"That's a nice-a donut."
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Since its release in May 1999, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace has been widely criticized and mocked by professional movie critics, Star Wars fans, and casual moviegoers alike. It is generally believed that the film suffers most from a very weak screenplay with a relatively uninteresting story and a lot of unnatural, and sometimes unintentionally humorous, dialogue. Many also suggest that director George Lucas' use of filming in front of blue screens (prior to inserting digital backgrounds and other visual effects) hurt the performances of the actors as well. Not to mention the reviled new character Jar Jar Binks. Six years later and just a couple weeks prior to the opening of the third installment of the prequel trilogy, Revenge of the Sith, it seems like a suitable time to revisit the film. Are the original criticisms founded?
Well, first of all - yes, the basic plot of The Phantom Menace is rather bland and doesn't seem to elicit the same magic and whimsy that the tale of Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Chewie, and Princess Leia did years ago. Ostensibly the story begins in the middle of a developing conflict involving trade taxation between the planet Naboo and the rogue Trade Federation. The Galactic Republic sends a couple Jedi Knights to help resolve the situation. Along the way they take in the queen of Naboo to protect her, and meet some other interesting characters including the aforementioned Jar Jar and a young boy named Anakin Skywalker. Anakin, of course, is the focus of the new Star Wars trilogy as he is destined to become the evil Darth Vader. Anyway, eventually the Jedis and their friends help out in a battle to save the queen's planet. Much of the political stuff is rather dry and should have been cut. But the action scenes are good and the visual and sound effects are first-rate.
Other than the need to change or edit some of the trade/taxation/political scenes, the weakest part of the film is certainly the dialogue. There are a couple cringeworthy lines, but frankly I don't think it's that bad overall. One thing I definitely disagree with some of the critics on is that the acting is wooden and mechanical. I'm not about to give anyone an Oscar here, but certainly everyone did their job and creating their own unique characters. In fact, young Jake Lloyd who played Anakin (contrary to the harsh criticism) is pretty good. He shows the starry-eyed wonder and optimism of a 6 year-old boy, while also providing confusion, concern, angst, and excitement where necessary. Ewan McGregor, Liam Neeson, and Natalie Portman are all okay as well - certainly no worse than Mark Hamill.
Yeah, but what about Jar Jar? He is definitely somewhat annoying, but no more so than C-3PO is. He helps to provide a more casual or comedic presence, given the pseudo-seriousness of much of the plot. And let's face it: the movie wasn't written for middle age people who grew up on the original films. Star Wars is, and always has been, a children's fantasy. Though The Phantom Menace has its faults, they aren't any more evident than if you rewatch the original trilogy with a neutral eye or watch this without absurd expectations. The movie is supposed to be fun, and on that scale it succeeds.
The Verdict: B-.
Michael Bentley 8:59 AM
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