Tuesday, May 18, 1999 | 1:47 a.m.
Synopsis: "A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away ... ." So the story begins.The first chapter of the "Star Wars" saga follows a hopeful 9-year-old named Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd) who is destined to become Darth Vader. During his journey, however, he is met by a wise Jedi Master, Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson), and his apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor), in the midst of a galaxy in turmoil.
Dave: Where does one begin when describing the most anticipated film in history? On some levels, disappointments seem inevitable, with the marketing juggernaut behind "Episode I" that exploded three weeks ago in toy stores everywhere. Not to mention during the last three months alone, when characters from the film were being introduced on magazine and book covers found at every newsstand and bookstore.
My suggestion for those who have any intention of witnessing this grand spectacle on the big screen is that you take every ounce of energy you possess and forget all the hype surrounding George Lucas' gem, and watch "Episode I" as it is meant to be: the beginning of an incredible saga.
Jeff: Don't buy the hype. I was 11 when "Star Wars" came out, and I spent most of the summer of 1977 seeing the film more than 100 times -- honest. I was hoping to recapture that feeling I had as a boy way back when, a feeling of total awe and amazement to a world of Wookies, Tie-Fighters and Jedi Knights. I went with an open mind -- a new film for a new generation -- but I was disappointed. Most of the film I didn't like. I'm going to treat "The Phantom Menace" as a cadaver. Join me as I perform an autopsy on the film and, together we can hopefully find the reasons why "Episode I" was D.O.A.
Dave: Congratulations, Mr. Lucas. It's a $120 million baby boy! Cigars all around. While Jeff grimly pronounces the time of death, we should celebrate the birth of a new generation.
The film opens with its patented scroll describing a blockade by the Trade Federation toward the peaceful planet of Naboo, which may destroy the Galactic Republic. A philosophical Qui-Gon Jinn (Neeson) and a studious Obi-Wan Kenobi (McGregor, a great fit in the role that belonged to Sir Alec Guinness in the original "Star Wars" trilogy) are the two Jedi Knights sent to negotiate a settlement. But then they learn about the plot to capture the courageous Naboo Queen Amidala (confidently portrayed by Natalie Portman) and force her to sign a treaty which gives her blessings toward the Federation's violent actions.
Immediately, the audience is treated to lightsaber action as both Jedis knock off battle 'droids as if they were taking batting practice. Using their Jedi weapons with dexterous skill, and applying the Force to their advantage, they are unstoppable, showcasing the very essence of a Jedi.
Jeff: The first fault of the film is Lucas' inability to convey a story. The first film ("Star Wars") is a classic story of a farm boy who must seek out his destiny and save the universe from the evil empire. It's Joseph Campbell's "Power of the Myth" at work. "Star Wars," plain and simple, is good against evil. "Episode I" isn't so clear-cut and is a dull, wordy political drama which, at times, seems to parallel a mundane plot line created for "Babylon 5." Lucas has forgotten what made the first film work -- fun and imagination.
I take great offensive to Lucas re-using classic lines from the "Star Wars" trilogy in the new film, such as "I have a bad feeling about this" and "How rude." It was if Lucas was saying to original fans, "Remember that? Here it is again." Lucas even kept to the same final third act for "Episode I." He stages a space attack on the Control Ship (the new Death Star) and a ground attack at the same time. The battle on the ground is between a race called the Gungan, comprised of nothing more than computer-generated Ewoks. Their foes are pathetic and ineffective battle 'droids (you might just as well have put laser blasters in the hands of mannequins). Many scenes seem to last less than a minute, and the screen wipes away so fast to the next scene, it's hard to keep up. What just happnend?
Dave: Jeff, I can't help but think you are contradicting yourself. First you fault Lucas for not following the basic story line that catapulted "Star Wars" to the cultural phenomenon that it became. Then you criticize the film's battle scenes as if they were blatantly ripping off the trilogy, bastardizing the blueprints that worked so successfully in the series. Remember, this is a chance to see how it all began.
We learn the origin of young Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd, best known from "Jingle All the Way") before he walks on the dark side of the Force, when Qui-Gon discovers him on the desert planet of Tatooine. He senses that Anakin is the chosen one who will bring balance to the Force, and presents him before the Jedi Council, where he requests to train him as a Jedi Knight. Meanwhile, a friendship is formed between Anakin and Queen Amidala which will set the table for what Lucas has promised: for "Episode II" to be more romantic, and "III" to be the dramatic demise of the Republic. There are exceptions to every rule, and "Star Wars" fits that bill. While everyone will bash it for reasons it does not deserve, one must trust Lucas and the vision of his landmark saga.
Jeff: I did trust him. But first and foremost, Dave, Jar Jar Binks is the most annoying computerized character. A little of him goes a long way, and most of the time I couldn't understand a word he said. He's there just for the little kids to appreciate. There are so many characters -- computer generated and human -- that Lucas never gives them time to develop. Introduce them and move on. McGregor is promising as Obi-Wan Kenobi, but is left on the sidelines. Portman delivers the most bland, monotone dialogue. Some queen! Ray Park, as Darth Maul, has only about eight minutes of screen time, and you never get to know him well enough to boo and hiss at him in the final lightsaber duel. This film had no villain. What a waste. The best job is done by Lloyd as Anakin. It should've been told from Anakin's perspective and not from Qui-Gon Jinn's.
The only memorable characters that stood out with some personality were a cosmic junk dealer, Watto, and Sebubla, a cheating podrace driver. Speaking of the podrace, that was the highlight of "Phantom Menace." In fact, the sequences on Tatooine were the best parts of the film.
Dave: Once again I have to ask: What movie did you see, Jeff? Much to my surprise, the computer-generated characters and effects were not as much of a distraction as I thought they would be. Plus, the cameos by a younger Yoda (voiced by none other than Frank Oz), the most popular Hutt in the universe, Jabba, and a modest C3PO, whose bare essentials are exposed, will no doubt delight fans.
The visual and sound wizardry by Lucas' Industrial Light & Magic are more than customary -- they are more than one can take in during a single viewing. In addition, the action is incredibly choreographed and incorporates martial arts and terrific stunt play by its Jedi stars, including the red-and-black-faced baddie Darth Maul.
The final fight sequence consists of a three way battle with Maul and his double-edged lightsaber pitted against Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, as they intensely duel each other to a deadly end. With this film, accompanied by a mystical soundtrack by original composer John Williams, and filled with intricate set and art designs, Lucas may have set new standards for science fiction, a genre he single-handedly redefined with imagination and technical contributions.
Jeff: My final thoughts are that Lucas used too much technology. We are all too familiar with films like "Jurassic Park," "Titanic" and others that proved anything is possible in the movies -- if you use a computer. Lucas used too many special effects shots and, no matter how cool they are, they were unable to save the film. It was overkill. The story is what counts. I think he worked better under a tight budget, which forced his creativity.
I missed all of the alien monsters in the old style movie makeup. I will hold dear the first three films (OK, the first two, at least) and I hope this film can inspire a new generation. I, for one, was not inspired. I will see the movie a few more times. Maybe I missed something, but I don't think so. Let's hope Lucas, as he's done in the past, will turn over the writing and directing of the next two "Star Wars films to someone else." This film is geared toward 6-year-olds and it shows. It just proves that you can't go home again.
Dave: Jeff, drop the cynicism act already and enjoy the movie. There may be several plot lines being conveyed at once, possibly muddling the fantasy aspect a bit, which the 22-year-old original wouldn't be accused of. But for one to argue that the film is confusing is admitting that you were not paying attention. To say that kids will be bored is selling them short. It is the simplest of stories of good versus evil, and constructed for what I hope will be an even richer saga that will make "Star Wars" a one-of-a-kind cinematic achievement. I'll see you in line!
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