Just Not Star Wars

Rating: 6/10 (22 April 2010)

Even the cast don't sit right, do they? Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor waving light sabers around - doesn't really work. Even if you don't like Mark Hamil, he is the only Jedi. Call me a purist, I don't care. Where are Han and Chewie, blasting their way out of trouble, or out-maneuvering a Star Destroyer in the Falcon? I know comparisons are unfair, but I can't help it. John Williams' fab music returns - yeah- and good old Master Yoda is there too, along with Jabba and our old friend the Emporer. Even Darth Vader, albeit a young Vader, makes his debut.
I did struggle with the amount of technology present some two generations before the original Star Wars. Of particular note were the amazing 'destroyers', indestructible weapons that did not appear in episodes four to six. Surely they weren't discontinued; they were deadly. Maybe the manufacturing company went broke. Otherwise great f/x and sound, and some good action sequences grace this film. The pod race was the definite highlight - note the game is already in the stores.
Saturday, June 12, 1999 - Knox District Centre