Order this DVD from Amazon.com

I grew up on the original Star Wars trilogy, so it pains me to write this. But I feel it is my obligation to let you know that "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" is the worst thing to come out of the Star Wars Universe since Jar Jar Binks. In fact, Jar Jar Binks might've actually made this movie better. If that's possible.

The movie opens with Anakin Skywalker and Obi Wan Kenobi fighting off separatist troops on some planet in a galaxy far far away. They are losing the battle until a new Padawan learner named Ahsoka arrives. At first, they think she is Kenobi's new Padawan but it is soon revealed that she is actually there to study under Skywalker. So, with the enemy advancing, Anakin takes his new pupil into enemy territory to disable their shields while Obi Wan and the Clone Troopers defend what is left of the planet. The mission is a success, but Anakin comes to realize that his student has a lot to learn. Soon, Yoda arrives and hands Anakin and Ahsoka a new mission -- to go to the planet Tatooine and investigate the kidnapping of Jabba the Hutt's son. In fact, the kidnapping is part of a plot by Count Dooku and Darth Sidious to turn the Hutts against the Jedi and take control of the outer rim trade routes.

Now, based on that summary, the movie doesn't sound half bad. But the execution of this plot is so childish I'm beginning to wonder who is in charge of this universe. Jabba's baby?! The baby burps. The baby farts. The baby stinks. The movie is littered with so many poop jokes it's embarrassing. Add to that the fact that Ahsoka constantly refers to R2-D2 as "Artooie" and this movie lost me. I loved the original trilogy. I've defended the prequel trilogy. But I can't support this movie. It's like the filmmakers abandoned their core audience in favor of "poodoo" jokes.

The only special feature included on this DVD is an audio commentary by Director David Filoni, Producer Catherine Winder, Writer Henry Gilroy and Editor Jason W.A. Tucker.

I realize that "Clone Wars" actually serves as an introduction to the TV series of the same name that began airing this fall on the Cartoon Network. While flipping through the channels, I've seen the show every once in a while, but I purposely put off watching until I could get the opportunity to watch this movie on DVD. And if "Clone Wars" is any indication of what I can expect from the TV show, you can be sure that I won't be tuning in any time soon. Perhaps if I ever get the series on DVD I'll give it a shot, but otherwise, consider this fan disappointed.