Watch it for what it is, rather than what others expect it to be...

Rating: 8/10 (18 March 2007)

It seems to be "trendy" to have bad things to say about this work, but I found it largely captivating.
As the first (or rather, the fourth, but we won't go into that) installment of the Star Wars saga, this was meant not as a climactic piece of cinematic art, but more as an introduction to the series. This chapter of the Star Wars space opera had no "real" climactic center, no true "ending." This is why the studios chose chapter 4, the central climactic center of the story, to finance first. Of course, Lucas financed the rest, and 20th Century/Fox lost all rights to their share of the Lucas/Star Wars money machine when they lost their studio head, years ago. It was only due to Lucas's "generosity" that they still retain distribution rights.
This work was an opening chapter only and had it been the first to have been made, the audiences would have been left to say, "WTF?! was that?" So chapter 4 was rewritten to contain a definite beginning, climactic center, and ending so that it more resembled a "stand alone" feature. You know...just in case. But Lucas knew what he was doing, and Star Wars 1 (as it was known then) quickly became Star Wars: Episode 4 - A New Hope, and the progenitor of the Star Wars run.
The action most critics seem to have missed, is covert. Duplicitious characters surreptitiously bargain behind closed doors, thereby setting up the story and the beautifully rich darkling sub-plots. And there IS actual action enough to keep even the die-hards entertained. But suspense, rather than action, is the element which fuels this fire. Action comes from the climactic build up, and is prevalent in Episodes 4-6 because they were the climax of the series. So don't be too disappointed if there is more story to these prequel installments, than action. The story is designed to bring about the action in the later episodes.
Another issue with this work is the CGI. Fans are so accustomed to hearing the purists complain about the CGI from the Original Trilogy, that they've forgotten why there's an issue.
That having been said, the CGI in this installment ultimately makes the final product as adventurous, exciting, and cohesive in story as it was. Lucas's Star Wars Universe is beautifully conceived, and wondrously executed as to be a treasure which is the fourth highest grossing film ever. Apparently, someone liked it.
His characters are beautifully conceived and executed, and competently paint the world of Lucas in such a way as to endear, not repulse. All characters but one: Jar Jar Binks. He is more annoying than the Ewoks, and not half as amusing. He seems to be lacking cultural identity, but if you listen closely, his language and pronunciation closely resembles Mush Mouth from the Fat Albert show. He also, at times, sounds Jamaican. But it's on again, off again. I think this installment could have done well without him. Yes, he serves a purpose; that of comic relief. You can't help but laugh at his ineptitude, regardless of how you feel about his presence. Yes, he is key to the plot elements, but Lucas could have created a much better, more PC little guy than this Ebonics-speaking, long-eared, spotty-lipped, blunderbuss.
Much has been said concerning "stiff" performances. I can't help but laugh at that. Liam Neeson was characterized as a high-level Jedi, and he portrayed his part, as such, with dignity and sense of propriety. He was perfect as Qui-Gon Jinn and his bearing commanded respect. That was not stiff acting. That was an extraordinarily competent show of character acting. If that means he comes off as "stiff," so be it.
We get to see the beginnings of C3PO and R2D2 at the very beginning of his involvement with the progenitors of the Rebellion. Anakin Skywalker is young (very young), and as good a child actor as you could ask. He is impressively portrayed by Jake Lloyd. I cannot wait to see where his life takes him. He is an incredible actor already. Natalie Portman was a complete surprise as Queen Amadala. She, too, has been described as "stiff" by many critics. But I must interject that, as Queen, she presents a stately presence. If that's considered "stiff," fine. But I saw it as an incredibly accurate and apt characterization. Royalty can BE a bit "stiff" at times. Ewan McGregor is perfectly cast as Obi-Wan Kenobi, as he represents the "go get'em" attitude Sir Alec Guiness shows in his undertaking as Obi-Wan in Episodes 4 and 5. It is this Fiend's opinion that he was the epitome of a young Obi-Wan, and effectuated his role with a quality of poise for which I hadn't dared hope.
This is an excellent introduction to the Star Wars Universe.
It rates an 8.4/10 in appreciation for what it was, rather than what other critics expected it to be, from...
the Fiend :.