The Phantom Menace review
Feb. 12th, 2012 02:44 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ladyofleithianJust got back from seeing The Phantom Menace in 3D. *Sighs in relief* Now, I know I'm going to get some disagreement here, but I actually liked the movie. In fact, it's better than I remember it. I already covered it pretty extensively (or sort of extensively) back when I was a fledgling LJ-er (feel free to take a look if you want to see how I've...evolved. Or de-volved -- if that's a word -- depending on your point of view), but let's say that seeing it in 3D...*sighs* It was awesome. :)
Bit of a warning for fangirling/unpopular opinions below, post-ROTJ EU venting (sort of), a bit of Obi-Wan frustration, A/P fangirling, Jedi Council bashing (sort of), a bit of arguable film/trailer snobbery in the beginning, and things that will have you never take me seriously again. XD
Trailers We Got:
-The Hunger Games: I sadly haven't read the books, but the trailer looks awesome. Although I have a feeling I'm going to have nightmares after seeing that trailer. (Don't laugh. XD)
-The Lorax: Eh, not too bad this time around (it was a bit of a different trailer, with a few more they're-actually-trying moments), but still...I don't think I'm seeing it any time soon. Guess it could be worse (and at least it has the guys behind Despicable Me behind it, so there may be hope?), I suppose, *cough* The Smurfs *cough* *cough* every goddamn Alvin and the Chipmunks movie out there *cough* *cough* Horton Hears A Who *cough*. Not sure if I'm going to go see it, though.
-The Three Stooges: Boy was that a doozy. 0.0. I guess to be fair, it has...a bit of the original flavor of the original show (then again, I'm not a Three Stooges fan, sadly enough, so feel free to correct me), and it had a few funny moments, but even so, it just looks bad. The fact that one of the cast members of Jersey Shore is in it...probably doesn't help its case. (Or maybe I'm just biased?)
-Lockout: Definitely looks good, although I will admit from the trailer, it looks more like it could work as the pilot for a TV show, not a movie. Also, I think the prisoners are going to give me nightmares.
-Madagascar 3: Still not going to be seeing it during the summer. The Madagascar movies simply aren't my cup of tea, and while there were a few funny moments...still not going to see it. Sorry.
The Overall Experience:
-Let's say it wasn't what you call very packed; we went to the 10:30 showing of the movie. Generally had a good time, especially riffing a bit on the movie, because while the movie was awesome, I definitely found a lot of places where it was very...well, riffable. :) I know my mom, when she went to see it with me, was almost tempted to riff it too -- and she's not a fan of talking during movies. I'm usually not either, but still... --
One moment I particularly remember is joking about Boss Nass hating the Naboo after they beat him at Guitar Hero. Weird, I know, but I couldn't help it. XD
Things I Loved:
-The space battles. Seriously, the battle over Naboo is absolutely *spectacular* in 3D.
-While we're on the subject of the 3D, I must say Lucas took a pretty interesting approach to the 3D conversion. Instead of going for the ordinary "shit tries to leap out of the screen at you" route, the 3D was mostly there to add depth, and I think in that aspect, it succeeded. I know I actually ducked when the balls were flying at the Gungans, because it really felt like they were flying out at the screen. (It's a miracle nobody stared at me funny, I say. XD)
-Getting to see my favorite characters again. Because honestly, after the doom and gloom of the Star Wars EU, I think I needed this. In fact, I think that's what the post-ROTJ EU writers (and even some of the pre-TPM writers. *Cough* Karpyshyn *Cough*) didn't get -- Star Wars, ultimately, is escapism. We don't need it to be "dark" and "edgy" -- we don't need characters as unappealing as a Rob Liefield protagonist, we don't need more galactic angst and turmoil, we don't need unnecessarily dark endings -- if anything, we just need a good story. It doesn't necessarily have to be good triumphing over evil (I mean, FFS, in Revenge of the Sith, the bad guy wins!), it doesn't have to be a nice and tidy happily-ever-after, but there has to be some degree of hope. And I think TPM definitely delivered in that department. It's not perfect; it does have its pacing issues at times, but I think on the whole, it was entertaining. Just like Star Wars movies are meant to be.
-Back on the subject of the fight scenes: the fight between Maul, Qui-Gon, and Obi-Wan was absolutely breathtaking. I think it's the music that really makes the scene. That and Maul's dread -- some have complained about Obi-Wan killing him too quickly, but me? I think he definitely put up a good fight, for what it's worth.
-I liked the relationship between Anakin and Padme in this movie. Some have called it "creepy", considering that she's technically five years older than him, but me? I found it quite sweet. I loved Anakin's rather school boy-ish crush on Padme, I loved the scene where she consoles him after he has to leave Tatooine and thus leave his mother behind (after he consoles her, in a way, by giving her the japor snippet). I just love the bond between them -- in fact, I think that's why I ship Anakin and Padme so much: I like the idea of their friendship turning into love. I adore their banter (although YMMV greatly on that), and while some may disagree, I think Jake Lloyd (and later Hayden Christensen) and Natalie Portman did a good job at making you care about these characters. I think my other favorite scenes between them include the end, where they exchange smiles (I have to agree with Spoony here that when Natalie Portman smiles, it's positively magical), Anakin going to say farewell to Padme before he heads off to the Temple to begin his training (granted, he doesn't begin it immediately, but I think it's very sweet of him), the small moment before the podrace when they're riding the eopie (if only because of these absolutely Adorkable smiles from the both of them), the hug after the podrace, and, of course, the "Are you an angel" scene. I know some people may not necessarily agree with me, but me, personally? I found it very cute. :)
-Obi-Wan's definitely grown on me as well. I will admit, there were still times in the film where I wanted to reach out and slap him (mostly for going along with the Council calling Anakin "dangerous" for...well, honestly, no goddamn reason), but he's still quite a likeable character. I like his snark, I like his friendliness, I like how he's trying so damn hard to do the right thing (although, honestly, Obi-Wan, just be a good person. I don't think you need all those rules and regulations telling you what to do and what to feel -- but then again, that's mostly my issues with the Code in general showing. I guess that's one reason I can identify with Anakin -- I don't really like rules that much. And I don't like being told how to think and feel either), I loved the scene where he consoles Anakin after Qui-Gon's death and promises to train him (especially considering that he was one of the many Jedi who didn't believe in Anakin. It kind of says something about his personal growth), and I think Ewan McGregor was cast perfectly as Obi-Wan. (In fact, between this and Moulin Rouge -- don't shoot me. XD -- I think Ewan's rapidly becoming one of my favorite actors)
-I think I'm starting to love Padme all over again. Some may not agree, but I like the girl. She's brave, honest, determined, principled, clever, kind, and just all around likeable. Natalie Portman's a wonderful actress. :) That, and I loved her scenes with Anakin, as I said before -- I just love the bond they share. And on the subject of Padme herself, her part in the Battle of Naboo was definitely one of my favorites, if only because she was just so...kickass, there. :3
-Qui-Gon's definitely one of my favorites as well. I just love his kindness to both Anakin and Shmi, especially Anakin, when no one else on the Council believed in him. I liked him talking with Shmi, reprimanding Jar-Jar for trying to steal the plums, reconciling with Obi-Wan, the duel with Maul, standing up to the Council on Anakin's behalf, and, I'm not going to lie, his death definitely got me close to crying in the theater. *Is a dork. XD*
-I still don't like Mace and Yoda's treatment of Anakin, but they're still some of my favorite characters nonetheless. It helps that Samuel L. Jackson is made of win.
+ Ki-Adi-Mundi, on the other hand...*sighs and facepalms* Call me nuts, but for some reason, his "Your thoughts dwell on your mother" bit got on my nerves. (And props to you for being able to keep your composure like that, Anakin. I probably would have told the Council to go fuck itself. XD)
-Speaking of Anakin, I think I've grown to love Anakin all over again. I think my favorite scenes with him are the "Are you an angel" scene (of course. :3), rescuing Jar-Jar from Sebulba, meeting with Jira, showing Padme Threepio, the podrace, leaving home (even though it really sucked that he had to leave his mother behind. *Hugs them both*), talking with Padme en route to Coruscant, arriving on Coruscant (I especially like Padme trying to reassure and guide him up until y'know...meeting with Palpatine and later going to the Senate), meeting with the Council, the Battle of Naboo, Qui-Gon's funeral (*sniffles*), and the ending. I also loved the side characters he came into contact with, such as Jira, Kitster, etc; I think the only problem was by the end of it, I almost didn't want to leave Tatooine. Call me crazy. XD
-Ian McDiarmid still owns as Palpatine, and Ray Park still owns as Darth Maul. 'Nuff said. :)
-And finally, Shmi. Seriously, I can't name just one scene; pretty much every scene Shmi is in in TPM is a Crowning Moment of Heartwarming. (Which only makes what happens to her in AOTC all the more heartbreaking. :( )
-Hell, the entire film was awesome from beginning to end; I was almost sad when it ended. XD
Things I didn't like so much:
-The only things I would really improve are the pacing -- seriously, Lucas is a genius, but pacing is not his strong suit, IMHO -- and cutting back a bit on some of Jar-Jar's comic relief scenes. I didn't find Jar-Jar as awful as the fandom at large does (although I heard The Clone Wars is improving his reputation a bit), but I still found some of his comic relief scenes a bit forced (no pun intended. :P). Seriously, during the Battle of Naboo, during some of his scenes, I was almost tempted to start humming "Yakety Sax" over some of them. (Alas, I did not get the chance)
Although I will say, Captain Tarpal's facepalm after Jar-Jar's immediate "I surrender" still cracks me up. XD And honestly, I think he had his moments. Some may disagree with me, but he did have them.
-While we're on the subject of comic relief, while the comic relief was generally funny, some of it was...too mood-whiplash-y for my tastes. I know it's technically a family friendly film, but just balance it a bit.
And those are my thoughts on TPM. Feel free to verbally abuse me now. XD
Bit of a warning for fangirling/unpopular opinions below, post-ROTJ EU venting (sort of), a bit of Obi-Wan frustration, A/P fangirling, Jedi Council bashing (sort of), a bit of arguable film/trailer snobbery in the beginning, and things that will have you never take me seriously again. XD
Trailers We Got:
-The Hunger Games: I sadly haven't read the books, but the trailer looks awesome. Although I have a feeling I'm going to have nightmares after seeing that trailer. (Don't laugh. XD)
-The Lorax: Eh, not too bad this time around (it was a bit of a different trailer, with a few more they're-actually-trying moments), but still...I don't think I'm seeing it any time soon. Guess it could be worse (and at least it has the guys behind Despicable Me behind it, so there may be hope?), I suppose, *cough* The Smurfs *cough* *cough* every goddamn Alvin and the Chipmunks movie out there *cough* *cough* Horton Hears A Who *cough*. Not sure if I'm going to go see it, though.
-The Three Stooges: Boy was that a doozy. 0.0. I guess to be fair, it has...a bit of the original flavor of the original show (then again, I'm not a Three Stooges fan, sadly enough, so feel free to correct me), and it had a few funny moments, but even so, it just looks bad. The fact that one of the cast members of Jersey Shore is in it...probably doesn't help its case. (Or maybe I'm just biased?)
-Lockout: Definitely looks good, although I will admit from the trailer, it looks more like it could work as the pilot for a TV show, not a movie. Also, I think the prisoners are going to give me nightmares.
-Madagascar 3: Still not going to be seeing it during the summer. The Madagascar movies simply aren't my cup of tea, and while there were a few funny moments...still not going to see it. Sorry.
The Overall Experience:
-Let's say it wasn't what you call very packed; we went to the 10:30 showing of the movie. Generally had a good time, especially riffing a bit on the movie, because while the movie was awesome, I definitely found a lot of places where it was very...well, riffable. :) I know my mom, when she went to see it with me, was almost tempted to riff it too -- and she's not a fan of talking during movies. I'm usually not either, but still... --
One moment I particularly remember is joking about Boss Nass hating the Naboo after they beat him at Guitar Hero. Weird, I know, but I couldn't help it. XD
Things I Loved:
-The space battles. Seriously, the battle over Naboo is absolutely *spectacular* in 3D.
-While we're on the subject of the 3D, I must say Lucas took a pretty interesting approach to the 3D conversion. Instead of going for the ordinary "shit tries to leap out of the screen at you" route, the 3D was mostly there to add depth, and I think in that aspect, it succeeded. I know I actually ducked when the balls were flying at the Gungans, because it really felt like they were flying out at the screen. (It's a miracle nobody stared at me funny, I say. XD)
-Getting to see my favorite characters again. Because honestly, after the doom and gloom of the Star Wars EU, I think I needed this. In fact, I think that's what the post-ROTJ EU writers (and even some of the pre-TPM writers. *Cough* Karpyshyn *Cough*) didn't get -- Star Wars, ultimately, is escapism. We don't need it to be "dark" and "edgy" -- we don't need characters as unappealing as a Rob Liefield protagonist, we don't need more galactic angst and turmoil, we don't need unnecessarily dark endings -- if anything, we just need a good story. It doesn't necessarily have to be good triumphing over evil (I mean, FFS, in Revenge of the Sith, the bad guy wins!), it doesn't have to be a nice and tidy happily-ever-after, but there has to be some degree of hope. And I think TPM definitely delivered in that department. It's not perfect; it does have its pacing issues at times, but I think on the whole, it was entertaining. Just like Star Wars movies are meant to be.
-Back on the subject of the fight scenes: the fight between Maul, Qui-Gon, and Obi-Wan was absolutely breathtaking. I think it's the music that really makes the scene. That and Maul's dread -- some have complained about Obi-Wan killing him too quickly, but me? I think he definitely put up a good fight, for what it's worth.
-I liked the relationship between Anakin and Padme in this movie. Some have called it "creepy", considering that she's technically five years older than him, but me? I found it quite sweet. I loved Anakin's rather school boy-ish crush on Padme, I loved the scene where she consoles him after he has to leave Tatooine and thus leave his mother behind (after he consoles her, in a way, by giving her the japor snippet). I just love the bond between them -- in fact, I think that's why I ship Anakin and Padme so much: I like the idea of their friendship turning into love. I adore their banter (although YMMV greatly on that), and while some may disagree, I think Jake Lloyd (and later Hayden Christensen) and Natalie Portman did a good job at making you care about these characters. I think my other favorite scenes between them include the end, where they exchange smiles (I have to agree with Spoony here that when Natalie Portman smiles, it's positively magical), Anakin going to say farewell to Padme before he heads off to the Temple to begin his training (granted, he doesn't begin it immediately, but I think it's very sweet of him), the small moment before the podrace when they're riding the eopie (if only because of these absolutely Adorkable smiles from the both of them), the hug after the podrace, and, of course, the "Are you an angel" scene. I know some people may not necessarily agree with me, but me, personally? I found it very cute. :)
-Obi-Wan's definitely grown on me as well. I will admit, there were still times in the film where I wanted to reach out and slap him (mostly for going along with the Council calling Anakin "dangerous" for...well, honestly, no goddamn reason), but he's still quite a likeable character. I like his snark, I like his friendliness, I like how he's trying so damn hard to do the right thing (although, honestly, Obi-Wan, just be a good person. I don't think you need all those rules and regulations telling you what to do and what to feel -- but then again, that's mostly my issues with the Code in general showing. I guess that's one reason I can identify with Anakin -- I don't really like rules that much. And I don't like being told how to think and feel either), I loved the scene where he consoles Anakin after Qui-Gon's death and promises to train him (especially considering that he was one of the many Jedi who didn't believe in Anakin. It kind of says something about his personal growth), and I think Ewan McGregor was cast perfectly as Obi-Wan. (In fact, between this and Moulin Rouge -- don't shoot me. XD -- I think Ewan's rapidly becoming one of my favorite actors)
-I think I'm starting to love Padme all over again. Some may not agree, but I like the girl. She's brave, honest, determined, principled, clever, kind, and just all around likeable. Natalie Portman's a wonderful actress. :) That, and I loved her scenes with Anakin, as I said before -- I just love the bond they share. And on the subject of Padme herself, her part in the Battle of Naboo was definitely one of my favorites, if only because she was just so...kickass, there. :3
-Qui-Gon's definitely one of my favorites as well. I just love his kindness to both Anakin and Shmi, especially Anakin, when no one else on the Council believed in him. I liked him talking with Shmi, reprimanding Jar-Jar for trying to steal the plums, reconciling with Obi-Wan, the duel with Maul, standing up to the Council on Anakin's behalf, and, I'm not going to lie, his death definitely got me close to crying in the theater. *Is a dork. XD*
-I still don't like Mace and Yoda's treatment of Anakin, but they're still some of my favorite characters nonetheless. It helps that Samuel L. Jackson is made of win.
+ Ki-Adi-Mundi, on the other hand...*sighs and facepalms* Call me nuts, but for some reason, his "Your thoughts dwell on your mother" bit got on my nerves. (And props to you for being able to keep your composure like that, Anakin. I probably would have told the Council to go fuck itself. XD)
-Speaking of Anakin, I think I've grown to love Anakin all over again. I think my favorite scenes with him are the "Are you an angel" scene (of course. :3), rescuing Jar-Jar from Sebulba, meeting with Jira, showing Padme Threepio, the podrace, leaving home (even though it really sucked that he had to leave his mother behind. *Hugs them both*), talking with Padme en route to Coruscant, arriving on Coruscant (I especially like Padme trying to reassure and guide him up until y'know...meeting with Palpatine and later going to the Senate), meeting with the Council, the Battle of Naboo, Qui-Gon's funeral (*sniffles*), and the ending. I also loved the side characters he came into contact with, such as Jira, Kitster, etc; I think the only problem was by the end of it, I almost didn't want to leave Tatooine. Call me crazy. XD
-Ian McDiarmid still owns as Palpatine, and Ray Park still owns as Darth Maul. 'Nuff said. :)
-And finally, Shmi. Seriously, I can't name just one scene; pretty much every scene Shmi is in in TPM is a Crowning Moment of Heartwarming. (Which only makes what happens to her in AOTC all the more heartbreaking. :( )
-Hell, the entire film was awesome from beginning to end; I was almost sad when it ended. XD
Things I didn't like so much:
-The only things I would really improve are the pacing -- seriously, Lucas is a genius, but pacing is not his strong suit, IMHO -- and cutting back a bit on some of Jar-Jar's comic relief scenes. I didn't find Jar-Jar as awful as the fandom at large does (although I heard The Clone Wars is improving his reputation a bit), but I still found some of his comic relief scenes a bit forced (no pun intended. :P). Seriously, during the Battle of Naboo, during some of his scenes, I was almost tempted to start humming "Yakety Sax" over some of them. (Alas, I did not get the chance)
Although I will say, Captain Tarpal's facepalm after Jar-Jar's immediate "I surrender" still cracks me up. XD And honestly, I think he had his moments. Some may disagree with me, but he did have them.
-While we're on the subject of comic relief, while the comic relief was generally funny, some of it was...too mood-whiplash-y for my tastes. I know it's technically a family friendly film, but just balance it a bit.
And those are my thoughts on TPM. Feel free to verbally abuse me now. XD
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no subject
Date: 2012-02-12 08:45 pm (UTC)I'm going to see PM in half an hour. I'm ridiculously excited.
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Date: 2012-02-12 08:47 pm (UTC)And good luck! :D *Hugs* ^^ Let me know how it goes. :)
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Date: 2012-02-12 11:06 pm (UTC)You know, I think I've figured out Jar Jar's problem. In Clone Wars, he always has a straight man to operate against, like the classic comedy teams, just as 3PO has R2 (or Han in TESB). In TPM, he's bounced off everyone. It doesn't work because there's no consistent counterpoint for him.
Love Tarpels' face/palm!
Got to agree - Pernilla August's performance as Shmi is one of the underappreciated bits of TPM. She really does an amazing job.
Jake Lloyd... not so much. The kid tries way too hard, and it comes out as disingenuous. There are moments, like around the dinner table scene where he shows potential, but largely he was really in need of a character director like Kershner. George's strength was always in the editing room, not the director's chair. Too bad he couldn't get anyone else to direct. But hey, at least that didn't stop him from making the movie.
For me, the shining light of this movie is Qui-Gon Jinn. It amazes me how Liam Neeson captures for me the quintessential Jedi I expected to see after growing up OT, and not one of the other Jedi ponied up properly.
no subject
Date: 2012-02-12 11:44 pm (UTC)You know, I think I've figured out Jar Jar's problem. In Clone Wars, he always has a straight man to operate against, like the classic comedy teams, just as 3PO has R2 (or Han in TESB). In TPM, he's bounced off everyone. It doesn't work because there's no consistent counterpoint for him.
That's a very good point! :D I'll admit I never really thought of it. The closest I can think of are Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, but honestly, if they'd kept something like that...y'know, it could have worked better.
And yeah, I cracked up in the theater when Tarpals did that. XD At least, came close. :)
And this, so very much, regarding Pernilla August. :)
That's a very good point. I can picture, say, Peter Jackson directing THE PHANTOM MENACE. I think he'd do a good job. I still think Lucas did a good job directing, though, for his part. And I think Jake Lloyd did okay with the material he was given -- but I see your point. :)
And agreed so much regarding Qui-Gon! :D
no subject
Date: 2012-02-13 08:20 am (UTC)Wait, what?! We all know the plot, don't we? Anakin is going to destroy the Jedi hence he is dangerous. Obi-Wan can sense it alongside with the others, later on he dismisses it out of his devotion to Qui-Gon and affection for Anakin.
I love Shmi, too, and for the first time I found myself dangerously close to shipping Qui-Gon/Shmi.
3D is awesome! I loved how it added the depth instead of throwing objects to the viewers' faces :D
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Date: 2012-02-13 11:30 am (UTC)On a lighter note, *this* regarding Shmi and the 3D. Seriously. :3
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Date: 2012-02-26 02:46 am (UTC)Just wanted to drop in and come champion Shmi too BTW, so dear to my heart, and I teared up super bad during 'don't look back.' GAH. The look on her face says it all, 'It's killing me letting you go, but don't you dare ever look back on this life.' *SOBS*
no subject
Date: 2012-03-01 04:52 am (UTC)