Wonderful failure

Rating: 4/10 (22 May 1999)

It is easy to dismiss the hard work of others. This movie is visually one of (if not) the most stunning films ever made. Imaginative settings and scenery, next generation effects. But sadly there was no story. A good writer would have propped up all the action and amazing visual talent with a story that mattered. Alas there was no such story (if much of any story at all). Only the ending scenes evoked any emotion for me. Even the "dramatic" conclusion of the light saber battle left me hollow and not caring. The actors were very talented, but why did they seem like they were sleep walking? And unfortunately the critics were right: Anakin was badly miscast, almost dragging the whole notion of the prequel into doubt. The one task episodes I-III must do is to portray and dramatize the tragedy of Anakin's transformation to Darth Vader. In order for this to work we must care deeply for Anakin. And with 1/3 of the story gone I have to say I for one could care less.