Too much hype, not enough filmmaking.

Rating: Null/10 (16 September 1999)

Let's not start off on the wrong foot here. I appreciate the Star Wars series as a landmark in movie history, as a paragon of special effects, and as a cultural phenomenon. However, I don't understand why the "movie event of 1999" had to be so...mediocre.
Regardless of what George Lucas or anyone else says, Jar Jar appears to be the prime focus of this movie. No, not because he's incredibly important to the Star Wars saga (geez, I sure hope he's not, anyway) but because his inane portion of the dialogue and "acting" really seem to hit home with the kids. Consider the number of children you see wearing Jar Jar Binks T-shirts. Also consider that the single-most common Star Wars action figure bought at my particular discount retail store seems to be the "lovable" Jar Jar Binks. If lines like "How wude!" are the future of talking action figures, I may start melting some plastic. But never mind the merchandising, let's get back to the target audience. Kids love this movie and the three earlier editions, which is probably the main reason (besides massive amounts of money) for Lucas to make this one.
As a motion picture, I was unimpressed with Episode 1. All the special effects in the world can't make up for a generally boring story. But the thing is, no one can really regard this movie as just another story committed to film. You have to take it as a part of the Star Wars series.
In that context, it's still a boring story. But I got a kick out of seeing where the storylines began. Who knew that the decrepit Emperor Palpatine of Episode 4 started out as a bland Senator on Coruscant? Or that C-3PO was built by that annoying little monkey, Anakin? (Which I find hard to believe, by the way.)
It's not a special movie, but it's worth renting - after the next two come out. Then we'll see if Episode 1 really makes a difference in the Star Wars world.
Because it sure as heck didn't do anything on this planet.