A case of presentation over substance

Rating: Null/10 (19 May 2002)

I expected great things from this addition to the trilogy, but was disappointed. Firstly I'll get the good points out of the way before i am slaughtered by other fans. The scenery is great, the action revolutionary & epic, the music was atmospheric, the whole Tatooine sequence very moving & had a huge impact on me, Yoda kicks ass, we learn more about each character, the Sith's master plan is beginning to reveal itself, Natalie Portman manages to look flawless in every scene.
Now for the disappointments 1. The romance which was crucial in the triology did not do itself justice, Anakin was way over the top in some scenes, or he was very wooden most of the time. Natalie Portman being a good actress did not manage to show much feeling in her delivery of her lines, he was trying to be Princess Leia but lacked the fire or presence. 2. The relationship between Obi0Wan & Anakin was not developed enough, the funny banter between the 2 fell flat. 3. The film had its moments especially the "Why do i get the feeling you'll be the death of me" line. But on the whole the 'funny' moments were not funny. The problem is that everyone is too serious, the Jedi being all noble & honourable etc, Padme being a senator was regal & polite, the villains didn't have much to go on. The original trilogy had rogue characters like Han Solo & Lando etc, people who were not goody-two-shoes, and so had a charm, & witty dialogue to go with their character. Phantom Menace lacked this element, and so does this film. 4. Anakin being the main focus of the film was just not arrogant enough for someone of his skills, the Tusken raider scene was good but could have been much better.