How I finally killed Jar Jar Binx...

Rating: Null/10 (14 February 2012)

I know, I know...writing a review for a movie which came out in 1999, one I already own on DVD and have seen dozens of times, yet still went to watch on the big screen when it was released in 3D...makes me a special kind of looser...I feel like Bobba Fett's mentally challenged cousin, Retardo Fett! What can I say, I have no excuse, I truly am George Lucas's b*tch! I can just see him laughing all the way to the bank, as he shoves his lightsaber up my bunghole while I fork over my non-existent paycheck...such is the life of nerds folks! Normal people (by which I mean, people with a life, a purpose etc.) would never commit such an atrocious capitulation of reason and sense as me. Alas, the only thing I can say in my defence is that I am truly a nerd of epic proportions! Now, all kidding aside, unlike many others, I liked the prequel trilogy warts and all. I never thought them to be a letdown as others have. That includes "Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace".
Even though more than a decade has passed since the original release of "The Phantom Menace", the movie did not look shabby at all. The special effects hold up very well, the CGI does not look dated and John William's soundtrack is as great as ever. Acting wise the cast was none too weak, with a few exceptions of course. The soul of the movie for me continues to be Liam Neeson's noble Qui Gon Jin, such a distinguished, honourable and principled character, a true embodiment of the Jedy Knights. The other acting strengths of the movie are Ewan McGregor as Obi Wan Kenobi and Ian McDiarmid as chancellor Palpatine. Ray Parker makes for a memorable villain as Darth Maul.
As for the 3D it works remarkably well, the pod race sequence and what has become known as "The Duel Of The Fates" between Qui Gon Jin, Obi Wan and Darth Maul alone are worth the price of admission. They looked great even before, but the 3D actually works in their favour adding more depth and quality (one of the rare instances when 3D did not annoy me or proved useless).
The icing on the cake for me though...was the fact that through the miracle of 3D I could finally reach out to the screen and strangle Jar Jar Binx with my bare hands, watching as he became no more than a heap of thrash...ahem, I mean at least in my imagination...
All righty then...that's all folks!