GREAT, GREAT, GREAT

Rating: 10/10 (19 May 1999)

After having read several negative reviews on this movie, and being an avid Star Wars fan that has hyped this motion picture up in my head as much as it has been hyped in the media, I was ready for a let-down. The other three were so good, and made for such an enjoyable time at the theatre that I felt the only way it could go was down. Well, the movie didn't surpass any of the others, but it definitely didn't drop to the bottomless pit of all-hype-no-substance movies. First off, the acting in this movie is great, right up to par with the usual Jedi masters of old, even though one did wish for the intervention of a Han Solo type character half way through. Liam Neeson was a great, patient Jedi master who was complimented well by the outstanding Ewen McGregor, who was perfect as the stubborn, all talent and fury, Obi Wan Kenobi. Jake Lloyd, for all the criticisms, played the role he was cast in perfectly. It is hard for me to understand what the critics wanted out of this young man, he played the courageous young boy to perfection, and was able to subtly foreshadow what we all know he will become well. Darth Maul was chilling, and my only regret is that he couldn't have had more scenes in the movie, but the battle scenes involving him are absolutely magnificent. The effects, as was expected, are second to none, and even though the computer animation is obvious, it does not ruin any of the realism of the movie. The pod race, which is a mix between Ben Hur and the speed racer scenes in Redi, is wonderful, and really signifies when the movie takes off into the land of outstanding movies. The Queen is great, and even though she does not have the Lea attitude, she portrays the stoic Queen very well. The only real problem I have with this movie, and what will keep it from being one of my all time favorites, is unfortunately one character. Jar Jar Bing, I believe that is what he is called, is sooooooo annoying that I spent the first half of the movie wishing he was not in it. The kids will love his antics, but for comic relief he only goes to ruin what would otherwise be great scenes. Honestly, if you go to this movie, and after about a half an hour feel as if you are destined to hate the entire thing, ask yourself why and the answer will be Jar Jar Bing. I will see this movie again because I honestly spent the first half hour of it hating Bing and thinking I was going to hate the movie. If you feel the same way, take care, you will end up loving it by the end. If anyone associated with the movie reads this, KILL JAR JAR BING!!!!! Besides that, Titanic, enjoy the next month or so as the highest grossing movie ever, because Obi Wan, Anakin, and Darth Maul are coming to get you:) May the force be with you, because it was with this movie.