very well done

Rating: 10/10 (23 May 1999)

The special effects in this movie, by far the best ever to be produced, merely support a quality plot and acting. The only part where special effects move beyond their bounds is with Jar Jar Binks, who, although he was an excellent technical achievement, could have been toned down a lot without losing anything important from the movie. Other than that, the plot was very involving, and even though it moves along several different paths at first, they all come together at the end and set the stage for Episodes II-III. The acting is really quite good also, despite what the so-called professional critics say. Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, and Natalie Portman all give powerful presences to their respective roles. Although many little-kid actors come across as fake and obnoxious, Jake Lloyd gives a good performance as the young Anakin. His lines do not sound forced, and they are realistic for what a nine-year-old would say. And to all the people who think that Anakin does not act "special" enough--HE ISN'T SUPPOSED TO!!! The whole point of his downfall is that someone, even someone as kind and normal as Anakin, can stray down the dark path. The menacing acting for Anakin will be left to the next two movies.