Critic-Proof Extravaganza That Will Please Most Viewers...

Rating: 7/10 (19 May 1999)

To deeply criticize this wonderfully fun motion picture is to miss the point. George Lucas and his Star Wars galaxy is so out-of-this-world, how can a critic, or even an angry fan pick it to pieces? Does it not have sensational sets, spellbinding space battles, perky aliens, and, most importantly, the beginning of a long journey of the cinema's most famous villain? It does and Lucas wows us with a new look to an old universe. People cannot forget that this whole deal takes place "a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away." It's called escapist entertainment, people, and who better than George Lucas, the creator of the original critic-proof trilogy and the Indiana Jones Trilogy to allow us to catch up with some young versions of some old friends and see sights you will never see in real life.
EPISODE I - THE PHANTOM MENACE is a sprawling thrill-ride that is meant strictly to entertain and produce candy for the eyes. It's geared towards kids, but with some universally adult themes. So were the others. With this effort, an unforgettable story of failure and redemption has its beginnings. Sometimes a bit confusing, those with a discerning eye for detail and a general knowledge of episodes IV through VI will get it (this would include most of the civilized world, excluding the negative critics who place too much emphasis on the wrong things in this film). It's funny that my comment regarding a terrific movie is actually a defense argument against those who miss the point of the Star Wars films. Suspend disbelief (of course), realize that this is only the FIRST in a succession of films that will tie all confusing loose ends this episode presents together (isn't that what we wish for), and just sit back and let the film fly over you.
True, the performances and the dialogue are dry and as corny as a farm in the summer, but weren't the other 3 films of the same mold. The story and the world the characters exist in is what we watch these films for, not for some revolutionary method acting or drama. STAR WARS - THE PHANTOM MENACE is a throwback to the old Flash Gordon serials, with great-looking bad guys and a beautiful Queen to boot. Just check out the saber-duels between Jedis Obi-Wan(Ewan McGregor) and Qui-Gon(Liam Neeson) with a dark lord of the Sith "Darth Maul". He is memorable in appearance and fighting abilities only, but it was enough for me. The duels are technically perfect, exciting and riveting.
I would ask the makers to kill off "Jar Jar Binks" the most annoying character in a film since Mickey Rooney played "Puck" in 1935's A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM. Other than that, the performances are measured, but well within the context of the story construction and special effects. Why do critics want Jedis winning Oscars, or Paul Newman-esque acting in the films? They don't need it. For the young at heart, both in life and at the movies, take EPISODE I for what it is - brilliant entertainment and the start of a long, strange trip through a galaxy a lot more fun than ours.
RATING: Let me think...a 10 !