I remember when it was announced that George Lucas was producing three new Star Wars films. The excitement level was high as was the expectations. Over the release dates the hopes and expectations were consistently lowered as we all saw the story taking second place to the ability to create the CGI special effects, for me I had not seen Episode II and III due to the reports of this, that was until the past 2 to 3 weeks.
Star Wars: Episode I - Phantom Menace
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
I distinctly remember going to watch The Matrix after a 24 hour stint on a uni project, needless to say I was tired but thought I would hang out for the movie. I managed to watch the Episode I trailer through and was really looking forward the movies release, then promptly snored through the Matrix before the opening credits finished!
My expectations were high with the cast including Liam Neeson, Ewan MacGregor and the delightful Natalie Portman. The story has a good basis and there is a great story trying to escape the confines, however the use of CGI seemed to be the main goal of the production. The live action sequences free of CGI were enthralling and the acting is not bad.
I guess the embodiment of the CGI overuse is Jar Jar Binks. A case could be made that Jar Jar is the singularly most annoying character in the history of science fiction. It is not that Jar Jar is a CGI character, it is that his just an insane character in this movie. Thankfully the over the top characteristics are scaled back in the latter movies.
I like the fact that Darth Maul is used sparingly and even more pleased that they were brave enough to kill Qui Gon Jin off. Without that move the remainder of the story would not develop appropriately.
Overall I think this movie is reasonable, but by no means a masterpiece and well worth watching. I rate it a 7 out of 10.
Star Wars: Episode II - Attack Of The Clones
Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones
Again there is a story trying to get out here. The use of CGI though is still a bit over relied upon. The action sequences are fine, however the overwhelming failing of this and the subsequent film are a casting decision!
This movie brings with it Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker. I find Haydens’ acting akin to watching a Gumby claymation production. There is just a disconnect between actions and words, and I find this off putting and not convincing.
This movie is not as good as the previous and Christensen detracts from the story further. Another actor could have done a better job in my opinion. 6.5 / 10 for mine.
Star Wars: Episode III - Reveng Of The Sith
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
This movie suffers from the fact that we all know what was going happen due to seeing Episode IV well before Episode I was created. This limits the story and the experience overall, I wonder how it would be for the new generation who don’t have that baggage. I must say though that the way the limited story is delivered is very well done. The use of CGI is extensive, however the kid in a chocolate shop excitement over the technology has been superceded with lets use CGI to coplement a story, not replace it!
Again Christensens acting detracts from the experience. A solid effort though, 6.5/10 for me.
