quite a film

Rating: 3/10 (28 May 1999)

I will be one of the first to admit, the critics' (except for Roger Ebert) bashing of this film certainly lowered my expectations before going in. However, I am happy to report that it lived up to my prior expectations. I will also be one of the first to admit, that the film is not flawless.. but then, few are. Here then, are the high and low points of the movie.
Great Parts:
1) The pod race. An incredible sci-fi version of the Ben-Hur chariot race.
2) Acting. especially by Liam Neeson, and Ian McDiarmid, though the rest of the cast was quite good (everyone stop picking on poor Jake Lloyd! The poor kid was just 6 when the filmed this).
3) The final sabre duel between Maul, Qui-Gon, and Obi-Wan. I have never seen a duel so amazing in any other movie.
4) The most obvious - The effects were astounding
5) John Williams's new score, "Duel of Fates" is wonderful.
6) Contrary to popular opinion, I found the plot to be quite interesting and involved. I hear complaints about it being a trade war, and I can't figure it out because the majority of wars fought throughout history have been trade wars
Needs Improvement:
1) Use more subtitles rather than having everyone speak some unusually accented version of english.
2) Jar Jar. I know the poor guy has gotten a lot of flak, and I can honestly say I found him quite amusing at some parts. However, I don't feel he quite fit into the star wars universe. He was simply too useless to the characters, and too clumsy.
3) More screen time for Darth Maul. Again, I know everyone has complained about this, but it's true. A character that great deserves more use. Not even speaking, just seeing more of him would have been nice.
4) The new definition of what the force is. I just didn't care for it being changed from something mystical, to something scientific.
My four complaints are very, very minor compared to the things I loved about the movie. I've already seen it several times, and will probably see it several more. I urge everyone to do the same.