrong.

/// END ACT ///

Most critics are less excited about the movie, saying "Attack of the Clones" is strong on special effects but weak on narrative and acting. Critics and fans alike are glad to see less of Jar Jar Binks, a long-necked creature with flipper-like ears, which jarred the nerves of viewers in the last film. This fan says Episode Two is much better.

/// FAN THREE ACT ///

It made up for every bad moment of Jar Jar in Episode One.

/// END ACT ///

Thursday "Attack of the Clones" was launched in up to 70 countries, from the Middle East to Europe.

The film faces tough competition in the United States, where it is playing opposite "Spider-Man," an action film based on a comic-book hero. Critics have praised "Spider-Man" for its textured acting, and it broke box office records its opening weekend.

In Malaysia and the Philippines, "Attack of the Clones" faces other competition. Pirated videos sell on the street for far less than the price of a theater ticket, despite being illegal. (Signed)

NEB/MO/SAB