To Lucas: "If money is all that you love, than that's what you'll receive"

Rating: 2/10 (20 May 1999)

Well, Ladies and Gentlemen, the verdict is out. The film that will undoubtedly outgross "Titanic" in its opening weekend alone is obviously not up to par with the now-sacred trilogy. It does not even try to match the original's level of greatness. As a matter of fact, the new Star Wars does not even constitute a work of cinema: it's not really a movie. Most of the time, it resembles a historical reenactment of Vader/Anakin's early years , complete with detailed ethnographic and technological insights into the Galaxy that Lucas built; a kind of dramatization one would see on the Discovery Channel, or better yet, "America's Most Wanted", only with a 150 million dollar budget. Everything that could give the "The Phantom Menace" any artistic merit, i.e. character development, evocation of suspense or any other emotion, and a dynamic plot, are utterly lacking.
For true fans, however, such a thorough examination of their beloved space locales would not be a disappointment. Hordes of creatures, machines and buildings are fascinating to behold, a testament to the collective imagination of Lucasfilm's crew. But give any teenager with an imaginary universe the proper resources and you'll see the exact same results. They will be happy to document their world on camera, but in a form of a chronological, documentary-like fashion, rather than a true work of fiction with exciting personalities and an engaging story. The later requires a different kind of talent, that of a writer, like Tolkien, for example, not a mere dreamer. Perhaps, Lucas should have consulted one instead of taking on the job himself.
Only the middle section of the film, set on the familiar Tatooine, can generate some form of excitement, with a magnificently staged pod-race, albeit stolen from "Ben Hur". The wooden acting of most non-digital characters seems to have been also adopted from that sleep-inducing 1959 epic. The most fully-developed creature, ironically, is young Anakin's winged blue owner, who resists Jedi mind tricks and displays basic feelings that others do not. Jar-Jar, a sidekick designed for laughs is no Chewie, and largely detracts from the action with his irritating behavior and an inexplicable Caribbean accent. The Humans, meanwhile, appear to be going through the motions, some like Samuel L. Jackson, barely get to even open their mouth. Darth Maul, a potentially excellent villain, overflowing with malice as he slices and dices everything in sight with his double-light-saber is the movie's single biggest letdown. He almost never speaks and reveals absolutely nothing about himself, not even juicy one-liners that Vader was so fond of.
Those who know and cherish the Star Wars mythology will revel in the stunning visuals, while those who do not will likely feel confused and alienated by this highly impersonal production which is in many ways typical of the decade's blockbuster overkill. Perhaps it is only for the better, that the prequel does not violate the sanctity of episodes IV, V, and VI. It simply offers an explanation of previous events without much pretense. George Lucas is fully aware that he cannot outshine the works without which this project would not be possible. In any event, by the century's end, he has proven to operate by the principle that once moved Han Solo. As Leia has pointed out to that lovable scoundrel, "if money is all that you love, than that's what you'll receive".