Too Much Computer Generation Ruins Movie With Strong Cast

Rating: 5/10 (20 June 1999)

This movie must be the most-hyped event in my lifetime (episodes II and III will probably produce even more). While it was enjoyable, it does not merit the hysteria and fanaticism surrounding it. It was hardly spectacular. It's just a movie, and with the possible exception of the cast and crew, nobody's life is going to be any the different for it. It does not even seem to contain a message of any sort, as one might expect.
Great praise has been heaped upon the special effects, but in some ways, these may actually hurt the movie. One source stated that about half the movie is composed of special effects. Jar Jar, the droids, and most other alien creatures were computer-generated. This is quite apparent given their cartoony appearance. Compare Star Wars's aliens with those of say Star Trek, which appear to be real, living, breathing creatures.
The acting is superb for what the movie is. Neeson, McGregor, Portman, and Lloyd portrayed their characters well, and I'm sure we can expect great work from all four in the future. No one can fault the casting here.