Don't believe the hype. But don't believe the backlash, either.
In other words, just judge the enjoyable new "Star Wars" prequel, "The Phantom Menace," on its own merits and leave all your preconceptions at the door. Otherwise, you could leave the theater a little disappointed — though not nearly to the extent that you may have feared.
Sure, the movie has its share of problems. For one thing, it could have used a lot less talking and a whole lot more rocking — if you know what I mean.
Also, it's true that the performances by the computer-generated characters are livelier than those by the "live" actors, there are a few slow spots that will test the patience of younger audience members and there are some inadvertantly racist moments (accents and stereotypes used for certain aliens).
That said, however, the movie is still a step up from the last of the second "Star Wars" trilogy, 1983's good-but-not-great epic, "Return of the Jedi." At times this science-fiction adventure is thrilling, and it is also touching and even has its share of silly moments.
In other words, it's a "Star Wars" movie.
Actually, if you're not enthralled by the film, you're probably either hard of heart or much too fussy to be watching such populist film fare.
Let's face it — even "Citizen Kane" couldn't stand the withering critical scrutiny that this movie has been receiving so far.
But the mistake most critics are making is that they're judging it on unfair criteria — namely, they're putting it up against the other, admittedly better films in the "Star Wars" series. The yardstick here should actually be other recent films, such as "The Mummy." And in that context, "The Phantom Menace" passes with flying colors.
Also, considering the fact that this one is designed to set up two more prequels, the majority of its storytelling faults can be forgiven.
Just as the first installment of the second trilogy ("Star Wars," a k a, "A New Hope") began with an intergalactic conflict, so does "The
Phantom Menace" — specifically, a commercial disagreement between the Trade Federation and the rulers of Naboo, a peaceful planet.
Two Jedi knights, Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor), are dispatched by the galactic government to settle the dispute. But they quickly learn that the Federation is planning to invade Naboo to force Queen Amidala (Natalie Portman) to sign an unfair trade "treaty."
With help from a local, the cowardly but fast-talking Jar Jar Binks (a digitally created character featuring the voice of Ahmed Best), Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan smuggle the queen off the planet before she can be captured. En route, their ship is damaged and they're forced to land on Tatooine, a desert planet with a gambling-based economy.
Lacking the proper barter, as well as the parts to repair their spacecraft, it appears the rebels may be stranded there. Worse, they're being tracked by the evil Sith lord Darth Maul (Ray Park) and his even-more-diabolical master, Darth Sidious.
Fortunately, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan encounter a young boy, Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd), who may provide the answer to their problems. Anakin agrees to help them raise funds — by participating in a dangerous pod race. And in return, Qui-Gon promises to help free the enslaved youth, whom he suspects may be Jedi material.
Yes, that is a lot of plot to follow in one movie. And that's only the setup for the second half of "The Phantom Menace."
Unfortunately, that means there's a lot of dialogue to help explain these situations, which is where the film bogs down. But things pick up considerably in the second hour, with some thrilling action and effects scenes that more than make up for any lapses.
Not too surprisingly, there's also a great deal of "Star Wars"-specific in-jokes and references, and the story development has more than a few things in common with "A New Hope."
And it should be noted that there are quite a few biblical and other Judeo-Christian references, from some obvious Christ parallels to the actual pod race, which pays tribute to the most famous scene in "Ben Hur."
What audiences will be looking for most, however, are the effects, which are dazzling, and which help set up some terrific action sequences (in particular, the pod race and a huge battle toward the end).
As mentioned, acting isn't exactly the film's strong point, though Neeson makes a charismatic Jedi Master. And despite the fact that he doesn't have that much to do in this first installment, McGregor does a good job aping Alec Guinness' speech inflections. He and Neeson also display more-than-adequate flair for the physical side of their roles.
Portman's part requires her to do more acting than you may be expecting (you'll have to see it to understand). And while Lloyd is a bit stiff, he's at least as good as other child actors his age, and he seems to be having fun.
Besides, the starched quality of the acting seems to be what director George Lucas required from his cast. And it's certainly not enough to spoil anything.
"Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace" is rated PG for some violent clashes, gunplay (or blasterplay) and a lengthy light saber duel, as well as a pair of mildly vulgar flatulence and excretion gags.