involving story that lacks in comic relief, quality acting and never really presents its villain

Rating: 5/10 (6 August 2005)

I enjoy the film for its fun action sequences (aside from the over-rated pod race), and instigating story. Nearly a split between a 5 and a 6 (out of 10), though, because of a few good performances and the beautiful cinematography, I gave it the better half of the 5.
Actor to character analysis:
Liam Neeson as Qui-Gon Jinn -- Neeson provides yet another exceptional performance as the positively bull-headed Jedi knight who takes it upon himself to train the young, mysterious Anakin Skywalker. His performance: 8.5/10
Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi -- Ewan dishes a performance of slightly above-average status as the soon-to-be mentor to the chosen one. His performance: 8/10
Natalie Portman as Queen Padme Amidala -- The only thing I can say in her behalf is that she was miscast. To be honest, the performance she delivers to this film is among the worst of her career. Well below-average performance: 4.5/10
Jake Lloyd as young Anakin -- Not to dismiss his acting ability, his performance was awful. Unfortunately, the ability he shows in the movie IS the extent of his ability. The casting of Lloyd as Anakin was a major miss! The performance: 3/10
Last, thought not least, Ray Park as the extremely dangerous Sith Lord, Darth Maul -- I LOVED Park as Darth Maul! However, I was extremely disappointed in the makers of the film for not using him more. Darth Maul is among the greatest villains in cinematic history, and with that, one of the most underused gems of the screen as well. Park's performance: 8/10 -- In his infrequent and brief screen time, he subconsciously persuaded the audience to side with him, for finally a villain presented his or herself to be truly evil; something Vader couldn't fully pull off.
Ahmed Best's contribution as Jar-Jar was a waste. I'm not going to dog on him, for in the eyes of the filmmakers, he did his part. Though, I believe Jar-Jar to be the film's largest mistake. So much could have been without Binks, such as a more serious approach to a film that tried and tried to provide some humor -- at which the film's creators failed miserably. In addition, it could have clipped the film's 2 hr. and 13 min. running time -- one that is not unbearably long, but unbearable because of Jar-Jar. The only reason I can think of Jar-Jar's existence is that the Gungans (his alien race) are needed by the Queen to help resist an attack by the Federation's clone army. Still, did they really have to insert the annoying dialect and silly Jar-Jar character?