Surprisingly boring

Rating: 1/10 (26 June 1999)

I had relatively low expectations for this film--although I thought that by keeping my expectations low, by the time the marvellous soundtrack started to roll, I would be whisked out of my cynicism and into at least a reasonably enjoyable movie experience, somewhat akin to seeing a decent Bond film. However, rather than casting aside my doubts, I ended up being bored in long stretches, as the bloated, uninteresting plot plodded along.
Only 2 characters approached being developed, and they had to share time with not nearly as good as I expected special effects, pointless comic episodes, and plot misturns. Ultimately, this film succeeds only at maintaining the "Star Wars" feel, and adds nothing positive to the legacy of the original.
The few scenes which were interesting were a nice race scene, which maintained suspense throughout and a well staged fight betweeen the largely wordless and completely undeveloped Death Mall (or whatever his name was) and the two Jedis.
As for the rest of it, Puh-leez! Lucas had, what, 10+ years to write this? How did Darth Vader become the boy genius, troubled Savior (a virgin birth is implied for little Ani) we see here? He's so outstanding that he argues to his mom that it is their moral obligation to help the Jedis, and never does anything selfish. The Jedi stuff was always simpleton philosophy, but Lucas gives us enough additional information here to realize it is spirituality for the stupid and lazy only.
Kudos are due to Liam Nelson for his great presence, and Natalie Portman's fine, minimalist job portraying the Queen.