Happy Second Episode I.

Rating: 8/10 (16 May 2001)

Well the most anticipated movie of all time turns 2 this weekend and nears the 2 and a half thousand reviews mark, possibly one of the most reviewed flicks on this database. Why exactly is that. Can it be that after 2 years of panning and protested hatered people are still talking about it.

Basically I think the movie lacks tension, it's only the action when it is happening that has you on the edge of your seat and even then only in identifiable points in the movie. The podrace is not to my taste, it does ok for exciting but is not up to classic standard. All the lightsabre action is pleasing to watch but not what it could have been and the movie relies all on it's astounding visual effects to be a good theatre experience, the effects are good but for entertainment there needs to more.

Compare it to say, it's recent weekend gross toppers original, The Mummy. Action, humour, chases, bad guys, fight scenes, aims, a single look-of-the-movie trademark color, identifiable character importance, it has a lot more pace and content for an adventure blockbuster, Darth Maul is the biggest draw card for Episode I. He is an active bad guy that rocks right around the clock, his goal is clear and not entirely simple and there is never a point when you do not believe he can achieve it, the way he finishes out the movie is a major disapointment and his lack of dialogue is also a let down. He is a character I would have liked to see developed.

And Qui Gon, he is the best developed character in the movie and his importance in the bigger picture is also identifyable. Obi Wans is aswell but he is really only a supporting character and I think the intention was to enjoy further development in the next movie. Jar Jar is there for the kids. It is not fair to complain about him on own behalf because he is not there for us to enjoy. He also has a background, a role and importance to the story. And you must all love the fact that his name is in the cast list for Episode II.
In the next movie Count Dooku/Darth Tyranous, played by Christopher Lee (Count Dracula) and the now Emperor Palpatine/Darth Sidious will share the brains role so I wonder who will fill Darth Mauls shoes. I own Episode I and find it very re-watchable again and again but not up to the standard possible, my hopes rest with Episode II, it sounds much better. I still rate this one 8/10.
and Sidious