STAR WARS without the stars

Rating: 9/10 (1 January 2001)

My first thought on seeing this film was, "oh, this is what
PHANTOM MENACE should have been." This kind of magic/martial
art film was obviously a big inspiration for Lucas' Jedi Knights and
light saber fights. The story is simple and timeless, and the effects
are breathtaking. While it seems uncharitable to find fault with the
film, I would have liked a little more plot development ... perhaps
the stunning reviews made me expect a little more here for the
"head" as opposed to the "heart." Still, it's easily one of the best 2
or 3 films of 2000.