Look, let's be real: Attack of the Clones is the Star Wars movie everyone loves to dunk on. The dialogue is wooden ('I don't like sand'), the romance is cringe, and the CGI has aged about as well as a MySpace profile. But if your kid is deep into the Star Wars universe and wants the full saga, it's a necessary piece of the puzzle—just not a particularly fun one.

The action sequences are solid (Yoda flipping around with a lightsaber is still a moment), and the world-building adds depth to the Clone Wars era. But the pacing drags, the political intrigue is dense, and Anakin's descent into darkness feels rushed and unearned. The emotional beats—his mother's death, his massacre of the Tusken Raiders—are heavy and require conversation.

Common Sense Media says 9+, and that feels right for kids who are already invested. Casual viewers or younger kids will likely tune out during the Naboo love scenes. If you're doing a full Star Wars marathon, sure, include it. But if you're picking one prequel to skip? This is the one.