Critics be darned, it's wonderful entertainment

Rating: 7/10 (17 May 2002)

First let me say I'm one of the faithful that hopes for the best from Mr. Lucas and Co. And I also live in Marin county, and naturally pull for 'local boy makes good', and was a bit taken aback by the utter evisceration that AOTC has received from some critics. It made me wonder whether or not some critics are simply angry that Mr. Lucas is not ground-breaking and insightful as they _try_ to be in their reviews. It's almost like they're upset that they have to work so hard putting out clever reviews while George is resting on his laurels.
It's hard to always be groundbreaking and/or clever. The Beatles were almost always groundbreaking but how long did they last? And what has Quentin Tarantino done for you since Pulp Fiction? I do agree with the critique that George doesn't have to stretch his muscles with AOTC, he already has a huge audience base that is favorable for any Star Wars movie that is more than utter trash. Yet it seems playing to an audience is another thing that upsets critics.
And Star Wars doesn't have to be independent filmy sophisticated, it tells a basic story of good and evil where the lines are well drawn on what side each character is on, and the bad guys get their butts kicked (eventually) by the hero. All in a galaxy far, far away.
Original Stars Wars was ground-breaking in that it told the good vs evil in an almost transcendant way, in a context that was unique and clever, filled with esoteric and mystical undertones and background. Some have said that the original was based loosely on the Mahabarata, one of the Bibles of Hinduism. In keeping to simplicity, all the films are the fantasy of teenage boys, who want to kick some ass and impressed the chicks, teenage boys from 7 to 70. I also forgive George for the "Moichendising, moichendising" that Mel Brooks exclaims in SpaceBalls.
And there's some underlying arrogance that we're more sophisticated than the childishly simple plot of good vs. evil. But when push comes to shove, say when certain terrorists fly airplanes into buildings, were we not, at some points, filled with rage and a desire for vengeance? To the degree that sense of vengeance filled you, is the level at which you were taken by the Dark Side of the Force.
But as in the title, critics be darned, this is great entertainment. The reviews of the pro critics lowered the bar for me, but to my surprise, I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. The plot was not too simple, yet not confusing (remember the first Mission Impossible?), and the movie was of two basic parts, about half for setup and half for climax and resolution. So here are my turn on and turn offs for the movie
*** SPOILERS ***
Turn ons:

I thought Hayden Christiansen was excellent in mixing a believably human character with bright talents and dark faults. You can see by his character how the emperor will turn him in the next movie

The special effects were varied and seemingly always fresh. I looked forward to each scene portraying another fantasy use of technology.

Christopher Lee as Dooku. It's great to see Sauron again, zapping stuff from his finger tips!

The tension between Annikan and Padme. Fun watching their love and desire for each other come to life. Lots of gentle kissing.

Very little Jar-Jar Binks. Nuff said.

Natalie Portman talking normal and getting her clothes ripped just so to show off her belly button.

Great to see a slew of Jedi Knights, male and female, duking it out together.

Yoda! Yoda! Yoda! Taking care of business and kicking butt! Oh yeah!

Turn-offs:
-There were a lot of re-use and borrowing from other movies in contexts and special effects: the Fifth Element in the city scenes, the Rocketeer in the smuggler, "The Grays" of Whitley Shreiber on the water planet, Gladiator, Lord of the Rings and the Matrix efx in the coliseum creatures, the underground creature factories from Lord of the Rings
-All planets have the perfect atmosphere for humans. There are no gas planets in the universe. Everyone speaks English in the universe.
-The movie is about 15 minutes too long.
-Jimmy Smits? If Sipowicz showed up too, they'd take care of that evil emperor, no doubt.
-Samuel L. Jackson. That character was much too sedate for Samuel.
-The flat panel text setup at the beginning of the movie. It's almost cliche by now. Try something new George!
Basically, my inner teenager loved the movie, I think yours will too.