I have been a Star Wars fan for nearly my whole life - I more or less grew up on watching New Hope, Empire and Return of the Jedi over and over again, these films are burned into my subconcious - I would go so far as to say they have had a hand in shaping who I am today.
When the films were announced I waited with baited anticipation with what George Lucas would come up with now having next to unlimited resources and technology at his disposal.
The Phantom Menace was a disappointment to say the least, the plot didn’t seem to have any meaning, but I let it pass - after all George had to set the scene, introduce the players and slowly build up to the final battle between Obi Wan and Anakin in 3. George hadn’t put much in for the fans, no multi-layered plot lines or deep symbolism you see in films like the Matrix or any twists - after all everyone knows whats going to happen in the end already!!
We got tickets for the fans premiere at the Odeon in Leicester Square starting at midnight, Anthony Daniels (C3PO) appeared on stage to set the scene as did Rick McCallum the producer.
I tried to like it, I really did, I really wanted to like it but even after watching it a 3rd time I had to conclude that it was crap. it had some good ideas and the special effects are awesome no doubt about it, but the acting is cardboard - Anakin is not convincing and McGregor is miscast as Obi Wan; did you ever notice Amidala falling in love with Anakin? NO! She just goes along with it!
On top of that the version in the UK is CUT - can you believe that? (watch carefully the fight between Obi Wan and Jango Fett - they start fighting and suddenly seem much more battered than 2 punches warrant)
When a guy like George Lucas holds in his palm the dreams of a generation that grew up on his first saga, has unlimited financial resources (I mean who wouldn’t back this project - it is a licence to print money) and the best special effects studios on the planet - and 20 years to think about it - how did he make such a god damned hash of it?
The film didn’t come from his heart it felt like it came from his bank manager - create as many tie-ins for games and merchandise as possible to and screw what the fans think.