they just don't make them like they used to

Rating: 8/10 (9 December 2000)

last year's THE PHANTOM MENACE was the ultimate proof that they can't make action/adventure films like they used. The 80's were truly the golden age for these movies (think RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK and sequels, THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, RETURN OF THE JEDI, ROMANCING THE STONE). What made the original star wars films so appealing were great characters, great action, and great humor. They were simply great! But this one fails completely at everything. The characters never smile even once (except for that horribly forced smile on Amidala's face at the end), the story is boring and the action is unexciting. THE PHANTOM MENACE can't be called a bad movie, though. I guess it can be pretty good if you expect the worst or have never seen the star wars films. But anyone who has seen them is bound to be disappointed.