Brand loyalty is a powerful force...

Rating: 1/10 (5 August 2000)

I think a lot of people giving this movie rave reviews are probably in some sort of denial -- after waiting 20 years for the prequel to the (frankly excellent) Star Wars Trilogy, they just cannot come to terms with the fact that this movie is, frankly awful. It's not just that Jar Jar is annoying, it's not just that Darth Maul is poorly developed and a thinly-veiled aim at the toys market, it's not just that the "mitichlorians" (or however you spell it) is one of the most ridiculous (and unnecessary) story devices of all time, it's not just that this movie could have been a masterpiece for all ages but instead was only palatable by the under-ten crowd or the terminally brand-loyal. But all of these things combined to create a landmark to disappointment that will stand for all ages. Oh well...here's hoping Episode II is a step back in the right direction.