Above Average, but disappoints

Rating: 7/10 (20 November 1999)

After being such a big Star Wars fan, and I know I am. So just because I didn't like this movie as much as the original 3. Doesn't mean that I am not a real star wars fan. I just think it could of been done a lot better. I think the problem with this movie is that it is too "kiddish" and there isn't a lot of depth in the characters as the original 3. Ok I'll split this review up into Highs and Lows.
Highs 1. Clearly the lightsaber duels, these were fantastic, best out of all the star wars movies by far. Made the movie a bit better.
2. Well the special effects were great. Very realistic.
3.Liam Neeson, I thought did a great job acting. I also thought Ian McDiarmid did a great job as well.
4. Pod race was well done, entertaining to watch.
5. Watto, I liked him..interesting character and fun to watch.
6. Duel Of The Fates and Anakin's Theme were great bits of music. Lows
1. Darth Maul, he looks great, fights great but NO depth in his character at all. Was hardly in the movie and I thought that was a real downfall.
2. Jar Jar Binks, what a silly character and could anyone actually understand what he was saying? George Lucas what were u thinking?
3. I think having Anakin Skywalker as a 9 year old was a mistake. It really made it feel like a 8 year old movie. Jake Lloyd was annoying at times. But he is only a kid and I think it's hard for a kid to be a good actor.
Natalie Portman I didn't think did a good job, showed no emotion at all really.
4. Lets face it the storyline wasn't that good. Pretty boring at times.
5. Obi-Wan - not having a go at Ewan, but where was the character depth there? Very bad script writing.
6. The ending sucked, with Anakin blowing up the trade Federation ship, by the way where did all the federation ships go anyway? The Celebration at then end, seen it all before sorry. Should of ended the movie when Yoda and Mace Windu were wondering about the sith.
7. Some of the lines were terrible. Like When Anakin's mum said "He was meant to help you" and when they were heading back for Naboo and jar jar goes "we are going home"..one of the few times I understood him.
I'm not saying this movie is a disaster, it's still a good movie, but it is the worst out of the 4. To be fair it is the first episode and it is meant to be an introduction to the characters and so forth, but in a few ways you cant help and feel a little disappointed. Another thing that didn't help it, was the huge hype. No film could live up to the hype TPM got. If you haven't seen it, have a look at it and enjoy it. But it ain't in the Class of TESB or Star Wars. 3 out of 5 stars.