The Dark Side of the Force

Rating: Null/10 (3 April 2001)

I could hardly hide my glee when viewing the teaser trailer for this, the first Star Wars prequel. I've seen it many times by now, and the sad fact is that it is pretty poor when viewed repeatedly. The acting is almost continually below par- just take Jake 'the Table' Lloyd or Liam Neeson who looks confused throughout the film. John Williams score is sadly, the worst of the series, although he manages to create two memorable tunes- Duel of Fates and Trade Federation March- but most of his score is more suited to a schmaltzy TV Movie. Jar Jar Binks (the most annoying Star Wars character ever) and his computer generated pals succeed in ruining a film which could have been so much darker (the Sith sub- plot is fascinating). All in all, less Star Wars and more Manufactured Hollywood Moviemaking. 5/10