Good for what it was

Rating: 8/10 (14 February 2002)

When looking at this film you have to remember the target audience of this and of the originals. Boys in their teens who buy games and action figures.
Think about it. Most of those people who loved Star Wars (me included) saw it as a child or teenager. We did not need the complex story lines, clever dialogue or first rate acting. We needed a simple story with an epic theme where we could pretend we were the main character.
Same with Episode 1. For all the hype, it is an adventure story about a boy (so kids can identify with him) and some cool guys with light sabers who get to fight a lot and race and run and .......
So the 12 year olds who loved Star Wars are now adults who need more depth and quality of story and acting than simply special effects and a funny walking cartoon character. Therefore they feel let down because it doesn't match the memories.
That's how I felt. It was ok but it could have been any kids adventure story. Therefore I felt robbed because I was expecting something great. Second time on DVD it was much, much better, because I had worked out on what level to enjoy it.
So I'll go and Episode II not expecting anything great, but knowing that kids will love it.