In George Lucas' CGI space no one can hear you emote

Rating: 3/10 (3 January 2002)

THE PHANTOM MENACE had a promising acting pedigree. So why did it come across with all the chutzpah and frission of an extended Infomercial? I don't know exactly why, but the responsibility lies squarely on George Lucas' shoulders.
STAR WARS had zing. The film was peopled with characters (though cliched) not just actors playing 'roles'. George apparently wrote and directed this film. He and his cast had nothing to lose and everything to gain. EMPIRE was also good. Lawrence Kasdan had a hand in this and JEDI, and the maturity of a more seasoned writer showed through.
THE PHANTOM MENACE is, in comparison, like another movie entirely. The actors deliver lines so poorly, with such a lack of personality, wit, and charm, that they ALL could have been computer-generated, like in FINAL FANTASY, and the film would have been just as involving. Jesus, TOY STORY has more humanity in its 77 minute running time than the much longer PHANTOM MENACE.
I believe that Lucas went it alone. He should have hired a real writer to help him. Harlan Ellison, Michael Mann, Kasdan, someone who could do it properly. Look at Kubrick. He always tried to work with very well-respected writers, novelists in the main, when developing scripts. I think Lucas wanted to blow everyone away with his 'written and directed by' credit. But, old sport, it back-fired. It was a brave attempt, for sure. Still, watch LORD OF THE RINGS, X-MEN, or any number of fine fantasy films for greater examples of efficient character development. Or even STAR WARS EPISODES 3-5 for that matter.
And the survey says...
It stinks.