Very Good Movie and Undeservedly Criticised

Rating: 9/10 (13 April 2005)

This is, despite lunatic Star Wars fans views, a good movie. OK, its by no means a classic and not flawless, but how many movies are? Huge amounts of unfair pressure were put on George Lucas' shoulders when he decided to make this and episode's II and III, which bither way I think was a good idea as we learn about the unknown stories of the Star Wars Saga.
I am only 16 and only just before this movie was released back in 1999 did I start to take an interest in Star Wars. Of course, my brothers and I had always had the toys since we were young like everyone else did and still do, but it never really interested when I was that age for some reason. When I saw this movie it the cinemas I was certainly blown away by it despite not understanding it at all. I was there just to see the action scenes of course like all other young kids. It was that kind of movie you had to see regardless of whether you knew what on earth it was about. It had to be seen purely because it was a Star Wars movie. I recently found out that unsurprisingly that for 20 years fans had been going on and on about it and how they thought it would be the best movie ever made. Well people when you have expectations that high then they'll almost never be matched. Many were disappointed because there wasn't enough action. Come on, there was a lot of action in here and no more than was required really considering the plot and the development of the story. Wait till Episode III if you want all action and darkness.
Anyway, back to the movie. I watched this again recently for the first time in ages with full understanding of the events that would later happen.
It looks great for a start. The locations are stunning, especially the new planets of COurescant and Naboo. The effects are still breathtaking and the costumes and props all look great. The acting is more than exceptional from Liam Neeson, Ewan Mcgregor and surprisingly from young Jake Lloyd who is not annoying to listen to at all. Samuel L Jackson is also a welcome entry to the series as well along with other Jedi's. Jar Jar Binks is, but only to a limit. Most fans thought he completely wrecked the movie, although the kids loved him, like I did when I saw this when I was 10. 6 years on, true I do find him quite annoying for most of the time but he is still a funny character in some scenes such as the gungan battle with the droids at the end. I must say I did find Natalie Portman a little annoying with scenes portraying her as Queen Amidala, not Padme. Her voice is so dull and wooden I just wanted her to cheer up! But when she is not wearing all the make-up and playing Padme she is very good and more fun and interesting to watch.
It is maybe a little too long and does drag at some parts, especially during the political scenes and discussions midway through the film, which I found slightly complex and rather boring, but the ending battles certainly make up for it and overall George Lucas had done a good job of introducing us to an relatively unknown story and setting us up for future story we know well. This is a thoroughly enjoyable and well-made movie.
I give it a 9/10 for enjoyment and brilliant effects