Tonight... In Toronto, Dallas, Boston, Los Angeles and New York (that I know of so far) we have geeks and members of the press seeing that... Which we have been waiting an entire generation to hear about. Since the dawn of your film memory you've wanted to see this movie. Have your hopes been ill placed? Or.... Has the $400 dollars you've spent in the last 48 hours been the best $400 you've ever spent? Well, here in does not lie the answers. These are merely the feelings of THESE fans. These people. Ready? Set? Here we go...
These will be NON-SPOILER Reviews. If I have Spoiler Reviews, I'll post them on a different page. The newest reviews will be posted at the top of the screen....
Here's Sam I Am's look at the film...
Dearest Harry,
100% SPOILER FREE!!
After years and years of fevered anticipation, I had the honor of being one of the first audiences in the world to see "The Phantom Menace"!!
The movie was all that I expected, but not what I hoped for.
Everything technical was astounding: the sets, costumes, music, sound design-it all immersed you in the world of Star Wars. Many of the digital characters worked well, particularly Watto and Sebulba. The lightsaber duels with Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, and Darth Maul were fantastic. And the podracing scene was a true highlight: the kind of hair-raising action sequences that only Lucas and Co. can do.
The performances, by and large, were excellent too. Liam Neeson was regal. Ewan McGregor was the perfect young Obi-Wan. Natalie Portman had more than enough Leia-ness; I was impressed how she pulled off the role of Queen. Darth Maul was a seriously enigmatic crowd-pleaser. He is definitely the Boba Fett of Episode 1.
My one gripe about the movie was that it seemed overly kid-friendly. There was a very ROTJ-vibe about this film, which I guess is okay, but not the movie I personally wanted to see. Most of Jar Jar's scenes made me cringe (he is all the Ewoks rolled into one!). And I was somewhat disappointed that the interpersonal conflicts between the characters were not fully developed. I anticipate that young Jake Lloyd may bear the brunt of criticism for this movie, though I think my issues with the character of Anakin had less to do with Mr. Lloyd's performance, and more with how it was written.
Supposedly, this trilogy gets darker and richer in Episodes 2 & 3, in which case this film may seem better in retrospect. My suggestion to George for the next two episodes: channel the ghost of Leigh Brackett, and call in Lawrence Kasden for some screenplay advice.
--Sam.
From long time AICN spy, Booster Gold comes this review that includes only 'slight' spoilers...
Straight from the exhibitor screening at the Mann National in Westwood, here are my thoughts...
TPM is not as good a film as NEW HOPE, EMPIRE, or JEDI. Let's get that straight.
It's not a bad film, it's not a disaster, and it won't be a flop, but it also has no chance of overtaking Titanic's ticket sales or critical adulation. That much is certain, since I think many adults will be turned-off by the very young-themed story and events.
This will probably go down as the greatest movie every 10-year-old on Earth has ever seen, but will only marginally please SW diehards. It will win no new converts over the age of 13.
The plot caroms from the incredibly simple (Qui-Gonn's need to save Anikin from slavery and bring him to Coruscant to become a Jedi) to the complex (the political wrangling in the Senate brought on by the Trade Federation sanctions). Overall, as an adult, I was hungry for more Jedi pathos and political intrigue, but alas the story of the boy must also be told.
The FX: when they're good, they're the best you'll ever see. When they're not good, they are really not good. Jar Jar Binks and the Gungan race (filling the Ewok slot here as the simple society forced to confront evil technology) are rarely as believable on screen as Lucas no doubt intended. The use of CGI to create these creatures totally in the computer might have been worthwhile if they had some physical or dramatic action that would have been impossible with humans in costume...but that is not so. They could very easily (and more believably) been extras in latex. As far as Jar Jar himself is concerned...well, a little Jar Jar goes a long way. In TPM, we get a lot of Jar Jar. Easily 5 times the screen time as Darth Maul, surprisingly.
Among the human actors, the big surprise is...Jake Lloyd ain't so bad. He's given corny dialogue, sure, but he delivers it with gee-whiz aplomb that is welcome. The weak link, surprisingly, is Natalie Portman. She's as flat as a pancake in almost every scene she's in.
There is an immense amount of screen time spent watching wacky CGI aliens doing Tex Avery physical comedy, and I felt the crowd I was with shifting in their seats. It remains to be seen if SW fans will respond more positively to these passages on the 19th.
The Namoudians (aliens that control the Trade Federation and are the pawns of the vile Darth Sidious) are largely uninteresting to look at and don't do much to thrust the plot. When watching them, I was reminded of how, in the classic trilogy, most of the major speaking roles (and most of the plot thrust) was in the hands of human actors. Here, Lucas uses aliens in a variety of large and supposedly pivotal roles, and it has the odd effect of distancing the audience from the drama. It's just hard to take some things seriously when paragraphs of dialogue are delivered by whimsical, cartoonish characters (many of whom, especially Boss Nass and Jar Jar, are given alien "voices" that are mostly unintelligible).
On the human drama side, let's face it- except for some high points in EMPIRE, high drama is not was SW is all about. Still, when watching Anakin's farewell to Shmi, I couldn't help but think that I should be sad. Maybe I should be shedding a tear(?). I suspect Spielberg would have pulled that tear from my eye quite easily. Lucas, as it happens, does not.
The finale of the movie, based on the tri-level editing of JEDI, is not as effective for a variety of reasons.
1) We have the duel between Qui, Ben and Maul: it is cool, and god damn Ewan is FAST with that saber, but Maul is so under-developed a character that it is hard to root against him. Alas, we do not have three films invested in Luke's mission to protect his goodness and save his father's soul. The duel here plays somewhat obligatory, as if a SW movie cannot end without a duel of some kind.
2) The battle in space: in JEDI, we had a clearly-defined objective in the destruction of the second Death Star, and also clearly defined obstacles blocking our heroes from accomplishing their mission. The sequence was a ticking clock of suspense and thrills. Here, the space battle begins, a few things happen, a few things blow up, and then it ends.
3) The battle between the Gungans and the Battle Droids on Naboo: Battle Droids rock visually, Gungans run around yelping like Roger Rabbit. Nuff said.
All in all, as I said at the top, a terrific movie for young people. Jar Jar is there for the 6-year-olds, Anakin is there for the 10-year-olds, Amidala is there for the girls. The action in the movie is overstated in the use of dialogue, as each event is discussed immediately afterwards by the characters as if trying to make sure that kids in the audience understand what they just saw.
On the plus side (and there are more plusses here than in a barrel full of other summer movies): R2-D2's introduction ROCKS! C-3PO ROCKS! Ben Kenobi ROCKS! And we are definitely left at the end of the movie HUNGRY for the tragic events we KNOW must come next.
For 10 and under kids: A+
For 10 and over SW fans: B
For 10 and over non-SW fans: D
I am Booster Gold.
Here's what Patrick in NY had to say....
I promise I will not provide any spoilers.) I just saw the NY screening of TPM and let me say that it is superb as a story and as a film. Though, you have to pretend that you didn't grow up on the old trilogy and haven't read every new magazine on TPM, because what mortal can meet the expectations set up in your mind for this. Unlike the crowd of cell phone toting, industry people who were there for the screening in Times Square and who are now putting their negative/mixed reviews online, I ticket scalped my way into the showing. (I was in the right place at the right time.) Though, not a fanatic nerd, I follow SW very closely. I loved it and can't stop thinking about the TPM. It opens a big can of worms! TPM story is very complex, though it has a simple plot structure. This movie can fool you the first time around, if you don't pay close attention to dialogue and events. It looks like a simplier film than it really is to the untrained eye. This film is opening up story arches left and right, defining the Jedi/Sith myth, foreshadowing prophecies, showing us worlds in the SW galaxies, showing us how the SW universe operates, teaching us SW logic. Evil is present. There are a couple of points when I could feel the pure evil that "The Phantom Menace" wanted me to feel. This movie will make you understand where Darth Vader was coming from. Some of the other reviewers commented about the Dark Lords of Stith not being well developed, but aren't they are supposed to be mysterious. The lightsabers really, really make the movie-wait til you see them use 'em. Jake Loyd is excellent-I really loved the way he portrayed Anakin. I got a really warm feeling from his character. It wasn't over done. Take my word for it, this is a well done movie. TPM is generally an upbeat movie with the same feel as New Hope, but you get the feeling in the back of your mind that in the next one shit is going hit the fan. As a side note, your next SW movie is just a couple weeks away, but mine is 2 years. -Patrick NY, NY
Here's a look from the DARKMAN...
Getting a ticket for tonight's exhibitor screening was like a cinematic dream come true. As a child of the early `80s, preparing to see"Return of the Jedi" was pure adrenaline. And, though "Jedi" doesn't hold up as well as the other two, I loved seeing that movie as a kid in 1983.
Now, here I am 16 years on, and in the enviable position of seeing a movie that far more hardcore fans than I have been lining up for over a month to see. So, naturally, I felt guilty sitting in the cinema waiting for the film to begin. The Fox rep didn't tell not to record the film (that would be patronizing), but to warn the ushers IF the person beside us was taping it. There was laughter after that remark, the most I would hear for the rest of the evening.
Exhibitors are somewhat mad at Lucas for the raw deal they feel they are getting from Fox, but I don't think that's why their response was so lukewarm. They applauded exactly twice: when the lights dimmed and when the end credits rolled.
As for the movie itself? It was good. As a science fiction film it was excellent. But as a "Star Wars" film? No.
The special effects were great, of course. The CGI effects were wonderful, but part of the magic of the first trilogy was the inventive use of models and camera tricks. I'm sure that the making of "Menace" was difficult, but there was a certain art involved in the making of the others that is lost in this one. The problem is, the film is mostly really cool computer effects, and it never lets you forget that.
That's because the story is so weak. It relies on the audience's expectation of two more prequels, but that is a cop-out. The movie should work on its own terms, but this story is too convoluted for that. The brilliance of the first trilogy was its simplicity. And settling a trade dispute `ain't exactly the same as destroying the Death Star.
Some beefs:
The lack of singular bad guy a la Darth Vader (yes, I know) didn't really give us anybody to root against. Darth Maul is about as developed a character as Boba Fett, but speaks less. I think the audience's reluctance to cheer indicates this lack of a strong antagonist. Yoda and Samuel L. Jackson are underused (but I suspect they'll be back), Jar Jar Binks is more annoying than funny. He sounds like an unitelligable cross between Sebastian the crab and Roger Rabbit. And the absence of a Han Solo-type character the audience can identify with is unfortunate.
On the other hand, John Williams's score is top rate, I haven't heard a movie that sounded that good in years. As well, Ewen McGregor does a great Alec Guinness impression. And the pod race, excerpted on "60 Minutes" is exciting, but the fast-paced finale left me cold. Still, it's a lot of fun. Not worth waiting in line for a longer than three hours for, but worth seeing.
The movie itself: Good, but not great. In other words, a disappointment.
Nonetheless, I can't wait to see it again. I mean, it's "Star Wars"!
Here's a word from the SithMeister....
The SithMeister Reporting...
I, too, was fortunate enough to attend one of the Exhibitor Screenings of "TPM" tonight and was all ready to give you and your loyal readers my spoiler-free comments! Then I read The Juice's comments and, well....the guy read my mind! Just about *every* one of his comments echoed mine! The first thing I said to my friends after seeing this movie was, "I'm not seven years old anymore." This indeed is a "family movie." A lot of it is tailored to the kids (but then again, where would merchandising be today without the influence of the "Star Wars" saga?). Unlike Juice, though, I felt Jar Jar was quite annoying. I still can't figure out what the character is supposed to emulate. Some kind of bad rapper dude with a dash of Roger Rabbit?
Indeed, this film is on par with "Jedi," only better because the visuals were easily more impressive. Although I must admit some of the matte paintings still look like matte paintings. I was hoping that *all* of the effects would be perfect, but never-the-less, we aren't completely "there" yet folks.
John Williams score went well with the film, but at this point there still seems to be a lack of new "themes" that one can whistle, hum in the shower, etc. Only "Duel of the Fates" stands out in my mind. But that could be just because it's all new now. New characters, new themes. Makes sense.
But most importantly, Darth Maul! MORE MORE MORE!!! Is this like Judi Dench's last screen role? He's one bad ass MF, and he would have been my favourite character in the film if we had seen and heard more from him! I'd like to say more here, but spoiler-free reviewers unite!
Anyway, overall I am pleased with the film, but I was really hoping to like it more. But damn, this film has SUCH high expectations to live up to....could Mr. Lucas *really* have lived up to what people are expecting??? I'd like to tell those who have been waiting in line outside movie theatres for so long to have a good time, enjoy the hype, but don't get *too* excited.
But of course, this is all just my humble opinion.
The SithMeister
P.S. How did Leonard Maltin get in to this?!?!?!? Did he get a job on the side with General Cinema or somethin'?
Here's a review from Alfred E Newman:
I have never been one to stand in long lines for movies, I'm more prone to wait a few days/weeks for the lines to die down and get in to an odd time showing. I've certainly never been to an advanced screening, so it was quite a stroke of luck when my friend invited me down to New York for an advance screening of Star Wars.
This was a screening for industry people, distributors, etc. I'm lucky enough to be a friend of an industry person who had more than one ticket (how many I won't say). No rowdy lines. Most of the movie goers were in suits and filtered in over the nearly two hours between the doors opening and the film starting.
This was a huge theater, at least I thought so. I'm told it sat 1400 and a full sized screen. Security was tight, and everyone was asked to not record anything and to turn in any wouldbe pirates, but no mention was made to not talk about the film.
A Fox rep introduced the film, telling us it was an incomplete print. It still needed to be color adjusted and the sound wasn't done. It was noticable in a few places as blurry or the CGI sticking out from the background, but otherwise I thought it was ready, but hey, I liked Godzilla so who am I to judge.
I won't go into the plot at all, the book is out for those who HAVE to know.
It was GREAT and well worth the two and a half hour train ride. Was it perfect, well no. In some places the film slowed down to a crawl, but this was important exposition. Without it, we'd be wondering what was going on. In some places, I felt that the dialog and voices were mismatched with the characters, especially the aliens. But where the film was moving, it rocked!!
I don't have much to say about the soundtrack. It was unobtrusinve. I didn't notice it, so I think that's good. I wasn't overbaring the rest of the film. The only place I really caught it was when the piece from the video came up, and that's mostly because I'd heard it before.
For the uninitiated who haven't been following every snippet of news, the film will be full of surprises. Even for those who have kept close tabs, it take several unexpected twists.
I eagerly await the official release. I expect to see this film two or three more times, and I rarely see a film more than once in the theater. My friend who provided the tickets is already trying to find a way into a showing for Wednesday.
Without trailers, the film ran just over two hours. It started a little late, 7:10 maybe, and the credits rolled at about 9:20.
Here's a review from Richard Epstein Click here to read it!. This review is basically saying that the movie is good, Kids will love it, Critics will love it, but fans may (and will) be disappointed. He feels it is on par with Jedi, though a bit better. Interesting non-spoiler review...
Here's a review that was posted in TALKBACK below.... By Juan99
A fair review, but what was not said is that the VISUALS ARE 10 TIMES BETTER THAN ANY THAT HAVE BEEN DONE BEFORE. That's right, nothing comes close to the way this movie looks. Every shot is filled with so much activity that it would take several viewings to really appreciate the picture. Sure, some parts are tailored to kids' tastes -- its a family movie. Many of us were kids when we saw the first three. The whole franchise is about good defeating evil. A phenomenal if simple message. Overall, the movie was FANTASTIC.
If you go HERE you'll find a mostly spoiler free (though not completely review) that's major complaint is that the film isn't LONGER. He wanted MORE... And he'll get it in Episodes 2 & 3.
This one comes from Mr Coathanger...
I saw the first screening of The PhantoM Menace tonight in Toronto. The effects and sound effects were absolutely breathtaking.
Mr Coathanger
This is the first review that I was sent. Congrats to The Juice! Here's what the JUICE thought....
I arrive in the theater 30 minutes early...get a great seat...admire the awesome looking screening ticket that will most likely become a collectable...listen to the fox representative say some stuff about not filming the movie and posting it on the internet...cry tears of joy when rebel fanfare blares around me....
Well my wait is over, yup. Seems like its been a whole lifetime, and yes i did enjoy it. Everyone will enjoy it, it is a very good movie. All of you will go see it, and it will break records (well maybe not The record). But its not a perfect movie. Not the best in the trilogy (tied for third with Jedi on my list). I wont give you any spoilers for the film, although many of you reading have already read the script and if you have you already know this is not a traditional Star Wars movie. This is something different, and you really cant compare it to any of the others. This movie is more like Land Wars than Star Wars. Most action takes place on planets underwater, on the ground stuff like that. There are a few things that were very disapointing, For example I think Darth Maul maybe said three lines in the entire movie (suprised me for such a popular character), this bothered me because i believed Maul could have taken over the role of ultimate villain (from Vader) if he was given the right dialogue.
Now Im about to make an honest statement, and some of you wont like it. Star Wars is for the kids, and this movie shows it more than ever. Now i know all of us saw the originals as kids and it has stuck with us but havent you wondered how a new age of adventures made for the young kids now adays will gel with us? TPM has some outlandishly kiddy stuff in it, for example there is a two-headed CGI anouncer during the Pod-Races who is incredibly goofy/ridiculous and flat out dumb (sorry for being harsh but he just doesnt seem to fit in). And im not just talking about Jar Jar, I love saying this to all you nay sayers JAR JAR IS NOT THAT BAD! Ha ha in your face get over it. He has several well crafted scenes, hes not as annoying as everyone has made him out to be, and he even caused me to laugh out loud several scenes. Watto is well crafted as well.
Performances, Ewan Mcgregor's performance was excellent, he is perfect for the role, the voice the look the actions i loved him, but this is not Ewan's movie, this is Liam's. Qui-Gonn Jinn is without a doubt the main character and Neeson is very assuring as a Jedi Master, I bought in to him very well and i liked both Jedi Characters. Maybe it was just me but i didnt think all of the characters were well developed, it was almost like we are already supposed to know. Oh yes we now come to the droids, R2D2 and C3P0, they seemed very forced into the script and almost out of place like a few other characters that i wont spoil for you, they were no doubt put there to give us older star wars fans something to relate too. I loved Natalie Portman, her voice was not at all a distraction, and she is also a very cute and enjoyable actress. Jake Lloyd was questionable at times, he put in a couple of good scenes but sometimes he was monotone.
The first time in the movie i finally got the feeling that this was the old Star Wars i know in love was probably in the last half hour. You will see what im talking about, it brings us back to the swashbuckling fun and excitement were used to. But up until that point something just feels awkward, that may have been jitters though, who knows....
In all fairness I will have to see the film again to review it better i was in some shock and my EXPECTATIONS WERE HUGE, much like all of yours are now. I ask you to lower your expectations just a tad, this is a very good movie but it is not the greatest movie of all time like i and you are expecting. I came out feeling a bit dissapointed but now that i think about it was really a good movie and it deserves a second viewing...then most likely a third...hey why not a forth......This is an awesome movie believe me, you just cant go in expecting the greatest story ever told, cause its not...
Later all, may the force be with you...
THEJuice
