Hype-carried, underwhelming

Rating: Null/10 (10 November 2003)

When there hasn't been a new Star Wars film in over 15 years and it's been years since last seeing the original trilogy, this comes across as pretty good actually. More Jedi, more spaceships, nods to the original films, the best lightsaber battle in Star Wars history, what else could you want?

Then on a Star Wars high, go back home and watch the original trilogy . . . the hype fades away and we and see how far Lucas has fallen in 20 years.
On its own terms, Phantom Menace really isn't anything special or above typical sci-fi. I wouldn't call it a bad film necessarily; however, I think the only think that can elevate it to `good' is name power, special effects, and references to better films.
Something just doesn't quite feel like Star Wars. Phantom Menace goes through all the motions, but somehow neglects the heart. The universe Lucas paints for Episode I simply is not the universe of Episodes IV, V, and VI when it should be. This one feels more cartoony, less sophisticated, less entertaining - like its merely a commercial exploitation to appease fans, and not created with the same reasons/intentions of the first film. Like Lucas sat down and asked, `What would be Â‘cool?' instead of, `What would really happen in the Star Wars universe?'
In a way, I guess it must be nice that Lucas is willing to pander to the masses and give them what they want to see, but to me it feels like a betrayal of what the Star Wars films were originally about. Not a complete betrayal by any means, but a betrayal none-the-less.
Because it's too busy trying to be something it's not, Phantom Menace very clumsily handles its own story. It hits points fans want to see in a very clunky and awkward way; had Lucas stuck with his vision and his alone, abided by the intentions of the original series faithfully adapted to apply to the prequels, the ride would've been much much smoother, and the film much better.
The only thing I think this film doesn't have is the invitation to make the audience suspend their disbelief. Sure, the other Star Wars films had silly dialogue, a mixed bag as far as acting, outrageous scenarios . . . but they invited us to forget all that and embrace the spectacular vision of a galaxy far far away.
Then again, sequels/prequels/remakes will forever be argued on how to do them right. So, it's a moot point.