The Force really wasn't with Lucas this time.

Rating: Null/10 (16 November 1999)

Now, I really can't say that "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace" is a terrible movie, because it isn't. However, I also can't say that it is in any way a fitting companion to such masterpieces as "A New Hope," "The Empire Strikes Back," and "Return of the Jedi." It is, in my opinion, a bad movie that could have been so much better. Allow me to elaborate.
George Lucas is, truly, an enigma. Not many people can envision characters like Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Indiana Jones, and Howard the Duck (sic). Also, not many seasoned, experienced filmmakers can make a movie that fails as much as this one. Lucas has terminally forgotten to write dialogue, and the result is a cast of characters about as deep and profound as their cardboard cut-out counterparts. Lucas has also forgotten how to hone in on the films strengths. Namely, these are (1) the special effects, (2) Liam Neeson, and (3) Natalie Portman. Predictably, the film is a visual wonder, but it is shallow. The effects are present only to make the audience ooh and ahh in breathless wonder, and it works for a few minutes, but in the long run, they fall short of what they should be. Liam Neeson is, of course, an outstanding actor. If you doubt, recall, if you will, "Schindler's List." This film wastes him as yet another shallow character which aspires to be another Obi-Wan Kenobi and fails miserably. Natalie Portman is, besides being one of the most beautiful young actresses working today, immensely talented. Well, we've already covered the fact that Lucas doesn't recognize talent, but he also doesn't recognize beauty. Portman's angelic face is successfully hidden underneath a despicable makeup job which, I think, tries to make her look ugly. Also, as Princess Amadala's "alter ego," Portman is so understated that she fails to make much of an impression. I admit, having a nice face in this film wouldn't have lifted it up from the depths of failure, but it certainly wouldn't have hurt matters any. Lucas has also forgotten to try to make the least of weaknesses. In this case, those are Jar Jar Binks and Jake Lloyd. Now, I have nothing against computer animated characters, but Jar Jar Binks should rot in Hades. He is obnoxiously, annoying, and altogether hideous. Enough about him. Also, I really don't want to hurt Jake Lloyd's feelings here, but his character was overused. Lloyd is truly an adorable kid, and very scrappy, but it also seems as if he studied at the Mark Hamill School for Acting, pulling off one "aw shucks" after another. Also, he said "Yippee!!!" about three times too many for my taste.
Oh, this film does have one redeeming factor that I can tell. John Williams' score is, of course, fantastic. That's about it.
So, what am I really saying? The "Star Wars" extended trilogy should certainly be continued, but I seriously think our friend George Lucas should stand aside and let someone else try his hand at making the next two films. Trust me, it will help.
** out of ****.