The new Star Wars film is eagerly anticipated by science fiction fans across the region. Setve Pratt gives his verdict.

"WELL, it was better than The Phantom Menace," muttered a fan leaving the latest instalment of the George Lucas space saga, Episode I: Attack Of The Clones.

Well, it couldn't be worse, some would say. The 1999 return of Star Wars, after a 16-year gap, was a disappointment.

For most, The Phantom Menace failed to live up to the original trilogy.

Attack Of The Clones is more of the same - jaw-dropping effects, clunky dialogue, mannered acting and lots of cliff-hanging action.

An early chase in and out of the tower blocks of a futuristic city is exhilarating, if reminiscent of Blade Runner.

That is followed by far too much sitting around explaining the plot, namely that the Republic is under threat from separatists and someone has built an army of clones.

Before the last action-packed hour of this 142-minute epic, you also have to sit through Anakin Skywalker (newcomer Hayden Christiansen) romancing Princess Amidala and starting to turn to the dark side as he becomes the villain we know and hate as Darth Vader.

Ewan McGregor and Samuel L Jackson display nifty light sabre skills. But, best of all, wise old Yoda gets to kick some intergalactic butt.

It is worth the admission price just to see the little wizened old chap put down his walking stick and cross swords - well, light sabres - with Christopher Lee's hissable new baddy, Count Dooku.

Star Wars Episode I: Attack Of The Clones opens with midnight screenings on Wednesday.