Don't Believe the Gripes

Rating: 8/10 (19 May 1999)

If you're a person who got even a little excited as the movie approached, I believe you'll love it. (also, although I don't think I have any spoilers here, I feel you should see it before reading ANYTHING about this film).Since I'm writing this right after I saw it, it's tough to think straight, so here's some bullet points:
Immediate Reactions from a cynical movie lover:
A) It was fantastic.
B) For every scene that was geared towards the kiddies, there was an equally adult scene regarding the trade blockages and whatnot. Lucas achieved a solid balance, I believe.
C) Yes, JarHead was annoying, but if you couldn't find something interesting going on while he was doing his schtick, you weren't looking closely enough.
D) The kid was adequate. I don't think I've ever been that impressed with any child actor, at least not blown away by one's performance, anyway. He was supposed to be an innocent kid who was great with machines, and I guess he conveyed it well enough. Anyway, you want to see wooden acting, watch Mark Hamill.
E) While desperately trying to light my cigarette afterwards, I found myself looking forward to seeing it again. Seriously.
F) I liked how ObiWan was almost never the center of attention.
G) What was the deal with the little Greedo? (nice sandpeople and jawa cameos, by the way....)
H) I assume Ani (annoying, huh?) will HAVE to stop and say hi to his virgin Mom at least once, right? Gotta pick up C3PO.
I) If you didn't enjoy the big saber-fight at the end, check your pulse. (especially with that music!)
J) PodRaces?--Hey, I have a Playstation!
K) Samuel L. Jackson---He was sincerely......wooden and terrible!!!
L) Why is JarHead getting all the criticism?? His entire RACE was annoying!!
M) What was the deal with the Red-"I freeze Jedis"-ray anyway?
N) Is Palpatine already evil or not?? I honestly couldn't tell.
O) Terence Stamp? Why even get a name actor for a non-role? (cool name, though--Vallorum--say it)
P) Did anyone else not fully realize R2's repair capabilities? Those droids are pretty handy!
Q) Say what you will, but it was 2:20 AM, and I was in a car by myself, and I smiled a few times. I might catch a lot of flack for it, but I really enjoyed it.
R) No Ewoks. Yay!! Long live JarHead!
S) The guy who played Boss whatever (JarHeads mumbly-mouthed boss) also played the head of the winged warriors in Flash Gordon (1980).
T) I love Natalie Portman. Yes, she was a little bland at times also, but I don't think Lucas expects too many Acting Nominations on this one, anyway.
U) Why did those combat robots need to speak at all? They seemed to have a lot of personality for battle drones. And why would robots need BINOCULARS??? and what's with this: "roger roger"
V) Was Qui-Jonn trying to explain to Ani (ech) about cells and parameciums or what? Is he a science teacher?
W) Forget all those cynics. If there are legit reasons you didn't like it, fine. (Plus, I'd love to hear them.) But let's not pick apart a movie that is completely about aliens and other planets and complain that there are TOO MANY SPECIAL EFFECTS!!! I'm sure Lucas would love to have hired real Gungans, but they're pretty tough to come by, I'd assume. (and I think Tatooine has laws against filmin there, like Red China.)
Y) I really could have done without the juvenille gags and stepping in bantha-poop jokes, but I digress. (I did hear a few young giggles, though, so what do I know?)
Z) BOTTOM LINE: If you really love movies, I sincerely think it's great.
Enjoy! (Remember, if you are jealous of people who have yet to see it for the first time, it's a GOOD movie.)