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March 17, 2002, 10:56 p.m. CST
by Pksoze22
Not a big Star Wars fan but this review gives me hope.
March 17, 2002, 10:56 p.m. CST
by Marek
Tell that fucker to put it on Kaaza!!!
March 17, 2002, 10:58 p.m. CST
by PsykoCub
FInally a Star Wars to be proud of....MUAHAHAHAHah.....im counting the minutes btw: i AM one of the freaks who like LOTR And Star Wars... peace out motherfuckers
March 17, 2002, 11 p.m. CST
by notlehs
I am SO there. I have been waiting for the Clone Wars since 1977.
March 17, 2002, 11:07 p.m. CST
by infallible
About both Episode 2 and this review. I'm already a Star Wars geek, but Episode 1 didn't convey to my non-fan friends how good the story can be. It also tainted their views of the classic trilogy. So a lot is riding on AotC to pull through and show them what SW can be. And of the review because it's of a rough cut and I didn't want my viewing of the movie skewed by Harry's viewing. Of course, I read it anyway. I'm glad I did. It gives me hope for the future of Star Wars.
March 17, 2002, 11:08 p.m. CST
by Capt FUBAR
This is why a geek starts a great movie website to begin with, to share in the glee!_______________________Congradulations, Harry! May the moles that showed you this never be caught!
March 17, 2002, 11:09 p.m. CST
by PsykoCub
how can you base your judgement on the movie on a fucking 2 min. trailer.....i think that no major bitching should commence about the actual film until you see the damn thing....
March 17, 2002, 11:10 p.m. CST
by happywaffle
Goddammit, not only am I pissed that you got to see this shit but I'm now ready to sell my soul to the first taker with a copy of this movie. Arrrrrrrrrgh, I wanna see this soo bad. This is completely independent of petty TalkBack LOTR/SW bullshit politics. I wanna see this movie. Arrrrgh.
March 17, 2002, 11:13 p.m. CST
by Truman_Burbank
Jimmy Smits? I mean, come on. How good can anything with that clown be? I just know I'm gonna start getting into the movie and then see him and start laughing my bitch tits off. I do like the optimism, Harry, but better than Empire? I think not. Not with Smits and Jar Jar. Not happening. Sorry. No way. Unless Padme takes it off, then maybe.
March 17, 2002, 11:13 p.m. CST
by RADSMACKA
harry, i hope you weren't dreaming all this up. i'd hate to get my hopes up and have them crapped on again.
March 17, 2002, 11:18 p.m. CST
by dfeddon
...but absolutely LOVED the film. My expectations were relatively low based upon the trailers alone. It just didn't look right to me, especially the Dark Riders when they lowered their swords in unison. Of course, I now realize that these things didn't look right because they weren't viewed in their proper context. In the film the Nine were darker and creepier than I expected. That said, I'm not impressed with the AOTC trailers... but after LOTR I realize that means absolutely nothing.
March 17, 2002, 11:18 p.m. CST
by castaway
Man the amazing power of the internet. A matter of minutes ago I was just at the force.net trying to look at stories (damn 56 k modem, my kingdom for cable!)when I found this story brewing involving the Drudge Report and that someone had seen it. When I clicked back to the page where the story was it had changed and was longer with the two links to the Drudge Report. I had been to aicn a few minutes before that and imagine my motherfuckin' surprise when that little headline where Harry's review with Del Toro about Blade II had been linked off to had been replaced with his Episode II review. Finally, the first really COOL news in a long time (all the other news is cool, don't get me wrong but this is the shit home slice!) I've never felt so excited or more human in my life than right now (ok so I have, fuck off and sue me is what I say to all the haters out there, my life is pathetic as is) This pretty much strengthens my point of standing in line for at least 16 hours to see this movie when it hits this May (had a better line in mine but forgot it). I have to go and prepare now, time is of the essence. Once again to reiterate what millions have already said LUCUS (like Hannibal Lecter) IS GOD.... OH, I mean Oh yeah, LOTR was the funky shit too, get down hobbits!
March 17, 2002, 11:19 p.m. CST
by EL Duderino
How the hell did Harry do it?! Did he even have permission to see it? I didn't even bother to read the review yet!! SHIT IS GONNA HIT THE FAN!!
March 17, 2002, 11:19 p.m. CST
by DreamWeb2000
Thanks, Harry! I have renewed faith in the series! Dream
March 17, 2002, 11:20 p.m. CST
by sparticusmaximus
DAMN! THE NEXT 2 MONTHS ARE GOING TO BE MURDER. Harry was/is a total SW geek. He knew Lucas meant business with these prequels.
March 17, 2002, 11:21 p.m. CST
by PsykoCub
I wonder if Lucas is currently planning a *cough* accident for Mr. Knowls
March 17, 2002, 11:24 p.m. CST
by tiberon25
I cant wait. I tink this film is gonna fuckin rock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 17, 2002, 11:27 p.m. CST
by tacidblue
once again a bullshit review, I could write a better review then this, from all that I have read over the past year.
March 17, 2002, 11:27 p.m. CST
by God Of Forkery
It's pretty bad ass that you got to see it . . .I just hope Lucas doesn't send in a brute squad to get you. I hate to say it, but despite even your glowing praise, I shall remain ABSOLUTELY neutral on this until I see it in May for myself. Until then, I have to muster the strength to survive these next five days before "Blade 2."
March 17, 2002, 11:28 p.m. CST
by PhantomSpazz
Harry I read your review and I got goose bumps. Thank you SO much for really getting me excited all over again! My dad took me to see star wars when I was three years old and me and him have seen every one since. It's just something that me and him really look forward to sharing. This is gonna be great.
March 17, 2002, 11:31 p.m. CST
by Hate_Speech
Frodo Owns Joo. Star Warts is a 2 hour commercial for toys.
March 17, 2002, 11:34 p.m. CST
by RogueScribner
Now that was a review! Let's keep the porn internalized from now on and write more reviews that offer information and insight to the readers. BTW, are you bi-polar? Just curious. =) L8r
March 17, 2002, 11:34 p.m. CST
by PhantomSpazz
Why in the world would Mr. Lucas want to cause any bodily harm to Harry?! Harry said nothing Negative about the film at all. He was screaming like a lil giddy school girl in his room for christ sake! If anything people will read this and want to see it even more. But then again...."Damn those people that say anything good about me! I'll kick their asses! WHAT?! You said my movie rocks and it made u pee your pants cause you were so excited?! DAMN YOU TO HELL!!"
March 17, 2002, 11:35 p.m. CST
by Hate_Speech
My uncle works at LucasFarts. We've all see most of this film ourselves. I did not like the film. It's like a computer game with some actors thrown in front of the green screen. Same old mamby-pamby.
March 17, 2002, 11:35 p.m. CST
by laneoo7
okay, haters, doubters, fucking talk back wankers....shut up. just shut the fuck up and think. okay, we all go onto harry's site and we listen and eat up all his spys' words...as does harry. sometimes we're disappointed, sometimes not. but, we all listen to harry....all of us, hell, even harry listens to himself...more than we do (with his big head and shit). i am a huge star wars fan. you are a huge star wars fan (yes...you are... you fucking trekkie, why else would you be reading the talkback on this fucking story?) i trust star wars fans when it comes to star wars. none of us bullshit....we tell it like it is. we bitch and moan about jar jar and jabba looking fake in jedi's rerelease. we all scream when han shot second, instead of first. just everyone shut up this time and believe the hipe. episode II will be good. hell, harry, the self proclaimed biggest star war fan of all time said it was good. just accept that it will be. don't bitch and moan that lucas did this and lucas did that and that he's making it for his teenagers and i hate nsync and he rapes all that was good about the original triology. just shut up. it will be good. just believe.
March 17, 2002, 11:37 p.m. CST
by Galilee
March 17, 2002, 11:42 p.m. CST
by JediMasterHorn
Sorry, but this is hard to believe. I want to believ, because I want what you said about the movie to be true. Why don;t I beleiev? Well, I work for StarWarsSource.Net, and I have talked to insiders and such. I basically knew the plot and a lot of details roughly two years ago, and nothing you have said in this review is anything that I havent heard before. All you had to do is read stuff from the fansites and place that with what you have seen in the trailers. Its not hard. Also, the chances of anyone smuggling a copy is slim to none. Besides, why show it to you? Why not show it to large SW fansites such as TF.N or SWS.N or JediNet where it would get more exposure? Nothing I have read here has lead me to believe that you have seen it and arnt just pulling this together from insider info.
March 17, 2002, 11:42 p.m. CST
by vistavision
Way to go, Harry! Nothing will touch this come summer!
March 17, 2002, 11:43 p.m. CST
by EL Duderino
He personally saw fit to castrate every toy shop owner who released Phantom Menace toys an hour earlier than they were supposed to, perhaps to see to it that NOTHING of the story was revealed. You just reviewed his fucking film! You gave away key scenes! Shit dude, are you aware that you just made the ultimate geek sacrifice. Jesus! I mean, I guess it could be much worse, you could have actually panned . But making your review a heap of praises won't save you now. Lucas is blind to praises. Shit dude, close down the site! You won't just get banned from the Ranch (what Moriarty did is meager compared to this. The bucket of chicken defense should help you understand. He basically put too much salt on his bucket of chicken, where in contrast not only did you eat all his chicken, proceed to shit it all out in the bucket in the shape of a swastika, but then you proceeded to murder his entire family in front of his eyes via shit feeding!!), you're in for a lawsuit! Dude!! I'm in full rant mode! I can't stop thinking panicked, fragmented thoughts which lack continuity or unity whatsoever!! SAVE YOURSELF HARRY! He's gonna sue your ass to Wookie island, or wherever the fuck Wookies come from, that's besides the point! Take down the review for your sake! We get the point that you aren't a bloated sell out after all and that you really do have a degree of integrity when it comes to this site. PLEASE TAKE IT DOWN! The consequences will be beyond severe!
March 17, 2002, 11:49 p.m. CST
by JediMasterHorn
If he does get the site shut down, at least then we know it was true.
March 17, 2002, 11:52 p.m. CST
by cb808
If anything has made me lose my faith in humanity, it has to be you pack of retards. It looks like an hoenst review. If you hopelessly cynical assclowns have no respect for Harry, quit reading the site and go away. Walk outside, interact with some people, lighten up. Yank the pole from your ass and give things a chance before you pass your meaningless judgements on them... That said, Ep2 looks exciting, I can't wait.
March 17, 2002, 11:56 p.m. CST
by waterdudex
Nuff said.
March 17, 2002, 11:56 p.m. CST
by Spoons
You know, after TPM, as much as I hated that film, I still figured that I would line up just like everyone else to see Episode 2. This is STAR WARS, after all. Nothing could change that, right? Then a funny thing happened. I'm not sure when exactly it happened, but somehow, I got over Star Wars. Or to be more precise, I'm over the franchise. I will always love the trilogy, and I still watch it a couple of times a year. The franchise, though, doesn't hold any more allure for me. TPM took that away. I have no more affection for that film than I do for, say, Independence Day. Even with Harry's glowing review -- hell even if the tough critics actually like this film -- I know I'll never see this one in the theaters. Let the kiddies have this. I'll see this one when it comes to HBO -- if there's nothing good on.
March 17, 2002, 11:58 p.m. CST
by Sith Lord Jesus
You know, there was always a kernel of doubt in my soul. Oh sure, after the disappointment that was PHANTOM MENACE, I told everyone who would listen that TPM was just the result of Lucas being rusty, and that he would get his space legs back with the next film. TPM wasn't *that* effin' bad after all, and with help on the script and allowing the actors to act Lucas could pull it out once more with Ep. II. Still and all. . .deep down inside. . .I wondered. My eyes had been opened as to what a *good* fantasy film could be by such gems as CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON and FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING. What if the nay-sayers were right? What if Lucas really *had* lost it and STAR WARS was dead forever? I tell you, the N'Sync news was a very bad moment for me. But now, these past several weeks. . .with each new tidbit of news leaking out. . .with each trailer being better then the last. . .dare I hope that I was right all along?! Oh please let it be so! Mighty Cthulhu, grant thy servant this one boon! No, I won't go to the midnight showing like last time, but neather will I wait a month for a matinee either. I'm giving Lucas my faith and my full-price opening weekend cash money once more. If he falls on his face yet again--that's the end; I won't even bother seeing Episode III. But if he pulls through (oh please oh please)--then it's MIDNIGHT SHOWING, 1ST IN LINE FOR EPISODE III. And pity the poor fool who attempts to cut in front of me in line.
March 17, 2002, 11:58 p.m. CST
by drew mcweeny
... Lucasfilm can't sue us. It's a review. Harry doesn't have the film. He's not distributing the film. He's talking about something he saw. And, yes... he saw it. Knowles has powerful mojo, and when he called me today to share with me something that (A) erased all doubt in my mind and (B) made me hate him with a white-hot intensity, there's no doubt what he was watching. There are times when I have to take a step back and acknowledge whose kung-fu is stronger, and today, no doubt at all, it's Harry's. Fucking bastard.
March 17, 2002, 11:58 p.m. CST
by Bunger
... actually, my theory is Lucas may redeem the whole Jar Jar Travesty as follows: Jar Jar will carry the baby Leia to Alderaan at the end of "SW Ep II - The Wrath of the Sith", where the audience may presume that he is obliterated at the beginning of ep IV
March 17, 2002, 11:58 p.m. CST
by cosmic commando
I don't understand why people would want to watch this potentially awesome and visually mindlowing film in fugged up 8-bit downloadable smeg-o-vision before seeing it first on a fucking huge screen with THX sound. Prolly the same sorta folks who cum too fast.
March 18, 2002, 12:09 a.m. CST
by gloriousbastard
"NO. There is another." EPISODE II: ATTACK OF THE CLONES will kick all kind of ass. Yoda fighting Dooku? I think I need a clean pair of drawers.
March 18, 2002, 12:10 a.m. CST
by IMAFREAKINGTROLL
The Wrath of the Sith. I love it.
March 18, 2002, 12:13 a.m. CST
by CarpeDMan
After seeing the "teaser" link on Drudge and Harry's review, I decided to load up WinMX and found an 800MB *.avi file that claims to be the full version of the movie. Could this be it?
March 18, 2002, 12:15 a.m. CST
by Fat is Beautiful
Damn......Harry gave away half the movie but it was worth it, if I had to here it from someone I would want it to be Harry....so Sidious is a Clone of Palpy, or vice versa...so Yoda fights The Man with the Golden Lightsaber...and the Death Star plays a part in it?!
March 18, 2002, 12:18 a.m. CST
by LOTRSUX
Harry forgot to mention that YODA can kick Gandalfs ass. Anyways...I'm thrilled that finally we shut the hobbits the fuck up....I was pretty tired of hearing LOTR shit and I'm totally psyched that AOTC is going to make the THE TWO TOWERS.....THE TWO FALLEN TOWERS. LOTR FOTR WAS JUST THREE HOURS of LABRYNTH, WILLOW, AND HARRY POTTER PUT TOGETHER. LOTR FANS ARE JUST JELOUS THAT STARWARS IS COMING ON STRONG and they cant do anything about it. lol, SILLY HOBBITS LOTR ARE FOR GEEZERS
March 18, 2002, 12:18 a.m. CST
by happywaffle
Hey look, there are still Star Wars fans out there. How fun. And I doubt this thing is ANYWHERE online or elsewhere. My vision is of ONE LucasFilm employee, who spirits the video to a TRUSTED blood-brother, who shows it to Harry then burns it immediately. I.e., it's not out there being prepped for file-swapping. Don't bother looking, even if you find it it won't be nearly the same as waiting til Christmas. Oops, I mean May 16.
March 18, 2002, 12:18 a.m. CST
by Wilbur_wildcat
Gee, Harry, didn't you say this before about TPM? I remember just a few years ago your vehemont defense of that cinematic turd that these words smell even more like a disturbance in the farce. Last time around, you swore that the critics were wrong, and just because Lucas sold your childhood dreams with TPM, you still loved it. Now, with dollar signs dangling in your face from no less than Lucas, you suffer amnesia, jump on the fanwagon, slam TPM, and say how much more pleased you were with this one. I think Lucas knows damn well that many people depend on your evaluation of things. He knows of the Harry we used to know way back when your opinion was honest, and sincere, the very foundations of this website. It is for this reason that he dangled the carrot long ago, and you sold out, even to the point of saying that you agree that jar jar has a point for being. Well those days of trusting your Hollywood-corporate-wined-and-dined bloated body are gone. I only visit the site now to read your reviews and do the opposite of what you say. This movie sounds like a rental to me.
March 18, 2002, 12:23 a.m. CST
by jbreen
I'm looking forward to seeing how Lucas explains away the drastic change to bad disco haircuts in Episode 4. That and the reduction in palette and slightly dodgier effects. Then again, maybe that's what I'm missing about the current series. It's all to over-the-top and grand - not charmingly rogue-ish space opera enough. I am hoping, of course, that Moriarty and Harry are right, tho', and this is the right mixture of humour, darkness and romance that we've been hoping for.
March 18, 2002, 12:23 a.m. CST
by Wilbur_wildcat
PS: All you mindless drones out there should refuse Harry's request of Q/A. He only gets off on the very idea that you would value his opinion, and it makes his miserable life seem more important. Resist this charlatan and move on with your lives. I just have only one question for Harry: Harry, how did you find the time to continue running this website, screening movies, writing reviews, and still manage to play "Fat Bastard" in Mike Myers upcoming film?
March 18, 2002, 12:24 a.m. CST
by Maximus21
A week after the trailer hits tv and it doesn't knock people's socks off, in fact many thought it sucked, Harry is on his site saying he seen Episode II because the Star Wars people are sick of hearing about Lord of the Rings? Hmmmmmmmm....
March 18, 2002, 12:29 a.m. CST
by Bari Umenema
Harry always squeals like a little girl, he is a little girl in a bloated obese male body. Anyway I'd enjoy eating out Natalie Portman's pussy and I could do it better than any geek alive! Natalie sweet Natalie your pussy juice is nectar of the gods! Or so I must believe.
March 18, 2002, 12:30 a.m. CST
by The Hillbrothers
Why couldn't it have been divided into spoiler-free/ spoiler parts like Moriarty's script review? WHY GOD WHY? I mean, FUCK! It's good?... Good & RUINED!... Sorry Anyway, too much Guiness.
March 18, 2002, 12:30 a.m. CST
by CALEAS
Has anyone noticed the myriad visual clues present in the latest SW: E2 trailer? For your perusal, please consider the following: a) In the scene with Anakin holding the ball, it appears to have floating wings, viewable, barely, as a blur. This image is VERY reminiscent of the Quidditch 'ball' in Harry Potter. Has anyone else noticed that this ball and the HP one both have wings that enable them to levitate? Methinks this no accident. b) The AT-TE walker, like the AT-AT before it, both bare similarity to land walking vehicles licensed by Revell, Inc. for ROBOTECH models. This is not to imply that ROBOTECH precedes SW in any way. But perhaps the anime-inspired series' Japanese predecessors (MACROSS, etc.) were an early influence for the AT-ATs seen in ESB. The new AT-TEs look VERY MUCH like COMMANDO-series walkers from the Revell ROBOTECH model line of the mid- to late 1980s. If anyone has an eBay link to confirm this with an image of the actual model to which I refer, feel free to email me. 3) Of course, by now, we have all heard comparisons of the Republic Gunships to the Russian Hind, but there is another visual reference here, and that is of the bubble gun turret, which is strikingly similar to the ones used on old B-52 bombers during WW2. Methinks this no accident as well. Just some thoughts. -Christopher firstname.lastname@example.com
March 18, 2002, 12:31 a.m. CST
by darthpsychotic
From Antipiracy <email@example.com> To "'firstname.lastname@example.com'" <email@example.com> Subject UNAUTHORIZED USE OF STAR WARS PROPERTIES: www.darthpsychotic.com URGENT - IMMEDIATE ATTENTION REQUIRED VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL firstname.lastname@example.com Re: UNAUTHORIZED USE OF STAR WARS PROPERTIES: www.darthpsychotic.com Gentlemen: Lucasfilm and its affiliated entities (collectively "Lucasfilm") are the exclusive owners of all rights in and to the major motion pictures Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Episode VI -Return of the Jedi, Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace and the forthcoming film, Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones. Those motion pictures and the characters and unique elements related thereto, are protected by the copyright and trademark laws of the United States and other nations (the "STAR WARS Copyrights and Trademarks"). We have good reason to believe that you or others acting on your behalf are posting STAR WARS Copyrights and Trademarks on the website www.darthpsychotic.com. These items include, but are not limited to, images alleging to be from the film, Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (the "Unauthorized Items"). You are hereby put on formal notice that your unauthorized use of STAR WARS Copyrights and Trademarks constitutes copyright infringement, trademark infringement and unfair competition. By this letter, we demand that you IMMEDIATELY cease and desist from any further unauthorized use of STAR WARS Copyrights and Trademarks including, without limitation, the posting of all Unauthorized Items, and that you immediately provide us written assurance that you will comply with the requests set forth in this letter. This conduct constitutes a serious violation of Lucasfilm's legal rights. We strongly urge you to treat this matter seriously and that you comply with our requests immediately. Please be advised that failure to respond to this letter immediately may result in the initiation of legal proceedings without further notice to you. The foregoing shall not be deemed a waiver of any claim at law or in equity which may have against you or any other party, each of which is expressly reserved. Sincerely, Lucasfilm Ltd., (Business Affairs) Antipiracy firstname.lastname@example.com
March 18, 2002, 12:37 a.m. CST
by god1138
Well well well.... I feel VERY REFRESHED after reading this. To hear Harry's words, to know that a guru as critical as himself approves (with great candor) of AOTC makes me feel that great rush inside that I never really acheived with TPM. To hear that Lucas' redemption is coming soon to a theater near you makes me all tingly inside - I've hoped and prayed that this would happen since I left the theater in '99 feeling a little bit queasy... I am certainly not pointing out that I had disavowed the franchise after TPM, but yes, I WAS a little disheartened. I love Star Wars so much that sometimes it hurts - I've always been a true believer in the trilogy and it is evidenced by the very large collection of Star Wars products contained in the room I am writing from - this room is my museum, my collection, my getaway from the outside world - I'm a serious Star Wars fan, not a casual one, so to hear this news is very uplifting as well as reassuring. Sure, Star Wars is a really fancy popcorn movie to some, but to me it is my life's love. My devotion is almost uncanny next to many of the Star Wars fans I've met. Anyone in the Houston area hear about a radio station contest to change the winner's name to Obi-Wan Kenobi? Well, it's me... I did, indeed, legally change my name to Obi-Wan Kenobi. It's very true - I can verify it rather easily. But I digress... I'm very much so looking forward to seeing AOTC... I have a renewed and fresh perspective now - if it's good enough for Harry, it's good enough for me I'm sure. I've grown tired of the infighting amongst these talkback posts - we can all have opinions, but good lord do we have to stoop to such lows in some of the ways we approach it? A lot of these posts in the forums I've read are pure name-calling garbage. They're utter crap and are mostly uncalled for - mud slinging at it's worst. I think what the internet has given people a voice but at a great price - now people can voice their disgust with things from behind a shield of anonymity - it's like getting into a fight with someone, only having your bodyguard fight for you. What kind of a challenge is that? Bitch and moan all you want people - you can say Star Wars is full of this or that, you can say you hate it, you can say it's going to suck major ass from here on out if you want... but I guarantee you'll probably be in that midnight-showing line on the eve of May 15th waiting it out like you did in 1999 and in 1997 for the Special Editions, drooling like a baby and filled with eager anticipation... And I bet you walk out giggling like a schoolchild too. May the Force be with you all. Peace.
March 18, 2002, 12:39 a.m. CST
by bleutuna
Sure, it had it's damn problems, but the movie was *still* Star Wars. All you goddamn naysayers can suck on my hairy ballsack. Fuck Jar Jar binks in his pink ass, I'll take The Phantom Menace over *most* of the other films you bitches gush over, and won't think twice about it. Yes, it had bad dialogue. Yes, the acting at times sucked. Yes, it was long. But all of this pales in comparison to the universe it sets up for all of us to enjoy for the next two films. bleutuna - PROUD FAN OF THE PHANTOM MENACE
March 18, 2002, 12:40 a.m. CST
by Wilbur_wildcat
My good friend. You refer to us as haters. The ones who grew up on these movies, the ones who have taste, the ones who enjoy acting, the ones who love a well made movie, the ones who enjoy good directing, the ones who love a good story, the ones who knew they were watching cinematic classics, the ones who waited for 16 years for the return to the galaxy far far away, the ones who stayed up waiting for tickets, the ones who waited in line for hours in 1999, the ones who cheered when the familiar music played at the beginning of the movie, and the ones who swore that the trash on the screen with the title "star wars" was nothing but a steaming pile of crap. We are honest, we speak from factual interpretation, we appreciate quality in movies and enjoy those that operate on multiple levels with wide appeal to all audiences, and yet you choose to alienate us because of these things by calling us haters? If anything, we are the trueist of fans, waiting for something that resemlbes the original, with a storyline that follows the facts established in previous films, and yet you call us haters. If anything, you sound like the type that hollywood loves these days, the type that loves previews of movies that seem to good to be true, with overblown special effects and pretty people running around on screen, movies like pearl harbor, and tomb raider, movies that rake in more than 100 million bucks in a weekend, and only encourage hollywood to make more of the same trash, because there's profit, not because there's talent or art. To you who call us 'haters', so be it. You will not be crowded out by us on opening weekend of episode 2. The theater is all yours to sit and wallow in your own celluloid feces. signed---the haters.
March 18, 2002, 12:41 a.m. CST
by Zam Wesell
I agree with some of rupert pupkin's comments about viewing the trailers and such, but for-real-for-real, the original star wars trilogy was made with heart... but never... AT ANY ONE POINT was it ever dependant on the abilities of the actors... rather based on a bangin little universe that us sci fi geek mutha f ers could hang with... Jackson, i will turn to for quality in acting and realism (espescially with BGs)...however, this is a film that, plenty of us talk about, write about, argue, collect, dream, and wish about,etc. etc. but only one person has the power to present... so let him do it... I can't wait, for better or for worse........ PS fan of SW & LOTR
March 18, 2002, 12:52 a.m. CST
by the shrunkenHead
I guess it comes down to wether this was a valid scoop or a gift from Lucasfilm. I wouldn't want to get on the dark side of the Force Daddy. He's known to bear grudges, he's got that whole legal thing going on plus he could probably get the best snipers money can buy. Either way this is cool news and has got me even more excited than the grinning epileptic spaz I already was. Could this be the best of the series yet?
March 18, 2002, 12:59 a.m. CST
by bleutuna
Sorry, sir, but I can't discard the Star Wars Universe as easily as you and the other Bandwagoneers do. I can see every single problem with The Phantom Menace, and while it keeps the film from being the best of the series, it in no way diminishes the simple truth that the good far outweighs the bad. Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, Palpatine, Coruscant, Tatooine, the pod-race, everything that was good about the movie is far more important than Jake Lloyd's ridiculous delivery or Natalie Portman's monotonous voice. If The Phantom Menace has been the first movie, the true first installment, of a new sci-fi series, I have no doubts in my mind that it would have been accepted immensely better. Not everyone agrees with your assessment of the film, and we definitely do not let it destroy the amazing parts of the film. Many of us can see it for what it is: A flawed film which sets up new characters and a new series of plot points for the next two films. A difficult task, to be sure. Yet the movie is still entertaining. I have no doubt in my mind that you are like many of the drones out there who saw the movie the first day, loved it, but then once you caught wind of other hating the film - decided that it was the more appropriate bandwagon to jump on. And that's fine, you can follow the rest of the herd and ignore the facts that stare you in the face. I, however, refuse to let your dimwitted cynicism dampen my enjoyment of EpisodeI or EpisodeII. It's all Star Wars, my friend. You'd do well to get off your high horse and realize that.
March 18, 2002, 1:06 a.m. CST
by Twig
Both this review and the Moriarty script review have finally got me going nuts waiting for the film to get here.
March 18, 2002, 1:10 a.m. CST
by Darth Brooks
Take the legs off those Clonetropper AT-AE walker things and they're Death Stars. Or maybe that flying Quidditch thing is so that Anakin could mumble, "y'know, if you made something like this the size of a small moon, and mounted a primary-igniting weapons system on it..."
March 18, 2002, 1:24 a.m. CST
by JediMasterHorn
What makes you think Lucas would bother to pay this site ANYTHING for posting stuff like this. It isnt as though Lucas needs the hype or the press. And it isnt as though this web site is the Biggest site of the internet. I'm not slamming this site by any means, but I find it hilarious that anyone would think Lucas would bother to pay money for someone to claim he saw the movie, even a rough cut. Harry didnt say anything new, and I doubt this is legit. Sounds like a hype machine for getting hits.
March 18, 2002, 1:31 a.m. CST
by Tom Sutpen
. . .That Harry ISN'T getting paid for this. That he's a LucasShill FOR FREE...I could have told you that Harry would somehow snag a 'secret' screening of "Attack of the Clones" about two to three months from it's release date. All you had to do was ask me. Jesus, isn't any of this crap obvious to you?
March 18, 2002, 1:33 a.m. CST
by darthpsychotic
Way to go, H!
March 18, 2002, 1:33 a.m. CST
by TheSmashMaster
Harry, I love you man, I'm not getting sweet or anything, I just had to say that. May the Force be with you. Star Wars is Forever.
Why does everyone seem to hate Hayden after only seeing five seconds of scenes with him? Come on.
March 18, 2002, 2:03 a.m. CST
by exPFCWintergreen
AHHHHHHH. You've gone too far this time Harry Knowles. Although, this isn't the watergate that seeing TPM early would've been - but holy shit. Do you have any I-fucking-dea what you've just done. You are so fucking banned from he fucking ranch, it's not even funny!! Jesus christ. Biggest scoop AICN has ever or will ever get.
March 18, 2002, 2:06 a.m. CST
by jollydwarf
Not only did you have me scared shitless about the quality of this film in the first two or three paragraphs, but you also were at many points dancing on the precipice of spoilage that would ruin this film for those who bought into your "mild spoilers" claim. What is a mild spoiler? Anything besides actual footage? YOU ALMOST BECAME HOMER WALKING OUT OF "EMPIRE" WITH MARGE EXCLAIMING IN FRONT OF THE NEXT SHOWING'S LINE "TEE-HEE! I CAN'T BELIEVE DARTH VADER WAS LUKE'S FATHER!" Thiissss close, buddy. And of course Ewan rules here. That's why he's up for the role of Remus Lupin in the third Harry Potter film. He IS the 21st century action star that Ben Affleck can never be. He IS the benevolent and accessible leading man that Russell Crowe is too much of a prick to be. Am I surprised anyone hated Anakin? Not after the trailers. I just hope it's more by design than "Ooops! We cast an evil Justin Timberlake!". Well, if this film is as good as you say, this site WILL CRASH under the weight of talkbacks that will make the actual Clone War look like duelling bottlerockets. t's just funny that I saw this, because I was about ready to call it a night, and my DSL wasn't up for some reason, but I kept intermittently checking, because I had this feeling that something this big would be on the site. I don't know why. Plus, I wanted to check the Tournament scores. Kent State to the Final Four, says Darth Vitale!!
March 18, 2002, 2:07 a.m. CST
by devanjedi
"***I could have told you that Harry would somehow snag a 'secret' screening of "Attack of the Clones" about two to three months from it's release date.***" But you didn't, whiny boy.
March 18, 2002, 2:11 a.m. CST
by The_Lion
This is great news.
March 18, 2002, 2:12 a.m. CST
by Bari Umenema
You guys are so easy to fool. And by the by Phantom Menace sucked donkey dick, worse than Return of the Jedi. But I do think ep. 2 will be good fun and I'm looking forward to ep. 3. Just take these leaks with a big grain of salt and you'll be much wiser in the ways of how the real Force runs this whole internet buzz machine.
March 18, 2002, 2:29 a.m. CST
by JediMasterHorn
I decided not to say anything else, but I had to say that that last post about this being something Lucas and the Rickonator set up is the funniest thing I have ever heard in my life. Why in the world would they even need to do that? I mean, think about it. They could hype news on any internet site or TV station they wanted. There is absolutly no reason to do something as childish as what was just suggested. But believe what you want and have fun. Just dont kill anyone over arguing about it.
March 18, 2002, 2:35 a.m. CST
by Darth Melkor
I can understand Lucasfilm pulling their hair out over a rough cut getting out, but I wouldn't be upset at Harry.. He gave it an incredible review and everyone will hear about this news and read the review and perhaps get more interested in the film. Hopefully this material is safe... Even if it appears on Kazaa why ruin the experience by watching a rough cut? Just wait till May 16th.
March 18, 2002, 2:35 a.m. CST
by o2thx
We're planning on lining up again at Grauman's Chinese Theatre. Just like last time, we'll be there again! Check out our site for more info http://www.liningup.net
March 18, 2002, 2:36 a.m. CST
by Turdly
Harry, that shit isn't necessary. There are at least a dozen bits of information you just had to infest this story with to prove you had actually seen the footage. Relax, we believe you. Lucas and that shitbag producer of his need you to keep their yachts seaworthy. Rewrite the damn thing and take it out.
March 18, 2002, 2:36 a.m. CST
by Billy Talent
It was more fun than a bath with my dad!!!!!!!!!!......... It was more exciting than my uncle's thumb in my asshole!!!!!!!!!! It was as though a great big hairy man was tickling my pussy with his mustache!!!!!!!!!!!!! When I saw Yoda with a lightsaber my fucking tits exploded!!!!!!!!! I was cumming all over the screen!!!!!!!! You know how some times, after you eat a someone's asshole, you get asshole hair stuck in your teeth????? The final battle scene is like a mouthful off asshole hairs!!!!!!!! I felt better than a little girl in a truck stop mens room!!!!!!!!!!
March 18, 2002, 2:39 a.m. CST
by 60watts
no KIDDING... http://www.ifilm.com/ifilm/product/film_info/0,3699,2411523,00.html?ad_ref=top_five_shorts_online&cch=8 SPOILERS... enjoy. Thiss is the entire film.
March 18, 2002, 2:45 a.m. CST
by jollydwarf
I have a hard time believing thatLucas would be in a black hooded robe, only the salt-and-pepper beard visible, dispatching "McMaullum" or someone to make this happen. But hey, who knows? Actually, after having read the "Blade II" review, I'm beginning to wonder if absinthe wasn't involved in this whole 'experience'. Personally, I think that it was Fox sending a lackey in to get the print (someone outside of Lucasfilm)and that this event being on the Drudge report helps tie this in to an "A.I."-type Internet game, culminating in a cross-franchise tie-in, with Agent Mulder on the series finale discovering Lucas truly being a Sith (being behind EVERYTHING), and Lucas escaping on a UFO, while Bob Newhart wakes up and realizes that it was all a dream. He then recounts the whole thing to Sam Malone, who, upon hearing this, mutters that "I'm the luckiest son of a bitch ever." Precisely after that, Skinner and co. break in, arresting both of them, and they're thrown into a holding cell with Kramer and George, lamenting their dead KFC-commercial-only careers. And if this whole review is spoofed and/or referred to on "holonetnews.com", RUN FOR IT, MARTY!!
March 18, 2002, 2:57 a.m. CST
by Mithril
Harry, you are SO banned from the Ranch! You've made the ultimate geek sacrifice, and we thank you. God, I've been praying for AOTC to rock, and my hopes have been uplifted. However, will reserve judgment until I see it. Why oh why isn't it May already? ***Oh, and "Wrath of the Sith" would be a killer ep. III name. Now I'm actually hoping it'll be this. It would actually fit in with the trend: first it's a Phantom Menace (just a threat looming ominously), then comes the Attack of the Clones (the first strike by evil's footsoldiers) and then they unleash the complete Wrath of the Sith (the true evil finally reveals itself in all its nastiness and takes the good guys down). This has actually been a trend in all the SW names if you look at them: Phantom Menace - A New Hope = both kinda vague, but show what's to come, Attack of the Clones - The Empire Strikes Back = attacks from big army groups, and then "Wrath of the Sith" - Return of the Jedi = the actual dark and light forces battling it out until one prevails (at least for a while). ***SW/LOTR fanatic signing off...
March 18, 2002, 3:02 a.m. CST
by RedFive
Is that even though it wasnt a great star wars movie that it divided the real star wars fans from the idiots who waited in line for weeks that really didnt like star wars in the 1st place.Star Wars was a big part of my childhood and will always be.TPM could of been better but its not the anti christ of movies like most people make it out to be.AOTC is gonna rock and i hope everyone who has a still bashes TPM stays away on may 16th cause i dont wanna see you anyways.
March 18, 2002, 3:19 a.m. CST
by MrLimey
...and oh how the LOTR/Anti Lucas SW fraternity squirm at reading those words. This movie is going to be fucking awesome and all the vitriol in the world won't alter that!
March 18, 2002, 3:42 a.m. CST
by tom_joad
Hi, I am a big Star Wars fan, dont worry about the user ID i use, i had that long before FOTR movie came out. But I do have a question about Obi Wan Kenobi, in ANH he was hiding from the empire right in Tatooine, and his name was Ben Kenobi, but if he was hiding why was he still wearing the jedi uniform of long brown coat?
March 18, 2002, 3:43 a.m. CST
by P3
I'll say it here, TPM SUCEEDED ON EVERY LEVEL! As a fan since seeing SW in theatres before it was even ANH, was I dissapointed at some things, YES. Was my Four year old.... NO! She's now a SW nut, her favorite movies are TPM and ROTJ... And it's not the ewoks of Jar Jar, she laughs at them, but it's Anikin. She idolizes that boy. She was scared out of her seat by Maul AND Sideous (So when Vader throws Sideous down the pit, Vader became her HERO!) In a 2 hour timespan (when she first saw TPM on video in Sept), Barney became an idiot, Barbie became trash and Anikin Skywalker was the center of the Universe. Lucas made a movie that enchanted a Girl who was not even 4 when she saw it. Isn't that what he did in 77? I wonder if a whole generation my daughters age would have been won over if they hadn't been so busy catching Pokemon at the time to notice. --P3
March 18, 2002, 3:46 a.m. CST
by Thrival
I fully believe that Harry did indeed see Episode II, and I thank him for his prompt review to us anxious fans. But do I buy for a second that this version somehow "leaked" accidently out of LFL? Not for a second. Lucas and his entourage know the way the wind blows, and they must have gathered that Episode I didn't go over so well with some fans. This much seems clear from early reviews of the Ep2 script. A good chunck will sleep out for tickets no matter what their opinion of Episode I, but as for the skeptics among us, I think this was a calculated move for LFL, to "leak" a unfinished cut to a respected Web critic whose praise would undoubtedly carry credibility with it. Not that this bothers me. After all, for the plan to work, the film would have to be... well, GOOD. Or, they'd have to pay off the reviewer. Any comments, Harry? :)
March 18, 2002, 3:51 a.m. CST
by Miami'sCanadian
I don't see the difference in Sam Jackson begging to be in SW as N Sync wanting to be in it. They both worked hard to be able to be in one from their respective careers no matter how you like their music. Besides, I think it would be super cool for Hayden Christensen to turn on the Jedi and fight Justin Timberlake cuz Padme mistook him as Anakin. Anyway, can SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHO COUNT DOOKU and PALPATINE IS IN PM AND THE OTHER THREE SW? I am mixed up.
March 18, 2002, 3:56 a.m. CST
by Miami'sCanadian
I don't see the difference in Sam Jackson begging to be in SW as N Sync wanting to be in it. They both worked hard to be able to be in one from their respective careers no matter how you like their music. Besides, I think it would be super cool for Hayden Christensen to turn on the Jedi and fight Justin Timberlake cuz Padme mistook him as Anakin. Anyway, can SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHO COUNT DOOKU and PALPATINE IS IN PM AND THE OTHER THREE SW? I am mixed up.
March 18, 2002, 4:06 a.m. CST
by P3
Why do so many complain about the use of CG? Did you prefer those skipping boxes around the TIE Fighters? I say More CG, I think they're being cheap every time we see a Latex mask.
March 18, 2002, 4:17 a.m. CST
by A Yank in London
After just finishing Harry's book last night, the idea that he would willfully destroy his credibility by pretending to see this "sneak preview" or taking some kind of bribe (in $$$ or in kind) is palpably absurd. And reading the chapter about his disillusionment with Matt Drudge (which I DO NOT share, by the way), Harry could hardly think Drudge - among others - would let him get away with either of these deceptions. Question his judgment all you want, but what gives any of us the right to question his integrity?
March 18, 2002, 4:25 a.m. CST
by Tall_Boy
fuck the naysayers, this flick is going to RAWK!
March 18, 2002, 4:39 a.m. CST
by Mithril
I don't think Harry's line will necessarily make anyone squirm (apart from obsessive Lucas/SW bashers). The average LOTR fan won't be upset. AOTC will be the most exciting film THIS SUMMER, while TTT will be the most exciting film THIS WINTER. I'm embracing both and thanking the PTB that I can see both in my lifetime. ***And would you suspicious as hell cynics chill? Harry saw the rough cut, just face facts. Or are you just refusing to believe it's true, because you're so jealous? Which would be fair enough, since I'm turning a damn bright colour of green with envy over here (which seems to be disturbing my friends). ***Thought TPM was disappointing, but still love parts of it. Hey, just put on "Duel of the Fates" and let the final lightsaber battle roll, and I'm fully satisfied. And even though I haven't been as enthusiastic of the AOTC trailers as I was about TPM, even TPM couldn't take away my underlying love for SW. Hell, I just spent the weekend watching Spaced - season 2, and whenever episode 6's ESB final scene ends and John William's score plays over the final credits, I'm almost get the same kind of rush as I do when watching the SW movies. Damn, I've been conditioned to have a Pavlovian reaction to a field of stars and Williams's music! I'm a Lucasian dog! Dammit!
March 18, 2002, 4:50 a.m. CST
by jazzuk
Was "Star Wars: A New Hope" a bad film made iconic by a superior sequel? No. TPM was a crock of sh*t, no matter which way you cut it. Bad technically, bad narratively, bad theatrically. Bad, bad, bad. Of course, it had a rock solid trailer, rock solid marketting push and the infamous Lucrearse merchandising behemoth behind it. Is there anything to suggest that AOTC will be any different? No. Not until we can see the _finished_ article for ourselves. Meanwhile fanboys who get private screenings in dodgy hotel rooms cannot be trusted to give an honest opinion. Sorry Hal. For a film you are this emotionally invested in you really have to withhold judgement until the 2nd or preferably third viewing, to allow the reality to penetrate the wall of emotional defence you have erected. You wanted so badly for this film to be good, so that is what you say. Maybe it is that good, but you can't say for sure. Yet.
March 18, 2002, 4:57 a.m. CST
by dwalker25
When 'Return of the Jedi' was first released, I made the mistake of getting the comic book 'novelization' and reading it. I was thinking, "Sure, not a problem if it gives away plot details! If this was made by a good director, and Lucas was a good overseer, there should be MORE to enjoy in this movie besides learning that Vader is Luke's father, Leah his sister, etc." How wrong I was! The new digital version of 'Return of the Jedi' vastly improved the original by actually showing an empire toppling. Anyway, I say that to state: I certainly hope there's more to recommend this new SW movie than just the plot spoilers you mentioned. I'm hoping there's way more to this movie. Lucasfilm has occasionally been known to disappointed. Hopefully, this won't be one of those occasions.
March 18, 2002, 5:13 a.m. CST
by Bruce Leroy
Harry i hope your very, VERY right about this movie. Finally another Brilliant Star Wars movie in the cinema's! May 17th i'm there, and that's a fact.
March 18, 2002, 5:19 a.m. CST
by DarthZachToo
I mean you did love Pitch Black.
March 18, 2002, 5:44 a.m. CST
by GeneralZoddd
Harry - you are a very bad man. Do you realize it is now March 18th? Do you realize that May 16th is EIGHT CRUEL WEEKS AWAY? To hype us up to this level so soon is unacceptable, whatever happened to the slow steady build-up? We need to get a hooker in to teach Harry the joy of 'working up to it'. Have to say that I am SOOOO JAZZED at seeing this movie, can't wait! I just can't wait!!! A couple of hints slipped out: Is Palpatine REALLY a non-force clone of Darth Sidious?
March 18, 2002, 5:55 a.m. CST
by LenSp
Think about it. If this review is true, then TPM was simply one giant prologue. A prologue that made $925.6 million in world-wide box office plus hundreds of millions more in video sales and rentals plus toys, books and other merchandise for a mere $130 million cost of production and marketing (i.e. Lucas petty cash). Talk about having the ultimate franchise -- he made a fortune off a movie that tons of fans mocked and didn't get the fanatic repeat business like the other movies -- because probably half of all the US saw it once in one form or another.
March 18, 2002, 6:02 a.m. CST
by GeneralZoddd
Harry - you are a very bad man. Do you realize it is now March 18th? Do you realize that May 16th is EIGHT CRUEL WEEKS AWAY? To hype us up to this level so soon is unacceptable, whatever happened to the slow steady build-up? We need to get a hooker in to teach Harry the joy of 'working up to it'. Have to say that I am SOOOO JAZZED at seeing this movie, can't wait! I just can't wait!!! A couple of hints slipped out: Is Palpatine REALLY a non-force clone of Darth Sidious?
March 18, 2002, 6:03 a.m. CST
by rizla
Great, Harry. Way to raise our expectations so high that the movie is sure to be ruined. That Yoda/Dooku duel BETTER be awesome is all I can say ....
March 18, 2002, 6:08 a.m. CST
by Mr.Cup
This movie has nothing to do with the Star Wars universe. It looks like your watching Starship Troopers or some crap like that, with bullshit designs and bullshit dialogue. And since when is an Jedi afraid of fucking flying? And why is Yoda CG when he's sitting for christ sake! Can't they roll out a few bucks for Frank Oz, jesus christ!!! I think this movie is going to be worse than TPM! Even Christopher Lee can't save this pile of monkeycrap! I'm sorry but I wish I didn't fucking feel this way about this movie!
March 18, 2002, 6:26 a.m. CST
by CoolDan989
but not right away. I still don't want to go out of my way to get tickets so I won't have wasted a lot if I still hate the movie; I'll probably catch it at the drive-in.
March 18, 2002, 6:48 a.m. CST
by I say
just a movie! Get outside and breathe some air. Now you may all attack me.
March 18, 2002, 7:08 a.m. CST
by XTheCrovvX
"You're getting weak, fat man..." "You can't win,George. Ban me now, and I will become more powerful than you could ever imagine."
March 18, 2002, 7:20 a.m. CST
by Captain Katanga
March 18, 2002, 7:49 a.m. CST
by Ali786
well from the begining, Jar-Jar Binks never worked for me because he was just too in-your-face silly..so the less the better..personally I think he should've died with Padme's double.... Not sure of the americans will be able to cope with Palpatine's many guises but we'll wait and see... Anakin a spoilt brat?>?? will we have any empathy with him..I figured we should be feeling sorry for him when he begins his descent into the Dark Side but sounds like I'll be happy when the little sh!t gets it.. Positive vibes from the Obi-Wan/Jango/Yoda bits...so I'm hoping I'll be feelin better leaving the cinema post-Clones than I was after TPM..
March 18, 2002, 7:50 a.m. CST
by mikeyj83
About 3 months ago Harry you were really forgetting about Star Wars, but man you have really delivered now! Harry YOU ARE THE MAN! You just better be right! Ok I trust you. Thankyou Harry - Thankyou God! And Thankyou George I never doubted you.
March 18, 2002, 8:12 a.m. CST
by JT Styler
This is your resident Styler here. The question is do we trust Harry? In one word, no. I for one do not believe Lucas has it in him to make a great film. Not a good film, but a great film. I will believe this when I see it. Oh and Ep. 2 will not outgross Ep. 1 primarily because the fear has gone. Spiderman, Minority Report, MIB II, Scooby Doo all have release dates around Star Wars. So calm down and wait for non-fanboy reviews as we did with TPM and LOTR. The Styler has spoken. Let the people know.
March 18, 2002, 8:15 a.m. CST
by GeneralZoddd
Harry - you are a very bad man. Do you realize it is now March 18th? Do you realize that May 16th is EIGHT CRUEL WEEKS AWAY? To hype us up to this level so soon is unacceptable, whatever happened to the slow steady build-up? We need to get a hooker in to teach Harry the joy of 'working up to it'. Have to say that I am SOOOO JAZZED at seeing this movie, can't wait! I just can't wait!!! A couple of hints slipped out: Is Palpatine REALLY a non-force clone of Darth Sidious?
March 18, 2002, 8:21 a.m. CST
by RoyGBiv
So of us old enough to remember the Saturday Morning Catroon "Dungeons and Dragons." In one of the few meetings between the ultimate evil (Venger) and the ultimate good (diminutive Dungeon Master) featured a bolt of powerful energy launched at DM. He easily caught the bolt, turned it around and hurled it back at Venger. GODS! What a memory.
March 18, 2002, 8:49 a.m. CST
by Conan_the_Humble
Harry Loved TPM too. How can anyone think he is objective when it comes to SW? If you believe this movie will be good, you're probably simple enough to be able to enjoy TPM. Cheers.
March 18, 2002, 9:18 a.m. CST
by drjones
March 18, 2002, 9:23 a.m. CST
by drjones
imagine: uncle george sits in front of his pc while reading this review...HEHEHE!!!! *sigh* being a geek is soooooo fantastic!!!
March 18, 2002, 9:31 a.m. CST
by Lobanhaki
But Roger Deakins used digital HD technology to do the color timing on "Oh Brother Where Art Thou?". Even Kodaks Behind that one. Besides, have you really LOOKED at film today? Everything thing is done with desaturated colors nowadays. Film is good for it's INITIAL resolution (more than 4000 lines) and its very continuous tone, But by the time you see that in a theatre, the resolution is about equal to what you see on an HD television. Good, but not that good. Why? Film is analogue. It captures representations of the image, instead of sampling it discretely like digital. Each representation has noise. For film it's the grain. That error, in each copy, gets added to and compounded. It's called generational loss, and what results is a grainy, blurred, faded version of the original print. Digital sampling is noise resistant, because you are only talking about 1s and 0s. On or off. Additionally, you can use mathematics and geometry to sample images too. It's called CGI. And if both the sample method and the creation method are alike, then there is no need to convert between the two. To be quite frank with Kubrick, TPM was almost entirely run through a computer, to where it might as well HAVE been Digital. They have been introducing film grain, chromatic abberation (blurring and rimming of colors caused by the different amounts colors refract by in a lens) Softening and blurring digital images for film for a decade now ILM is good at making Digital look like film. From what I've seen, the transition to digital has been a good one, and the muted color pallet may be more a result of an aesthetic decision than the fact that it was shot on HD Video. Trust me: HD video is quite colorful, quite detailed. Breathtaking, to be honest. So Kubrick, from somebody who knows better, please shut up about things you don't know about.
March 18, 2002, 9:45 a.m. CST
by snuffape
Wow! Just checked out the breaking news about something I
March 18, 2002, 9:48 a.m. CST
by Mully4Ever
March 18, 2002, 9:55 a.m. CST
by rev_skarekroe
You could totally tell all the text was CG. He should have used a typewriter, like in the '70s. sk
March 18, 2002, 9:55 a.m. CST
by rumpieguy
I never engaged in this whole LOTR vs STAR WARS crap. I love movies, and want BOTH to be good. LOTR made me feel like I did as a kid when I saw the first Star Wars films...or RAIDERS....it was pure cinema and I Loved it. The Phantom Menace to me was ALWAYS an origin picture....I understood this and forgave its pacing. It didn't sour me AT ALL for the next installment. I have TOTAL faith in AOTC and look forward to it with child like wonderment and enthusiasm. I love ALL types of movies...indie, foriegn, high and low....if its done well, I will check it out. The Star Wars films are in another category altogether...they are that special mix of Big Budget Hollywood moviemaking and artistic vision. That is rare. There are those who scream Lucas is a sellout. I ask to WHO? The man has TOTAL control....more so than ANY director of BIG budgets. Ya gotta respect that. And I for one would never pass up seeing AOTC on the BIG screen....just cause I'm alittle jaded like some of the posters here. This isn't about how LOTR is better...or how LUCAS has lost his edge. This is about the love of movies....so my advice to all you cynics out there is to do as Obi Wan does......LET GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. And just enjoy. :)
March 18, 2002, 10:03 a.m. CST
by FD Resurrected
Jesus, Harry. This is the biggest scoop of the year. George Lucas and co. will blaze the trail up your ass for this, and BAN you from the Skywalker Ranch for breaking the silence. I still think Episode I sucks big donkey balls. I have a doubt that Episode II will live up to the hype that it will be better and more improved than the aforementioned piece of horse dung. Be careful, Harry. Be careful...from Father Death Resurrected
March 18, 2002, 10:13 a.m. CST
by MichaelSean
First of all, what is it about the Internet that turns, what I hope are fairly normal individuals in real life, into raving, foul-mouthed lunatics? I can't believe that you pepper your real life conversations as liberally with the "F" word as you do on here. Believe it or not, you have a better chance of making your point to someone when you DON'T call them an ass-raping goat fuck. That aside, the movie looks like a lot of fun. Somewhere in my movie-going adulthood, I started coming away more impressed with movies like American Beauty, Fight Club and Boogie Nights than Star Wars, Lord of the Rings or Armageddon. Growing up will do that to you, I suppose. When TPM first came out, I was hoping it would change all that. That I would once again be swept away by a popcorn adventure like I was in my youth. I tried to love it. I saw it three times in fact, tying to convince myself that I loved it. But I didn't love it. I even own it on DVD, but I never watch it. It just sits there collecting dust. Because Star Wars was such an important part of my youth (before I discovered football and girls) I'll be in line on May 16th for AOTC. I'm even taking the day off work. I expect to be entertained. But I don't expect to be blown away. Harry's review has given me hope, but not THAT much hope. Still, after The Phantom Menace, if I come away entertained, that's good enough. And all I expect from a summertime popcorn flick these days. -- Sean
March 18, 2002, 10:20 a.m. CST
by Lannister
Well well well...tired of all the Tolkein rhetoric, eh? I sure hope EPII is all that Harry claims, but somehow I'm still influenced by the dark side of the force. I feel a deception/desparation out there. And no I don't believe that Lucas didn't know about Harry seeing it. Lucas authorized it cause he knows that his fan base is eroding daily on this one. Hell even the most recent trailer had such bad moments in it they made me squirm. "I hate it when he does that" Obi Wan...Poor Ewan on that one. I hope I'm not being too pessimistic here but, something just feels wrong about all this.
March 18, 2002, 10:23 a.m. CST
by Silver_Joo
The new trailer looked great, that was enough to make me want to see it. I am not too impressed with the look of Spiderman, but I will see all of the biggies this Summer, and just hope... At the end of the day, it is STAR WARS, and any fan will feel the same, regardless of TPM. However, I am hoping that The Two Towers offers us something great aswell, as the book is so well plotted and structured. Aww Hell, this year just has so much potential right across the board, so it is probably best not to place all of our hopes in Ep.II. There is always Minority Report and Blade 2...
March 18, 2002, 10:31 a.m. CST
by CorranHorn
1. Is this BS? We're pretty close to year to the day of that Oscar List crappola, aren't we? 2. If AotC sucks, will Harry backtrack from this glowing review, a la Godzilla? Hopefully not, as I hope that the film is truly as good as he says it is.
March 18, 2002, 10:41 a.m. CST
by Superdudebobby
TPM was a major letdown for me. Your mileage may vary. Unlike some of the anti-SW trolls here, I really wanted to like the film and I'm genuinely hoping AOTC will be better. Harry's review gives me some faith. However, his horrid reaction to the Jar Jar scene he describes makes me feel quite bad. I know it's just 15 secs, but still: the rest of the flick sounds neigh-on perfect, rollicking, kick ass, everything I was hoping for. I'd hate for it to be scarred with such moment(s), however brief, of slapsticky crappola. Please God, have someone fix this before May 16th!
March 18, 2002, 10:44 a.m. CST
by jmc23
for his headlin spoilers of Planet of the apes?
March 18, 2002, 10:56 a.m. CST
by ROMANWEB
I don't know if you read Bleutuna's note to you but I couldn't agree more. If you're not a "Hater" then why NOT see AOTC. You've based your judgemnt of a movie soley on reading some spoilers, a couple of trailors and mostly on your dissapointment with TPM. To not go and check out AOTC soley on this holds no merit. Sounds reasonable to you because of your "Factual Interpretation" of the crap that was TPM which killed everything for you but in reality it's nothing more than "Factual Opinion". You come across like one of those ignorant assholes who burn Harry Potter books when they've never read the context of the whole good overcomes evil on it's pages. Ignorance is bliss, I suppose. Besides, did you really have cut on Harry that way? That was poor taste but because Harry is too big to reply(no pun intended, I like you dude)I have to say your mother definatley had something foul and sour the day she shit you out. Harry doesn't get paid for the kind of abuse he gets on this site. He gives information, shares it, then gets ridiculed and bashed for doing his job. You don't see him coming to your job and kicking dicks out your mouth, do you? You and all those other assholes just shut the fuck up and go watch something worth your while. Phew, that felt good. I've said my piece. I can't wait to join you "Drones" May 16th!
March 18, 2002, 10:56 a.m. CST
by ROMANWEB
I don't know if you read Bleutuna's note to you but I couldn't agree more. If you're not a "Hater" then why NOT see AOTC. You've based your judgemnt of a movie soley on reading some spoilers, a couple of trailors and mostly on your dissapointment with TPM. To not go and check out AOTC soley on this holds no merit. Sounds reasonable to you because of your "Factual Interpretation" of the crap that was TPM which killed everything for you but in reality it's nothing more than "Factual Opinion". You come across like one of those ignorant assholes who burn Harry Potter books when they've never read the context of the whole good overcomes evil on it's pages. Ignorance is bliss, I suppose. Besides, did you really have cut on Harry that way? That was poor taste but because Harry is too big to reply(no pun intended, I like you dude)I have to say your mother definatley had something foul and sour the day she shit you out. Harry doesn't get paid for the kind of abuse he gets on this site. He gives information, shares it, then gets ridiculed and bashed for doing his job. You don't see him coming to your job and kicking dicks out your mouth, do you? You and all those other assholes just shut the fuck up and go watch something worth your while. Phew, that felt good. I've said my piece. I can't wait to join you "Drones" May 16th!
March 18, 2002, 11:05 a.m. CST
by Megaladon
Harry's review of Episode II is meaningless after he fawed over Episode I, one of the worst films ever put on screen. I'm much more excited to see Spiderman and Blade II (even after Harry butchered that review!).
March 18, 2002, 11:22 a.m. CST
by hatchme
I am so tired of hearing people complain about TPM. It did what it was supposed to do: set up the saga. It wasn't intended to be this ultimate Star Wars experience, it's purpose was expository, in my humble opinion. God I'm sick of whiners and complainers that can never find anything good to say. No it wasn't a perfect film, but what is? I enjoyed it myself.
March 18, 2002, 11:32 a.m. CST
by RogueWarrior65
Don't get me wrong, I'm soooooo looking forward to this film. But.... All of the CG I've seen in the trailers looks muted, flat, and lifeless. In the latest trailer, the chrome ship REALLY sucks like a Kirby vacuum. Alex Lindsay's queen ship in Phantom Menace was a thousand times better. Yo, ILM, quit using the crappy Maya and Mental Ray renderers.
March 18, 2002, 11:48 a.m. CST
by fuckpuppet
For starters, where is the loveable Geordi Laforge in all this? I mean, he's a major character in this story arc and his ability to detect subspace thermal signatures will only be compounded by the infusion of the Jedi antigens in his bloodstream. Secondly, everybody knows that the Cylon Raiders and the Tusken Raiders are planning a big team-up against the clones, but there's going to be some bigtime doublecrossing going on. And that's just the beginning. This review is obviously a farce. www.wehatesheep.com
March 18, 2002, 12:15 p.m. CST
by Renata
First off, a brief moment to address the negative talkers. Deep down, everone of them knows they'll be in line to see AOTC. They can rant, rave, talk about a boycott (geez, I remember when a boycott meant trying to get Civil Rights), etc. But they'll be there, arms folded, lips pursed in anger, their laptops fired up, reviews already written. They simply won't be able to tolerate this little movie that's ripped their hopes of total Hobbit domination from reality. Do everyone a favor, guys. Don't show up. AOTC will suck. AOTC is not worth your time. AOTC is not worth your money. It is an abomination, a pox, upon humanity. The rest of the world will let you know about it, ok? Now, to Harry's review. It is perfectly reasonable that someone on the Ranch made an AVID output and showed it to him. During TPM, an assistant in post production snuck a copy out to watch it with his girlfriend. The story goes: They got into a fight that night, he stormed out. When he returned, the girlfriend, the VCR, and the tape were gone, never to be seen again. Needless to say, the assistant was fired the next day. So, things leaving the Ranch is not unheard of. I'm glad Harry liked the movie (to put it mildly; the most "entertaining" of all the movies?). This is not the first rough cut review I've read but it's pretty much in line with all the rest. The compass seems to be pointing north this time. Yet, I'll remain anxious but cautious. Not because AOTC won't be a well made, exciting movie. The colors on that verdict are filling in a little. But I've personally changed so much over the years. Will I be able to accept a movie--any movie--that doesn't wallow in pessimissm, ugliness, and dark violence? Can I accept Lucas' Eisenhower era nostalgia for good and evil? We'll see. At the very least, it seems it'll be more entertaining than most summer movies and, as I pretty much wrote off all of last summer's products, this gives me heart. In addition, I personally applaud Lucas for not making his movies dark and cynical, a la Matrix or Blade. It would have been so simple for him to do so, as everyone in filmmaking tends to follow trends. But to his credit, and to the critics who say he only follows the dollar signs, he chose to make the movies the way he always envisioned them to be. Also, I applaud him for picking Ep 1-3 as the final trilogy. If Lucas were just a corporate whore, wouldn't it have been simpler to make Ep 7-9? He easily could have brought back the same actors, the same characters, and just cashed in on the nostalgic, sequel factor. Also, the audiences wouldn't know how that trilogy ended. I think by picking the birth of Darth Vader as his final opus, he stacked the decks against himself by introducing new characters and an ending that's preordained. In any case, I'm looking forward to Ep 2. I haven't seent the newest trailer in a theatre but word of mouth says it looks and plays much better. The 24P HD camera doesn't show the flaws it did on television. In this I will have to disagree with Dr. Floyd. Personally, I'm only rooting for the 24P to work for economic reasons. It will really put the fear into studios that anyone can go out and make their own movies now (Sony rents the camera for $5000/month). It could open the door for many filmmakers who won't sacrifice quality for money. Yes, most DPs hate it. Most DPs will never use it. A few directors won't, either. And I hope to God we never stop shooting on film, as nothing can replace its contrast and warmth. But some filmmakers will use it, regardless of what a DP thinks. James Cameron, Zemeckis, and Coppola have already announced their support for the format. I hear Herzog is planning a movie on video. I think people like Cronenberg and Egoyan would be open to it. Soderbergh is making a feature now on DV, not even HD. I agree with Roger Ebert's assertion that audiences watch video differently than they watch film, due to the lack of a flicker in video that can subconciously stimulate senses in the brain. Apparently, Lucas took this into account and Ep 2 is the first "video" film to use a "flicker" technology. Wild, isn't it? But as with anything with regards to Star Wars these days, I'll hope for the best and expect little.
March 18, 2002, 12:17 p.m. CST
by JMYoda
I feel you're all setting yourselves up for another major disappointment getting all excited again. If you go into AOTC thinking it will be a great film, or worse - the greatest SW film you're likely to be heartbroken again like we all where in 1999. Harry's credibility has been MIA since around 1998. He REALLY lost me in his review when he said AOTC is the most entertaining Star Wars film ever. Had he just wrote a review saying "this film is substantially better then TPM and it will be a fun ride, just don't expect ANH or 'Empire", then I could take this review seriously and I might even have even gotten a bit excited. Anyone who says this review will get him "banned from the Ranch" needs a clue. This glowing review is likely to get him a VIP trip to the Ranch complete with a rubdown massage by a couple of babes made to look like twi'lek girls. Do you actually think with the ultra-secretive Lucas and Lucasfilm's tight security that a copy of the rough cut could have leaked out without their knowledge? I find it interesting that the reason it was leaked is because someone is tired of LOTR stealing Lucas' thunder. They know that the majority of die-hard fans, who fell in love with the original trilogy twenty-five years ago are anticipating "The Two Towers" way more then "Attack of the Clones". Oh and RedFive, I see it's gotten to the point where Lucas apologists such as yourself now KNOW you can't defend TPM on it's merits so instead you attack TPM detractors by saying they're not SW fans if they don't love TPM. Liking any crap with the Star Wars label on it isn't what being a true fan is about. If someone fed you gourmet meals for 20 years and then one day they slopped a big plate of dog shit on the table, would you eat it and say it was "very tasty" out of loyalty? I've been a die-hard Star Wars fan for 25 years. I'm guessing that's long before you where even born. I've seen the OT over a thousand times. I have a huge Star Wars collection that would make any fanboy salivate like a junk yard dog watching his master it a prime rib steak. DO you honestly think someone like me would dedicate a huge portion of their life and their income into something they didn't love dearly? The truth is while "The Phantom Menace" wasn't terrible, just mediocre, if you compare it to the quality to the original trilogy, especially ANH and 'Empire' it was a steaming pile of Bantha poodoo. It was a badly written, badly acted (except for Neeson and McDiarmid) Saturday morning cartoon for kiddies. (Feel free to email me for my detailed review that goes over every flaw point by point.) From what I've seen of AOTC thus far it doesn't look much better. Tons of CGI sets, CGI effects and more lethargic performances by actors bored out of their skull because of all the bluescreen work. I hope I'm wrong,I hope I come out of the theater on May 16th feeling like a kid again with renewed faith in Mr. Lucas. I dearly love that galaxy far, far away with all my heart. No matter how the prequels come out I will always be a huge die-hard fan of the original trilogy. It's why even after being very disappointed with TPM I can't let it go because Star Wars has been a part of my life since I was just a toddler back in '77. It's ingrained into my psyche and part of who I am just like cowboys and westerns are part of who my father is. I'm just very disappointed that Lucas forgot pretty much everything he ever said in those old making-of specials. How "special effects with out a story is a pretty boring thing". Also how using as much real sets and real locations as possible makes the FX look more real. For the climatic battle in AOTC the old Lucas would have gone to death valley and filmed all the live-action elements there and then expanded and enhanced it with CGI. Instead we have our heroes fighting on a CGI set with CGIa aliens, CGI droids and CGI clonetroopers. Because of that they look pasted in there. Back in '79 Lucas could have filmed the live action elements of the Hoth battle on a set with fake snow but he knew it would be more realistic if they filmed in Norway and the effects people had to make sure the miniature set matched the real environment. Now he's gotten lazy. No more sets, animatronic aliens or location shooting. I can just imagine Lucas on the set. "Lets just put the actors in front of a blue screen and add in the sets, clone troopers, droids, aliens and everything else later. Oh and lets not bother to get the actors to give good exciting performances. I won't even say 'Faster and more intense! anymore. Who cares about the acting anyway? Lets just take the first cut of every scene even if they sound like they're about to fall asleep. Oh and forget about putting a fan in front of the air speeder. Whose gonna notice that there's no wind even when they're going 400mph? Star Wars fans are a bunch of saps who will love anything I make! I stopped caring years ago!!!" Of course I know he doesn't actually SAY all that but after seeing TPM and now the AOTC trailers it's what I imagine.
March 18, 2002, 12:44 p.m. CST
by Nitflegal
Let me see, they're still working on the movie, LucasFilm security is tighter than NORAD's, and someone just so happened to sneak out one of the very few (maybe the only one) copies of the rough cut and only happened to breeeze it by the owner of the most-hit internet spoiler sight who just so happens to be such a SW fan that he praised TPM? Right. . . Perhaps, aware that the buzz is much lighter this time around due to TPM and 2 months before the release date(the perfect time to start buzz without time to dissipate) they picked a guy who could be almost counted on to love the movie to watch a rough cut, secure in the knowledge that he would trumpet it on his site and it'll probably be on ET tonight. Oh sure, there will be nasty press-releases from LucasFilm but I don't buy for a moment that it wasn't purposeful on their part. Say what you will about Lucas, but the man knows PR better than almost anyone else out there. That said, I do believe that Harry gave an honest review. Sure he's enthusiatic, who wouldn't be? I didn't care for TPM, but I'm willing to hope that he got it right this time. I'll give him a chance. Matt
March 18, 2002, 12:47 p.m. CST
by viola123
Oh gosh, that was an amazing read! You had me scared for a minute there with your introduction though. I feared the worst and then you allayed those fears with this lovely review. I could "see" it all. It's beautiful. I can't imagine what it's going to be like to actually watch this thing. My gosh, my heart is in my throat just thinking of Ewan as Obi-Wan. I knew he'd be perfect!!
March 18, 2002, 1 p.m. CST
by MrCere
I never took my disappointment with TPM to the level of personal attacks on G. Lucas, as far too many here did, but I didn't like the show much. I liked it much less because I wanted and hoped it would be much more. It wasn't a good film. I will be happy to say that to Mr. Lucas' face and not with vitriol and spite, but in a friendly conversational film. Now people here, led by Knowles, are trying to tell me I am not a Star Wars fan? Your opinions about me are invalid, seeing as I am the reigning authority on me. I am a Star Wars fan. My grade-school annual photos recorded me wearing Star Wars shirts and Mellenium Falcon shirts when other kids had to wear collard shirts or their best dress up clothes for picture day. I have waited in lines and read horrible books (I stopped) bought toys and looked forward to films. I am as steeped in SW fanship as I can be without buying a complete storm trooper outfit. Still, TPM was NOT a very good movie. I hope Lucasfilm will give us a better product. I will not be in line, I will not be raising my hopes, I will not be at the first midnight screening. I am still and always will be a fan and while any of you can SAY otherwise, you will be wrong.
March 18, 2002, 1:04 p.m. CST
by Azlam Orlandu
I'm currently attending 'The Art Institutes International San Fransisco. The reason I went off to school (like many others) was because I wanted to be the next Lucas. Star Wars inspired us as children and it's only fair to not drop him in favor of crap like 'The Matrix'. But now it seems that nobody has any love for uncle George. Even if Episode II sucks ass the man has made so many contributions to the world of cinema we should all kiss his ass. Now it appears that Lucas is giving us another reason to run off to art school with Episode II. I have fully supported the prequels even after seeing Episode 1. Having the foresight to assume that the first film relied heavily on the next two I took all the kiddie shit with stride. Now it looks like uncle George is going to make all ye' talkbackers eat their tongues, and truly make us true believers giddie as children again. Although some of you will never be satisfied and that's okay, people who flip burgers for a living are so dissatisfied on so many levels already. Jedi-me, Yoda-me, always-Padme-me, fucking Obi-Wan-me, Sith-me, hell even Anakin-me (he's a Skywalker for christ sake they've never been cool in the first place)! I can't fucking wait! I hate you all (except you Harry, you've given me something to be hopeful for), -AZ
March 18, 2002, 1:28 p.m. CST
by Det. John Kimble
By the way, so did 'Six Feet Under' last night.
March 18, 2002, 1:34 p.m. CST
by Kikstad
You succeeded in pumping me up for this film even more than I already was! And thnakfully you did it without any major spoilers! You're the man! STAR WARS FOREVER!!! Long live the Jedi.
March 18, 2002, 1:50 p.m. CST
by Charlie_Brown
No, No, No. I really want to HATE this film. I need to hate Lucas in his indifferent money bubble. I would love for Lucas to loose his shirt. I had every intention of boycotting AOTC.
March 18, 2002, 2:01 p.m. CST
by Mr. Vegas
OMG!!!! Thanks AICN! AOTC CGI rules! ILM is great! Saw it on the IMDB! Looks cooler than TPM, ROTJ, ESB and SW altogether. GL is A-OK! May-B they'll E-ven beat out LOTR and TT!!!!! GL and PJ are fuckin-A! What a thrill! mv.
March 18, 2002, 2:02 p.m. CST
by NoCureForFools
AH-HA! I knew it! I just knew it! I knew Lucas hadn't completely lost it. even in playing that new Jedi Starfighter video game, you can tell, there is something about where this is all going that just seems so right, so perfect. thank god! i knew it would come back... i love Star Wars. May 16th can't come soon enough.***** btw, Anakin is supposed to be an arrogant prick. your supposed to think, god what a bastard. remember: he's been brought up believing that he is "the chosen one", essentially that he is Jesus Christ. that he is the most powerful kid in the galaxy. if you knew this as a teenager, wouldn't you have been an unreasonable bastard? i know i fuckin' would. this all sounds really, really good and i can't fuckin' wait to see how the GeekCouncil's opinion of Lucas changes drastically. how everyone forgets their other favorite franchises and goes nearly bankrupt buying every single shread of Star Wars related merchandise they can get their hadns on. thanks George!
March 18, 2002, 2:15 p.m. CST
by NoCureForFools
geezus h. khristopher. you know, it is okay to enjoy both films. nobody is going to punish you for having an open mind and enjoying all the GeekWorld has to offer. really, it's okay. personally, i'm way more excited about Star Wars, but that's my preference. Star Wars made an indeliable impression on my young mind back in 1977 that basically stuck with me. i also enjoy LOTR, just not as much. and you know what? that's fine. really, it's okay to enjoy them both. i wish Lucas and Jackson would get together for a press conference and say this. you do know that Lucas visited teh LOTR set and everybody got along, talked shop, right? you do understand that these are films, not poltical or religious ideologies? you do understand that underneath it all, they are very similar stories? you do understand this don't you?
March 18, 2002, 2:34 p.m. CST
by drjones
"TRUST"!! that has nothing to do with "TRUST"! it is only a question of everybody`s own taste ...ok?
March 18, 2002, 3:40 p.m. CST
by Fatal Discharge
Even if AOTC is THAT great, which I somehow doubt, how can it make a previous bad film any better. TPM still has the same gee-whiz antiseptic effects (where nothing is ever dirty) to distract from the wooden human performances, horrible and predictable storyline, ineffective and lame villains (Darth Maul and the puny stick-figure robot army), and reviled pathetic sidekick Jar Jar. And Harry when you said, TPM divided fans into the faithful and those that hated it, you should've substituted "faithful" with "blind and deluded".
March 18, 2002, 3:55 p.m. CST
by BigW
Like many SW fans, I suffered from my lofty expectations regarding Episode I. I was very disappointed in it, although it did have good points. However, I have not been expecting much for Episode II until I saw the new trailer, and read your review. Thanks for getting me excited about this again, and I'll just pretend (for my sake, not yours)that I never read that disturbing Blade II review :) !
March 18, 2002, 3:57 p.m. CST
by viola123
I cannot wait to see this film but you know, in regards to Harry saying that "Attack of the Clones" will make "The Phantom Menace" better, I totally believe it. If "AotC" succeeds, as we all hope it does, it will bring clarity to "TPM," which is what a lot of people had a problem with from go. "TPM" seemed out of joint with the other "Star Wars" films, but all the while, didn't we know that it was setting up the next two? I know that some argue that films, regardless if they are part of a trilogy or not, should be an entity in and of itself, but I always felt that "TPM" was leading us to something new. Although we were familiar with the story, the characters, there were still many things that had to be set up. "TPM" does that and although it is a bit like a kid's movie, it will make sense in the grander scheme, that is, the whole prequel arc. With "AotC," we are getting more pieces of the puzzle and now the holes that "TPM" set up are no longer as glaring, for they've been sealed.
March 18, 2002, 4:27 p.m. CST
by Merkin Muffley
No, I don't believe that for a second, but if you're going to be cynical and accuse Harry of stuff, why not accuse him of creating this "review" to build excitement for his book signing which he casually mentions at the end of the review? again, I don't think that's the case, just pushing cynical buttons.
March 18, 2002, 4:34 p.m. CST
by hktelemacher
March 18, 2002, 4:57 p.m. CST
by AlyFox
I haven't even gotten to the meat of the review yet, and I want to say one thing: "you don't want to hear that, you want to hear about Episode II". Good observation. Keep that in mind in all future reviews where you feel inclined to tell everyone about what you had for breakfast and a thousand other tangents before reviewing a film. Love your site, respect you much, but heed your own words in the future. Oh yeah, and I like cussing as much as the next guy, but what ever happened to the guidelines you post about what can get deleted? Do you guys ever read these posts? Do you delete ANYTHING?
March 18, 2002, 4:57 p.m. CST
by Electric_Monk
The issue as I see it, and have thought this since TPM, is that Lucas does know what he
March 18, 2002, 4:59 p.m. CST
by Gregzero
I have this image... Harry drugged, blindfolded, and led into a dark hotel room. As he comes to he sees... George Lucas himself! That's why the source is so well protected! Roswell!!! Roswell!!! Long live the Alkaline Trio! GregZero has spoken.
March 18, 2002, 5:24 p.m. CST
by Nordling
Great review, great scoop. The haters are drooling, and the other sites are green with envy. That's why I love you guys.
March 18, 2002, 5:25 p.m. CST
by Nordling
Great review, great scoop. The haters are drooling, and the other sites are green with envy. That's why I love you guys.
March 18, 2002, 5:26 p.m. CST
by o2thx
The post before mine, by Redfive!, makes absolutely no sense at all. Why the hell would we have lined up in the first place if we were not true Star Wars fans!? www.liningup.net
March 18, 2002, 5:28 p.m. CST
by SoulJacker
You won't mooooooooooooooooore???????
March 18, 2002, 5:57 p.m. CST
by SpanishPantlones
Harry has "taken the quick and easy path and become an agent of evil"-well maybe not pure evil but he's encouraged theft and betrayal by a Lucas film employee(s). These people who live in extremely expensive Marin county or SF, who collect a paycheck from the George Lucas have violated his trust and confidentiality agreement. I don't approve and neither should Harry nor should he have accepted this invitation to engage in a spiritually dibilitating, unauthorized viewing of AotC. Sources who provide reviews from test or private screenings are fair game 'cause the people responsible for screening the film are allowing it to be viewed and are taking a chance of a leak; in this case the tape was STOLEN. A scoop is a scoop. This was a criminal act and I hope George grabs the culprit by the neck and raises him 2 feet of the ground and throws him/her against a wall! I'll settle for him suing the shit out of them, shirts off their backs! A Star Wars "fan" without integredy has missed the whole point of the series. And why would anyone want to see AotC for the first time on a TV anyway? Harry said he cried when he saw the special editions on the big screen in '97, as if the BIG SCREEN lent so much importance to the viewing experience. Whatever... He also said he LOVED JAR JAR? His review seems inconsistent with his attitude about the TPM; so much so that I didn't believe it was real and hoped that someone hacked into AICN and posted that review as a prank. The fact that it's a positive review doesn't make it ok to participate in artistic Piracy. Having no ethics? IT AINT COOL dude.
March 18, 2002, 6:02 p.m. CST
by TheMatarife
I bet lucas has an aneurysm after hearing about this review.
March 18, 2002, 6:05 p.m. CST
by FargoUT
OMG! This one little statement negated any opinion Harry had. Digital projection is such a God-awful idea, I can't even begin to explain. All magic will be removed from the movie-going experience. I've seen digital projection, and there is OBVIOUSLY a difference. There is just something wrong with the picture. I can't explain it. Read Ebert's opinion of digital projection. Digital filmmaking will eventually destroy Hollywood. STOP NOW!
March 18, 2002, 6:06 p.m. CST
by SkirveOfBorg
Ok no doubt AOTC will rock...TFM was good i liked it...but if people are getting this hyped for Part 2 just think what the hype level is gonna be for the Anakin Obi Wan duel that`s gonna raise the roof even if the rest of the movie looked like it was shot on 8mm cine film..that will be one of the most anticipated and defining moments of the whole SW story
March 18, 2002, 6:09 p.m. CST
by AlyFox
"You don
March 18, 2002, 6:28 p.m. CST
by Lenny Nero
Digital FILMING itself I think is a great idea. Let's see how AOTC and Jason X look, and then we can discuss. Digital filmmaking, otherwise, allows great stories to come forth (I fucking LOVE Anniversary Party). So.....yeah
March 18, 2002, 6:29 p.m. CST
by analogdoom
I am a Dallas native,, and I go to Austin every spring break for SXSW! Had I known that there was a pirate showing of Episode II,, I would have said fuck the music, and paid the 100 some odd dollars for a wristband and try to bribe the proprietor of the film. Harry, you suck, but you got me even more exited than I could possibly be!
March 18, 2002, 6:39 p.m. CST
by Virgil Sollozzo
for all the faithful who knew tpm was just setting up something better, the same way anh, x-men, lotr were. Thank You, Mr. Knowles.
March 18, 2002, 7:07 p.m. CST
by Dalrymple
Thanks for the great review. Does anyone perchance know the official release date for AOTC in Britain? email@example.com, Thanks. BTW Harry, did you know that you are the subject of a magazine feature for the biggest broadsheet in Britain, The Times? Well probably, yeah, as they interviewed you for it. But you you know they devoted a three page spread to you? They really like you... D
March 18, 2002, 7:15 p.m. CST
by lostvegabrother
...OK maybe when I was ill recently I got subjected to Oprah by the woman a little too much, but I think a lot of people have lost sight of something important here. So here's a few things I'm grateful for... LUCAS - Thanks George not just for Star Wars, I personally want to say thanks for Indy more! Damn I love "Raiders" and want it on DVD BAD (I hope the rumour I read today that a 2 disc set should be out before the years end). Without Lucas kiddies we would'nt have the movies the way we do today (& up yours to those who complain that movies are worse as a result, go sit in a corner & watch "Casablanca" one more time and leave me to my own opinion). I know some "blockbusters" (Godzilla, Armageddon, Twister et all) can appear hollow & leave bad tastes in our mouths, but we would'nt have our "Matrix" or even "LOTR" experiences without him. & before anyone says "Raiders" was Spielberg (& bless him too!), there would be no Indy without George. Make all the money you can, you deserve every cent. & people that moan about your $ are just pissed they don't have the creativity you have in one of your toenails... See you with some more dollars for you coffers on May 16th! HARRY - forget the fat jokes, these are directed by morons who have no other level to work on. Damn I love this site! It's reading this sort of stuff that make all the pathetic moaners worth filtering through. Still the 1st site I go to. I have read the article on Coming Attractions, and I disagree. Yes you had a choice, you had the choice to share or not to share. You chose to share, & I don't think for one moment it was to rub our faces in it. or stroke your own ego because you got to see it first. I think this article is here because we as fellow film geeks had a right to know what you thought. & I thought that was the point of this site. I wouldnt log in if I didnt want to know. TARANTINO - Have to throw this in. I want "Kill Bill", I want "Glorious Bastards", I want anything you throw at me, because with the exception of "Four Rooms", you've never disappointed. I don't care what anyone says, "Brothers Vega" will work. I don't care that Vic & Vincent are dead. It's a frigging movie. You can work it. GIMME! GIMME! GIMME! I will be grateful for everything you do, but give me one more moment of Fiction, I'm hanging out... My apologies, I know that's off the subject, I just feel compelled to keep saying these things.... Peace & Love fellow Geeks! May Spiderman rock! May AOTC rule! May LOTR pick up a shitload of Oscars next week, and so may the next 2!
March 18, 2002, 7:30 p.m. CST
by jollydwarf
Or "Fellowship" for that matter. Look, we don't know how good "X2" and "The Two Towers" are going to be. Namely because they one hasn't even started principal photography and the other is still 8-9 months away. But the main thing is a movie's lackluster quality and appeal are never excused by 'setting up the next one.' You can have an open-ended film with the intent of at least one sequel clear, but that doesn't redeem such disappointments as "The Phantom Menace". The film was childish and clearly was trying way too hard to drawn in the real young 'uns. Look at "Harry Potter." A film can escape a critical scalping and STILL draw in the tykes at the same time. (It doesn't matter if any of you obstinant fucks insist that "Menace" was the better film. I guarantee you that the overall public/critical consensus of "Potter" is higher. Grading curves be damned, especially because "Potter" was subject of MORE scrutiny from an adaption standpoint.) If Episode II sucks for the viewer, is it okay if it's just setting up a cathartic Episode III? Hell, if you think about it, the whole Prequel Trilogy is just a set-up for three films you've already seen. I don't expect every movie in a franchise to be equally good, but that doesn't mean that the first film should create the "can't-go-anywhere-but-up" scenario. I hope that Ep II is markedly better than Ep I, but I sure wouldn't have minded the subject being debatable in the event that Ep II succeeds. But something tells me that if this movie is good, people will only watch Ep I for the "complete experience" and not because they really savor the event. I loved "Unbreakable" (this is going to turn a LOT of you off) even if it was the film that was a set-up for films that probably will never be made. And if there were a sequel, I doubt it could make the original better in hindsight. Sorry I kept it dry this time, but I just can't compete with The Author Formerly Known as Harry and his "Erotic City" stylings. Excuse me while I adjust my taped-up glasses and take a swig of this dee-licious Yoo Hoo.
March 18, 2002, 7:41 p.m. CST
by Gasgano
Whoa! All four of my arms are flailing wildly! Great review, and since I've already ranted about TPM detractors on more than one occasion I'll restrain myself this time since it looks like it's being addressed above. Would have liked to hear more about the climactic Jedi v. various nasty mechanicals, especially the reason why so many Jedi would allow themselves to get caught in such a situation! Also, if Christopher Lee is half as good in this as he was in LOTR, this movie will rock. Gotta go, podrace in an hour...
March 18, 2002, 7:55 p.m. CST
by jollydwarf
You know, I was re-reading the review, namely because it's a "review" and not a "Taxi Cab Confession." But that's neither here nor there. The main thing that struck me is that Anakin is a prick and the kind of guy that would trip you in the hall and laugh (I don't care who you are in this instance). Obi-Wan **probably** could kick Anakin's ass. But Obi-Wan is the pure "Good Guy" and observes protocol and the rules and wouldn't dream of distracting his overall mission with a woman. (Keep the gay jokes in your back pocket for at least one more minute, please) Anyways, Padme also puts up a fight and isn't down with "Ani" for the better part of the film. But obviously, just by looking at Luke and Leia, SOMETHING happened, right? So what is Lucas telling us? Who are we? Are we Obi-Wan or Anakin? Clearly this taps into the "virgins survive" rule that permeates horror films. Do filmmakers punish those with sexual prowess to get back at their real-life counterparts? You better believe it. But this goes at least one layer deeper. Lucas is reiterating by Anakin's bratty disposition coupled with Padme's reluctance that yes, even in that galaxy far, far away, the Class-A Jerk gets the girl(s). Han was a likable jerk, because he wasn't omnipotent. But a jerk he was. Like any salesperson, ethics will very quickly become a hindrance to your main objective. So when we're watching this film hating on Anakin, is it because he's just a punk with incredible talent, or because you see him looking down at you while students pass by, your notebook a mess, papers getting kicked further and further away, with Obi Wan walking over to give you a hand and shaking his head in disgust as Anakin walks away, grabbing a couple girls' asses....
March 18, 2002, 7:59 p.m. CST
by rubby
That's just it. Plain and simple. This review was perfect, and it showed why Harry is so damn good at what he does, referencing past work and using scenes from the film to illustrate his points and bringing his own feelings into the movie as well as thoughts of others who think about what summer 2002 will bring. I admit I know I've pissed off a lot of people over the years here. I loved LOTR: FOTR as a great movie (Peter Jackson has risen up and I will be eager to see where he goes next) and Spiderman will be spectactular with Sam Raimi having done so many unofficial comic book movies (Evil Dead series, Darkman) that the movie can't fail. But as for Star Wars, we'll I've loved all the Star Wars pics, each special to me in their own ways and personally I was one of the few I think who felt Phantom Menace was perfect as a pre-lude to the old trilogy. The point of that film was this is the rise of Palpatine, that it is he, not Vader or Boba Fett or Jabba, Sidious is the ultimate Star Wars villian. The scene of look on his face just as Amidala announces a vote of "no confidence" in Chancellor Vallorum got to me because I knew then, that was it..that was the most important part of the prequels. And it seems Episode 2 is not only fulfilling these expectations of mine but even surpassing them. I've never been one of those who has complained Spielberg or Lucas raped my childhood, I'll say that at the risk of being insulted or whatever torture. I've had my disagreements with Spielberg but understand why he wants to take the direction he's going. I've enjoyed Lucas simply for being a good filmmaker of entertaining me and it looks as if he's done it again.
March 18, 2002, 8:05 p.m. CST
by msufresh18
This is the first time that I talk back, and the last time that I ever visit this site. But this is the final straw with Harry. I believe that he may be the biggest liar in the business. It has been little things up to this point, but this is the weirdest. Harry's quote during his review of star wars Episode one three years ago concerning Jar Jar Binks..."MESA LOVED HIM". Now harry is saying that when Jar Jar speaks it reminded him of all the bad aspects of the character during Episode one....come on Harry, it's gone on long enough, admit you are a fake and find a job somewhere else (maybe at hustler, you showed you could all write a disgusting porn with your disgusting and embarrasing review of Blade 2).
March 18, 2002, 8:10 p.m. CST
by Nucky_Lumbers
Yes, TPM sucked on about 20 different levels: Jar Jar, needless underwater scene, goofy drones, the kid who played Ani, etc. I hate to beat this dead horse, but there was something in TPM that no one ever talks about. Perhaps they've chosen not to remember. It's that two-headed Howard Cosell alien at the pod race. The announcer. That thing was, without a doubt, the lamest alien ever conceived. Mel Brooks wouldn't have put that thing in Space Balls. Retarded. It was things like that, that totally ruined the continuity of TPM. If Lucas would put that up on the big screen, he's capable of anything. No matter how good AotC is, TPM will always be a stinking pile. In my mind, it's not even a Star Wars movie. It was the Muppet Show: lots of silly, harmless puppets and lots of Hollywood guest stars.
March 18, 2002, 8:18 p.m. CST
by jollydwarf
Oh, my friend, I have not forgotten the Al Michaels/John Madden of podracing. I have tried, mind you, but alas, no, I have not forgotten. While casting may have trapped G-Lu with a terrible actor in Jake Lloyd and while Lucas may have honestly from the outset thought Jar Jar to be funny, the only appropriate reaction to that two-headed abomination is "WHATTHEFUCK?!" When I heard that fucker open up his traps, I knew that Lucas was fucking with us. Big time.
March 18, 2002, 8:38 p.m. CST
by Retrace
the first time I masterbated after seeing TPM I closed my eyes and pictured Jar Jar giving me a reach around. Upon repeat viewings I felt ashamed and alone. I needed to be held. I'm okay now.....hi
March 18, 2002, 8:47 p.m. CST
by Kiyone
Now I have to do this... ____________ Doc Bruce Banner, Pelted by Gamma Rays, Turns into the HULK, (kid)"Ain't he unglamorous" <---[note: mispronounce "unglamorous" so that it rhymes with "gamma rays"] Threatens the town, With the power Of-A-Bull, Ain't no Monster Clown, Who is as lovable. As ever lovin' Hulk. (Hulk, HULK!)
March 18, 2002, 8:50 p.m. CST
by EnlightenmentHK
It really pains me to see the existance of this two bit hack version of a website perpetuated even further than it ever should have been. If anyone can answer why this person is paraded along talk and news circuits as the sole representative of the online film community, perpetuating the worst of the internet film geek stereotype for the mainstream populace to mock, please let me know. This sights format looks slightly better than what a 5 year old MS patient with finger paints can do. It is entirely unnavigable. Very unproffessional. About as in depth as the cover page of USA Today (popcorn journalism at its best) And worst of all, it continually degrades the already questionable good name of 'internet journalism'. Yet people come here. The mainstream media feeds their biggest tidbits to this sorry specimen of a journalist. Perhaps this is a means to eliminate serious competition? If the mainstream movie press holds up an incapable hack as the paradigm of the internet film community, then noone will truly take it seriously. And people will continue to watch ET and Extra for their outdated film scoops. And this current debacle, which I don't doubt is real, has spiked the already undeserved internet traffic to this sight to ridiculous heights. As a moviebuff and frequent internet movie sight goer, I did not elect Harry Knowles to be my representative. How he came to prominence is an utter mystery and he casts a disgusting example of our entire group. Harry Knowles gives internet journalism, film buffs, internet goers, and just about anyone else remotely connected to this burgeoning franchise a terribly bad name. He is also under this pretentious notion that he himself is a celebrity. His reviews continually begin with a page or two on his eating habits, what song was on the radio before he parked, how sore the blisters on his feet were, and a load of other nonsensical crap that noone cares about. All in the frantically pathetic pursuit of making his own life seem important in the grand scheme of things. And as others have pointed out, unlike respectable critics who actually get salary from respected journalism entities, Harry Knowles has his face perpetually buried in the arse of any major film creator, director, or studio who provides him with the slightest hint of inside information. He is unreliable. His reviews uncredible. And his opinions, much like another large greasy public figure, turn continually on the wheel of public opinion. Whereever the winds may blow or the powers that be choose to nudge him, Harry will go. Yet the memory of even the internet community are too short to recall this. I've not visited this site in some time. It took a scoop of this magnitude to bring me here. And I'm already sorry to have wasted my time. Perhaps a few will actually read this and spare themselves the misery of being a continual regular to this horrid site.
March 18, 2002, 9:16 p.m. CST
by STRIDER355
I, for one, don't mind Harry's babblings, so long as they have relevance to the movie in one way or another. And we all know that most of us aren't the typical "geeks" people peg us as. That makes it all the more fun when I start rambling off Silmarillion or Star Wars trivia at a party or with my Marine buddies. So, let's lay off Harry, there, eh bud? Don't lose sleep over a movie reviwer. And my faith is slightly restored in the new trilogy. TPM was good, but nowhere near as magical as the ANH or ESB. Let's hope AOTC restores that magic and awe. But we already know, from the trailers, that at least NATALIE PORTMAN (aka, The Hottest Actress After Racheal Leigh Cook) will restore it.
March 18, 2002, 9:31 p.m. CST
by Shakespeare
One of the biggest problems with the speed of the Internet (and specifically this site) is that there is so much rush to get the information out, that there is no time for reflection. Harry, don't you remember your glowing review of GODZILLA in which you got so caught up in the hype that you somehow saw a good movie where none existed? I haven't seen the footage and can't comment on what you've seen, but man does your review reek of fanboy adrenaline. I really have to wonder how the movie compares to your "experience" of getting to see it on the sly. If offered the same chance to preview the movie, I'm sure I'd be equally awestruck by the experience. But that experience has little to do with the quality of the movie. If you want people to take your reviews seriously, it's time to think about getting some perspective before you post reviews. It's the difference between a professional and a fanboy.
March 18, 2002, 9:32 p.m. CST
by jollydwarf
Just watch the smattering of typos, my friend. There's nothing like a wrong letter here or there to instantly pulverize your argument by those who didn't want to humor it in the first place. And that's really what I'm here to tell you. You see, there is a faction here that has gone far beyond being a movie buff, geek, aficiando, lover, etc. They are clearly the ones who revel in the stereotype that Mr. Knowles (and to a lesser extent, Moriarty) perpetuate. I don't even consider them to be the majority of the visitors here. But they are vocal and eternally loyal to someone whose presence and image says "Hey, it's okay to be a big, fat cliche." Please note the non-descript nature of other movie sites' founders. You're probably right that Hollywood wanted a real-life version of "The Comic Book Guy" from the Simpsons to embody the "Internet Geek Guru" icon, and they couldn't be happier now. You know, you raise an exotic bird in a cage all its life and then years later you open the door and--surprise!--it doesn't want to fly out. Harry's true supporters WANT to remain in that cage. Hell, I can say this not out of elitism, but because I have looked into the pit, I have teetered on the brink, yada yada yada. I come here frequently because I concede that they get a lot of 'cool news' and more than half of it turns out to be true. That's credit where credit is due. But there's obviously more going on than just straight-up news here. There is the ongoing process of one man's gradual ascent (manipulationcoughcough) to the lofty heights occupied not by cult figures, but by household names. Harry is admittedly the counterpoint to Roger Eggbert. You know, too much credibility sure turns a lot of people off. But EnlightenmentHK, take solace in the fact that many here would like to see the Emperor fall sooner than later. But using this forum to call him out is somewhat akin to bashing President Bush for his corrupt ties right after a terrorist tragedy. You aren't going to hear a lot of vocal support. But I don't care because this is a realm of nothing but words, usually poorly strung together. I only wrote this because I knew that you'd be checking back, having left such an ire-provoking post. I just wanted to reassure you that not everyone here is in his corner. Only those screaming the loudest. Hopefully, this is one revolution that will not be televised.
March 18, 2002, 9:34 p.m. CST
by Tabascowl
No mention of Mace Windu, Im really excited about seeing Sam "SHUT THE FUCK UP" Jackson kicking ass with his lightsaber but no mention of him in the review. How Could you disrespect a brother like that?
March 18, 2002, 9:51 p.m. CST
by NerdBird
cunnalingus, does that mean Starwars Episode II is like a blow job? Personally, I am with those who think this site is at risk of Lucas bringing the hammer down. I suppose there is hope as long as Harry doesn't announce he has hacked the oscar winners. But I am getting worried. Things don't seem to be quite under control these days. Some people either need to start taking their medication, or ease off on it.
March 18, 2002, 10 p.m. CST
by GrubStreeter
Do they attack or not? Yoda, Obi-Wan, whatever...I'm paying to see attacking clones!
March 18, 2002, 10:14 p.m. CST
by a goonie
and therefore, i hope to God you're right, Harry. i hope this does rule. I WANT THIS TO RULE. i'm not expecting this movie to be as good as A New Hope. Episode 4 is one of my favourite movies of all time. it's the most innocent, the most dramatic, the most serious film of the whole bunch thus far. but here, i want that last trailer stretched out to two hours. i want FUN. i want a movie that is damned exciting, and a real thrill-ride, while managing at the same time to be A GREAT MOVIE. that's what i want. and it looks like that's what i'm gonna get.
March 18, 2002, 10:15 p.m. CST
by a goonie
that was so damn funny, Harry, it almost makes up for your disgusting Blade 2 "review."
March 18, 2002, 10:52 p.m. CST
by bralli
Great review Harry. How come half your stuff is great and the other half is like your "LIGHT SABERS LIGHT SABERS LIGHT SABERS LIGHT.." post or your Blade 2 Review? Your AOTC review has definately given a lot of us alienated Star Wars fans a NEW HOPE.
March 18, 2002, 10:59 p.m. CST
by vergence
How you are drag your fat paws to the keyboard and spew out these words of praise for such a golden calf as "Attack of The Clones" is beyond me...Whether you have seen it or not, whether Lucas was in on it or not is irrelevant. You are endorsing a movie that just continues the flat, tone-deaf filmmaking that was "The Phantom Menace". We've all seen the "clone wars" trailer, dumbass! We all know there will be the same obvious and non-descript dialogue, the same emphasis on digital effects and the same "Jedi Stare" that every human character in TPM had. I think you know your time is running out : people are realizing that you have no real insight and your street "cred" is running low. And now this lame attempt to save a lame movie and your personal venture by issueing this incredibley SPOILER FREE review. I mean what - WHAT THE FUCK - part of this review could not have been glean from any number of other online sources. So you woke up Sunday morning, tried to save your web site - i don't blame you - and you fucked it up. People think you are now - officially - cashed. Don't let the bastards get you down though, Harry, you can always have Moriarty submit a review of Matrix Two. Or better yet Harrows Alley...
March 18, 2002, 11 p.m. CST
by vergence
How you are drag your fat paws to the keyboard and spew out these words of praise for such a golden calf as "Attack of The Clones" is beyond me...Whether you have seen it or not, whether Lucas was in on it or not is irrelevant. You are endorsing a movie that just continues the flat, tone-deaf filmmaking that was "The Phantom Menace". We've all seen the "clone wars" trailer, dumbass! We all know there will be the same obvious and non-descript dialogue, the same emphasis on digital effects and the same "Jedi Stare" that every human character in TPM had. I think you know your time is running out : people are realizing that you have no real insight and your street "cred" is running low. And now this lame attempt to save a lame movie and your personal venture by issueing this incredibley SPOILER FREE review. I mean what - WHAT THE FUCK - part of this review could not have been glean from any number of other online sources. So you woke up Sunday morning, tried to save your web site - i don't blame you - and you fucked it up. People think you are now - officially - cashed. Don't let the bastards get you down though, Harry, you can always have Moriarty submit a review of Matrix Two. Or better yet Harrows Alley...
March 18, 2002, 11:18 p.m. CST
by TheGinger Twit
March 18, 2002, 11:19 p.m. CST
by TheGinger Twit
Harry sees the preview, reads the script - hey presto - he's seen a rough cut of episode 2
March 18, 2002, 11:23 p.m. CST
by Wilbur_wildcat
Bleu, you amuse me, but there's no sense in talking to people like you. I get chided for telling the truth, being called a bandwagoner, yet you use such flawed arguments, I can't even follow them. That 'if this were a new sci-fi series, you would have no problem with it' bunk just doesn't work. I didn't go to pay to see a new sci-fi flick, I went to see star wars. Instead TPM had less in common with Star Wars than Howard the Duck. Forigve me for enjoying good movies. You're the type that would love anything that George Lucas creates. That's blind loyalty my friend. Even he doesn't respect people like you because you don't provide any constructive criticism to help him improve his work. Instead, you're an overblown Mr. Smithers, the ultimate yes-man. George Lucas could crap in the toilet, shape it in to a tie-fighter, call it Star Wars and you'd eat it up. Unfortunately you can not poilsh a turd like TPM. With standards like yours, you'll enjoy the next movie, and most likely wear your Padme Halloween costume on opening day. I'll wait for the video.
March 18, 2002, 11:29 p.m. CST
by Wilbur_wildcat
Instead, I just hate the Phantom Menace. If AOTC is more entertaining than AOTKT (Attack of the Killer Tomatoes), then I will spend my money to see it. I just will not wait in line to see it. P.S. I thought it funny that someone on here compared my disdain for TPM to burning Harry Potter books. How did he know I burned those things? This dude likes TPM, Harry Potter, and probably Hanson, and Brittney Spears too. A toast to your good taste my friend.
March 18, 2002, 11:34 p.m. CST
by Smugbug
....other than that. I have nothing to say. Well, maybe I do...I'm anticipating Blade2, Spider-Man and The Two Towers. This will be filler.....
March 18, 2002, 11:40 p.m. CST
by Wilbur_wildcat
Ever see the movie Misery? You all sound like Kathy Bates character.."We like good quality movies...A flawed film which sets up new characters and a new series of plot points for the next two films.....PROUD FAN OF THE PHANTOM MENACE...To hear Harry's words, to know that a guru as critical as himself approves (with great candor) of AOTC makes me feel that great rush inside" Don't these quotes remind you of these from the movie Misery "Misery's alive, Misery's Alive, I'm your number one fan. You're brilliant, Just thinking about that next Misery book makes me feel all oogy...". What do you people do, wait for George Lucas to fart so you can all rush in and smell it? Do you follow him home at night, so you might, maybe, just maybe, get a glimpse of his next technological wonder? Do you go through his garbage? Do you wear his underwear on your heads?
March 18, 2002, 11:46 p.m. CST
by EnlightenmentHK
Though it took me quite some time to find those comments, as this site (pursuant to my earlier comment of being unnavigable) has no concept of the simple notion of chronological order. But I digress. (Digression...an apt term to describe 80% of each of Knowles' reviews) I also have some comments reserved for the inability to create actual paragraphs or structured posts. Something against sentence structure and spacing on this site? Ebert and a Counter-point, I can understand your point here. Its nice to have a heavily read alternative to the usual banter of established critics. Nice to feel that 'one of us' has a real voice in these things. I just object to the notion that we should prop up the most pretentious and among the least talented of 'us' to represent our views. And Strider, while I won't lose sleep, I will still be disgusted when our entire community of devoted movie fans and film buffs has their credibility marginalized by some imbecile given a microphone excessively larger than he could possibly deserve. He is a fan boy. He has no real insights. He lacks any credibility. And he is an unapologetic shill for any studio that chooses to feed him scraps. The only time he'll bash a film is when everyone else has already done it excessively for months on end. He'll readily jump on a bandwagon, but he's not bold enough to start one.
March 18, 2002, 11:56 p.m. CST
by Wilbur_wildcat
Know what these movies have in common? They're "set-up" movies. These movies, albeit steaming piles of dung in and of themselves, what they really serve is to set up their fantastic sequels. Never mind each had bad direction and tasteless acting, I have faith that each is just whetting our appetites for that ultimate pay-off, the sequel where all naysayers will be rebuked and we will be vilified, finally. So they had their flaws, but you have to admit their were some cute moments in at and we just can't over look the good in the midst of the bad. Harry was right about these movies too, and in the future, he will sneak in to Mariah Carey's bedroom, and film her showering, and play his skin flute fantasizing about her too. And we'll all be there to get off on every little revealing morsel of it.
March 19, 2002, 12:01 a.m. CST
by FargoUT
I agree. Digital filmmaking is fine, but projection is another story. I've seen digital films and they are fine when normally projected. But digital projection just -- can't explain it. There's something weird about it. It isn't normal, and if it becomes normal, I might have to stop going to the movies. Ugh.
March 19, 2002, 12:09 a.m. CST
by mportree
Do you really think people are going to continue to buy into all of this "star wars" is wonderful garbage? I am cynical and skeptical enough to believe that you probably didn't see this film or if you did, you are not being too truthful about it. Who is paying you at Lucasfilm? I look at this site now mostly for amusement but I sure don't believe everything written in it. Harry's reviews have proven over and over to me that he is not an honest or very objective reviewer. Go to darkhorizons.com for more objectivity and less sucking up. We ain't buying it, man. I am NOT going to be the first in line to AOTC but will wait instead to make sure that it is not pure, overhyped crap like TPM. To quote "The Who", we won't get fooled again.
March 19, 2002, 12:16 a.m. CST
by JustFran
The guys are camping in Seattle, Harry, outside the Cinerama, which, thanks to Paul Allen, is one of the best theaters in the country. If you visited, you wouldn't mix it up next time...
March 19, 2002, 12:20 a.m. CST
by MisterBones5
People come here to read the Talk Back......Most people don't even read the other stuff or know who Harry is...TalkBack controls the film industry now....A bad Talkback and it's over.....I give AOTC "Two Tongues"....Lucas can rest easy now.
March 19, 2002, 12:23 a.m. CST
by Pizza The Hut
...Meanwhile, at an undisclosed location... (Jar Jar Binks): "Dey weel NEEVER know et waas meesa! heeheeh!"
March 19, 2002, 12:23 a.m. CST
by fladnaG
...you can cry some more. Would you like another tissue? I don't know if you realize that the internet isn't exactly a democracy. So Harry isn't your ideal geek to have on the front lines? Well you know what he's not mine either. However I think he means well and if he's able to get the scoops then more power to him. It's a dirty job but someone has to do it. It just so happens that its Harry. It could have been anyone but its him. So you can either appreciate the information he brings you or you can keep crying how life's unfair and this site sucks ass. To each his own.
March 19, 2002, 12:44 a.m. CST
by banshee
I'm so happy there are so many of you. It means I won't have to wait so long in line on opening day because you turtle fuckers will be busy at home taking it up the ass by "Uncle Frodo."____Aw, who am I kidding. Your tragically un-hip little asses will be in line just like the rest of us. That really sucks. It makes you hypocrites as well as assholes.
March 19, 2002, 12:49 a.m. CST
by Krackbaby
You give the impression of being an wannabe elitist idiot. Your writing sounds strained like some feeble attempt to upstage Harry by proving your wide ranging vocabulary. Guess what hot shot, it sounds horribly forced, "journalism entities" my ass. The proof is the fact that your posting this here, your only exposing your jealousy to the masses. Why come here if your so upset by this site? Because so many people are here? Why are they all here if its so bad? Only because it's the place to be, not that it deserves it? Then how did it get this way originally? Guess what, some people actually like Harry and his writing style. Guess what, some people don't want to listen to the same sources that have all been printing the same studio fed movie "spoiler" crap for the past 20 years. Founts of integrity with the same style of writing, the same conservative format, the same restrained journalism that doesn't encourage open exchange and dialog about our love for movies. News flash idiot, not every movement has the leaders it finds optimal. You take what you can get, because they're what got you here. Show some goddamn appreciation, instead of "The world's not the way I want it, waaaa, make it better mommy!" Harry's never asked "us" for anything but an open dialog with him on movies. If you have a problem, rant and rave with the rest of the haters. For every phenomenon, there's backlash, that's what you are kid, backlash. So the trains left the station without you, go cry to someone who cares on some other site, no one's missing your sorry ass.
March 19, 2002, 12:55 a.m. CST
by sendintheclones
Oh god. I my brain just made a horrible connection between this article and *ahem* another recent review on this site. You know, the one about a certain sci-fi vampire movie............ Oh, the humanity. I have to lobotomize myself with a drill now.
March 19, 2002, 1:01 a.m. CST
by fladnaG
Although I still think you're being harsh and bitter about Harry I am so very close to going full blown anti-Harry mode for the sheer fact that this site hardly ever has THE FUCKING TALKBACK IN THE RIGHT FUCKING ORDER! Is it that hard, honestly? I don't know shit about computers but is it so hard to have something in order? Other sites do it. Come on Harry or Moriarty or whoever. I remember a guy a while back, I think his name was FRODOLIVES and he designed a system for you guys for the specific purpose of getting these TB's in the right order. What the fuck happened to that?
March 19, 2002, 1:39 a.m. CST
by Renata
I don't have your obvious technical background, but I have worked with HD on a feature film and, during my induction into that art, I met a lot of people who worked on OH Brother and with Roger Deakins. I can say to a man that they relayed the same story: Deakins refuses to work with digital mastering again. He played the good soldier in the press releases, and even copped a nomination (He is the best DP in the business now), but privately to the techs in the lab, he griped about how inferior a process he thought it was. While I don't necessarily agree with him, nor with anyone who immediately dismisses HD, I will say that, at best, its a format that will offer an alternative, not a replacement, to film. As an audience member, I've seen 24P HD used in Session 9 and Jackpot. While both images were amazingly clear, neither had the deep blacks or the warmth and depth of field of film. Maybe Lucas has licked this problem with AOTC. It looks like it in the trailers. But even early press releases from Panavision makes it clear: This is not film. It will look and feel different. That's not a bad thing. I believe in progress. Without it, we wouldn't have sound or color. Dylan would still be acoustic. Etc. Again, I'm not going to get into a deep, technical debate. I applaud Lucas for pushing the envelope. I know many filmmakers want to jump on board, and many others will refuse to. It's a polarizing issue and it'll be interesting in the next few years to see what filmmakers stand where. Unlike Kubrick, I feel that digital projection, when properly done with the best DLP projectors, can be spectacular. But as for the actual filming, I don't see film going extinct anytime soon. At least, I hope not.
March 19, 2002, 1:48 a.m. CST
by trentonkyle
I promised myself I would never swear on this talk back, however, I feel you deserve it. Fuck you and please don't ever visit this site again. We don't need you, we don't want you, and we especially don't care what you have to say. What comes around goes around my friend and your negativity will dig your grave sooner than you think. Goodbye.
March 19, 2002, 3:05 a.m. CST
by DouglasAH
If TPM existed solely to introduce the main characters, it is more useless than I thought. In the AOTC trailers, when shit isn't blowing up or setting up for major plot points, the characters are exchanging, "my you've changed," "you've grown," "wow, I can't believe how much you've changed." If they've all changed, then TPM was pretty worthless as an introduction. Of course, there's the clone factor to consider. We'll find out that someone is a close, and that someone else we meet later is really a clone. This all might cast TPM in a new light, revealing new flaws, no doubt, but I just hope clones don't become the Mission:Impossible rubber mask of the Star Wars series, a convenient putty used to fill up plot holes and substitute for real plot twists.
March 19, 2002, 3:39 a.m. CST
by Wallgrom
EnlightenmentHK speaks the truth.
March 19, 2002, 4:22 a.m. CST
by Outlander1
First things, first. I am glad to hear that your faith has been restored. Mine never truly left me. Everything I have read about AOTC has supported what I already knew in my heart, AOTC will be a good movie and having just read read review I am sure you feel the same way. AOTC is the second act in a three part play so it has very little setup work to do for the audience. In many works of fiction that use this format the meat of the story and the twists and turns are introduced. Lucas followed this format when he did the OT and he is doing again. TPM is essentially a series off meetings, the jedi meet the gungans, then they meet Padme, then they meet Anakin. The pace is slow because he has to setup the entire story for all six movies, not just the next in the series. He was trying to show us how the galaxy worked, well before the Empire came along. Now, he can open up his bag of tricks and really show us the downfall of a republic far larger than anything anyone has ever seen. I for one will be seeing this movie opening night. As far as the whole LOTR vs. SW thing goes, what the hell? I mean I have been a fan of both series for as long as I can remenber. In fact, I am willing to bet that many people around my age probably got turned on to sci-fi and fantasy because of SW. I, myself, did not start reading fantasy until after I saw SW. It seems that a lot of people seem to think that Lucas ripped off his story from Tolkien. So. In reality, there are only a finite amount of literary themes out there, of course some of SW is going to have similarities to LOTR. LOTR came first, but, Tolkien did not invent these themes. Tolkien and Lucas accomplished what very few storytellers ever do. They were able to take a simple story and present it in a new way that made everybody stand up and take notice. That is what makes them special.
March 19, 2002, 4:41 a.m. CST
by Tall_Boy
and commin from an AICN talkback, that's sayin' something
March 19, 2002, 6:50 a.m. CST
by Jungleman
Harry has officially lost all his street cred with this one, he's turned completeley in to a corporate tool, Lucasfilm's jovial little marionete dancing on the end of strings. TPM blew AOTC is going to blow as well, don't get sucked in by the trailers. Same chef, same crappy ingredients, same lousy dish, case closed!
March 19, 2002, 7:28 a.m. CST
by phil_design
And this guy is a respected writer/critic who has book signings???? Oh my god! He writes like a five year old choking on his own sense of self-satisfaction! The. Short. Stacatto. Sentences. Are. Really. Really. Annoying! The grammar is utterly appalling and the form of words rarely ever make sense. Give it up Harry, you really ought to get another career, 'cos you ain't no writer buddy! It was a truly painful experience to read your words. I'm just pissed off, cos such a brick head got to see the rough cut of the movie! Let someone see it who can tell us in PROPER English what's going on! With deepest sympathy, P George
March 19, 2002, 7:59 a.m. CST
by BoBaBrain
Does this mean we finally get a Star Wars Harry action figure? There seems to be one for everybody else on the payroll. :)
March 19, 2002, 8:06 a.m. CST
by ROMANWEB
Never said you burned them my friend(read it again). The analogy in "ignorance" was to point out how you've blown off a movie(that's potentially better than TPM) you haven't even seen yet like those bafoons who burned a book they haven't even read. My point was to judge it AFTER the facts. I see though you've changed your mind on AOTC. One bad movie in a series doesn't mean to throw your arms up and give up and say "It's all for crap!" (which is most of the mentality on this TB) I say be dissapointed and hold low expectations for the next movie but being the movie goer you seem to be, wait and pass judgement when you've seen it in it's entirety. I'm sorry if I pushed buttons. Some words are just uncalled for on these forums. BTW, I liked TPM okay, never read a HP book, enjoyed the movie, and those others I just flip the stations when their songs come on. Although, Britney IS fun to look at.
March 19, 2002, 8:38 a.m. CST
by Brooklyn Bred
So he does'nt wear a mask in this?
March 19, 2002, 8:38 a.m. CST
by Deegan
and there's spidey, bond, mibII, bladeII... WooHoooooo!!!!
March 19, 2002, 8:43 a.m. CST
by Brooklyn Bred
There's no doubt that AOTC and Webhead will be great but I think Blade 2 looks and sounds better. Think about it, no Jar Jar Binks characters and no Power Ranger looking villans. Wes has them beats hands down!
March 19, 2002, 9:15 a.m. CST
by Mr. Eddie
You got your panties in a bunch about PM too -- which was an embarassement.
March 19, 2002, 9:22 a.m. CST
by hatchme
Look, Harry has as much right to run a site as anyone else, and I think it's refreshing to have a 'regular' guy's opinion who happens to be intellegent and can spell, unlike you. Witness your mispelling of 'site' and 'professional'. I think him relating his personal experiences on the way to the movie make it somewhat intimate and just being himself. IF you don't like that, there's no need to insult his personal appearance. People come in all colors, shapes and sizes and looks are relative concept (atleast to intellegent and enlightened persons) It's very petty and small minded on your part to use personal insults in criticism. Make sure, also when you go on a rant you have all your ducks in a row, which you certainly do not with your feeble and unfounded criticisms probably borne out of jealosy and an unhappy existence.
March 19, 2002, 9:45 a.m. CST
by Jabba Papa
The remark is _such_ a giveaway that Lucasfilm is behind the leak: it's a clear reference to Harry's TPM review, which is _full_ of "Tolkien rhetoric". The "Powers That Be" didn't want Harry's new SW review to be about T2T (yeah, even Lucasfilm hates Harry's rambling ... ). Lucasfilm is 100% behind this, and no shit is likely to be hitting anyone's fan (well, except at 2 AM on 5/16, when a few of the SOB losers currently in line will have discovered that they _hate_ AOTC ; I mean, get a life!). Otherwise, who cares ?! Harry's TPM review was positive, but cagey. He liked the movie ... but ... I'm glad to see that there's very little "but" in his AOTC review. Also that it's fairly spoiler-free. For the record, I like TPM too ... but ... My biggest "but" is with the Sound Engineering. No, those people _didn't_ deserve the Oscar IMO. Sure, the Sound Engineering is absolutely superb on TPM : _provided_ it's the E/X version. The Senate sequence in the middle feels like the minimalist action sequence that is is, _provided_ it's the E/X version. Watch the standard Dolby or any other version, and it feels like an incredibly dull talking heads sequence, not helped by the substandard dialogue. Agh! Enough TPM ranting! Bottom line: see digital AOTC with E/X sound, forgive George for the dialogue (which will almost certainly be just as cheesy as the dialogue in every other SW film, but who really cares?), and just enjoy the freaking show! I know that I'm looking forward to May 17th (not living in USA, and hooray! for the worldwide release of AOTC BTW !!!). Loathe the new poster and loathe the TPM one. Compare with the original one-sheets for ANH and TESB. Now THEY were BRILLIANT !!
March 19, 2002, 10:33 a.m. CST
by MrBurnz
First time poster, so go easy. The info in this post is from all of the different trailers and other materials (facts) that can be found on the net. Not necessarily this review. It may be spoilers to you, so stop reading if you don't want to know anything else. However, if you are keeping up with things, please respond. I have been a fan forever, I want to be excited about this film but I am nervous about Jar Jar, bad dialog, storylines that srew up the original films and I also keep thinking that this prequel could have/should have started on this AOTC note instead of TPM. I mean Pepsi just pulled out, now that's a language GL can understand. So... Since Jango fires at Obi Wan and the clones are made from him... Why at the next battle are the clones on the side of the Jedi but Jango is obviously against them? This makes no sense to me, looks like a pretty big oversight by GL, just trying to fit these two things into an unweildy plotline. He's got his good guys and bad guys mixed up and his secrets are out of the bag too soon. In other words, wouldn't the character of Obi wan say something to someone? Maybe to Yoda or another Jedi? Like hey, kill all those turkeys in the white suits too? This might seem trivial to some who can suspend belief and not care about consitency, but this isn't just another of a dozen films in the theater that I may or may not see.
March 19, 2002, 10:35 a.m. CST
by NFLRefugee
His review here gives the impression that he didn't like it. No biggie. Anyway, I am still not excited to see this. Not yet.
March 19, 2002, 10:40 a.m. CST
by BenDaRas
Harry I am refusing to read this review in whole so I can go in completly blind. I did, however, read the first couple paragraphs and I want to thank you for erasing all my fears. From your first several paragraphs you have pushed aside all my fears and doubt and have left what can only be described as pure geek anticipation. So to you and whoever showed you the film I offer a resounding THANKS.
March 19, 2002, 11:03 a.m. CST
by jollydwarf
Thanks to whoever pointed that article out. Now I **do** believe that this was an orchestrated leak. Maybe I'm slow to coming around on these things. And assuming it is, how can this review have any credibility whatsoever? To me, that's a rhetorical question. Anyways, EnlightenmentHK, what did I tell you about a couple typos getting pounced on by someone looking to tear down your argument? But no matter where one's personal "spider sense" is on this film, you've got to admit that to be a good film, it's got to be a hyperspace leap away from "Menace" in quality, what with its cornicopia of faults and annoying details. And really, the only things that I know as I walk away from this are 1.) Corruption runs very deep in this industry and 2.)This crowd will never cease to be divided by petty issues and reactionaries clinging to their denial versus those that will not give something that they want to hate even half a chance. P.S. Saw on cnn.com that another 'space rock' came with 228,000 miles of Earth. How'd you like to be caught ranting on AICN when that baby obliterated your home state? That'd end your trip real quick, wouldn't it? Hmmm, maybe we have better things to do....
March 19, 2002, 11:06 a.m. CST
by ut13
March 19, 2002, 11:26 a.m. CST
by Electric_Monk
I think, EnlightenmentHK, you bring up some valid points, however, your rant comes off as a petulant child who has discovered that the geek kid is more popular than you are. AICN filled a need. A need for film fans to come and let off steam. Up until the Internet era, there was never a place where fans across the world could converge and really talk about movies and TV. Sure, there are some that come here just to create problems; whether it
March 19, 2002, 11:29 a.m. CST
by Captin Typo
im definately geting sick of u pussys on this websyte. aal u do is bich bich bich! u woudn't last 1 second in a Slipnot or musroomhead pit! woh am I??? im Captin Typo of corpse! I have ben sumonned from verious chattrooms to put the smakdwon on yor asss!!! allof u r 700 yr old virgens whoo way 7000 bls an cant get laid and live in yer parants basemant! LOL ha i bet u didnt think any1 coud figuer that out! u probobly have b.o. and eat cheezee poufs n drink nuthing butt mountin doo! i 4 1 will be at ATOC on opining nite to put tha beatdwon on Olive U (get it "allov u?" ha) then i will go C tha flick agin with 1 ov my many biches at a matenay, and ill say "show me sum allanis actoin, skank!" ha ha!! all u hary bashors u suck and all u that r jo ckin harry u suck 2!! only Capn Tipo can walk tha takl an thas a fac jac, in tha mutherfukin ACIN talback!!!
March 19, 2002, 11:42 a.m. CST
by Jabba Papa
Fuck off. Both of you.
March 19, 2002, 11:44 a.m. CST
by Drath
We don't have to like him, and if Lucas wants us to hate him then there's nothing I can do about that--but I think it would be better if we liked him and wanted him not to fall--even though we KNOW he will. I always figured Anakin would be like Pacino in the Godfather, or Russel Crowe in LA Confidential: a good *likable* guy who does bad things with good intentions, but he's so sure he's doing the right thing that he doesn't see it when he finally turns to evil. We should want him and Padme to be together and to be happy, so that when that doesn't happen all our love for them is passed on to their children--making Vader's redemption at the end of RotJ all the more powerful. Of course, Star Wars has usually been black or white, so there may have been no room for that kind of complexity with Anakin. Also Harry carts out the ultimate defense of the prequels: you can't judge the films until they're done. Never mind that TPM would have been better if it had worked independently the way the original Star Wars did before it's sequels. Oh and, these are Lucas's films, not yours or mine, so it's not our place to say what SHOULD happen in the films. Yeah well, that doesn't mean our ideas aren't better either. I say, if you've got an idea for what Lucas should have done in the prequels--write it, make it your own story, and publish it. It beats pissing into the wind here on Talkback.
March 19, 2002, 11:52 a.m. CST
by STRIDER355
Tolkien started writing LOTR during WWI. For all means and purposes, he is the pioneer of modern fantasy. What you just said is akin to saying that TAMING OF THE SHREW is just a rehash of 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU.
March 19, 2002, 11:52 a.m. CST
by steel_mongo
Ok, so the title sucks. I will be shelling out the 8 bucks to see this film, although I will not be seeing it opening weekend. Sure, TPM was not the movie any of us expected - me personally, I was looking for something other than farm boy from Tatooine saves the day (hmm, I think I've seen this movie before, about 23 years ago). But the visuals were spectacular, the characters were by and large ok (with the obvious exception of JAR JAR), and the movie did what it was supposed to do - lay the back story of why Vader is such a viscious SOB. And now for something completely different. One of the things that I find truely amazing about this site and others like it is the number of people like EnlightenmentHK who feel that they have to comment on what a poor site it is, the webmaster, and what a bunch of complete and total losers we all are because we come here and post, or come here and read what others have posted. The truely sad thing about it is that it is obvious from their posts that they are reading and continue to read a site that they find a waste of time. I know that it has been said before, but if you don't like the site - FIND SOMEWHERE ELSE TO PLAY!!!! CHANGE THE CHANNEL!!!! Get a freaking life.
March 19, 2002, 12:07 p.m. CST
by matrix_sux
Now we have LOTRSUX? Well I guess imitation is the sincerest form of flattery :)
March 19, 2002, 12:24 p.m. CST
by spoutykrout
hey guys, don't let your hype get the best of you. I was glad before when there was calm and when we all dismissed AOTC while observing LOTR. Personally, I would Harry never haver released his review at all, because generating hype is the worst spoiler of all . . . keep us virgins Harry, don't make our expectations too high like with TPM.
March 19, 2002, 12:24 p.m. CST
by Lord Mall
Ok not really, but it'd be a good idea for a movie. http://www.geocities.com/lord_mall
March 19, 2002, 12:25 p.m. CST
by spoutykrout
March 19, 2002, 12:42 p.m. CST
by Mutant X
This sounds better than I thought it would be. I'm there.
March 19, 2002, 12:58 p.m. CST
by danno2jj
Ok, I've read the "nice" posts that praise Harry and I've read the "angry" posts that criticize Harry. If I may use a much over-quoted analogy, "Opinions are like assholes, everybody's got one. Some just smell worse than others." That being said, here's mine, like it or not. Thank You Harry for giving your opinion of what you saw in that hotel room. It probably was genuine, and was even more likely intentionally "leaked" because of the glut of super blockbuster sequels that AOTC has to contend with this year. Was TPM a bomb? If you've grown up since you saw ANH in 1977 and forgot how to enjoy yourself by means other than to demean or deface other people or things, then for you it probably was a bomb. For those of us still in touch with reality and able to put things into perspective, it's a movie series for god's sake, enjoy the parts that are good to you and don't see it if it's so bad. Jar Jar may suck, but lightsabers are still cool, if not cooler now than they were before. I'd be willing to bet the naysayers have seen TPM more times than the supporters collectively. The problem here is that some of the die-hard fans are just that, so die-hard that it's messed up their lives and caused them to be critical of everything around them to the point of being so obnoxious that people call you a Star Wars Geek (not fan, Geek). No special version of what Lucas is doing will ever bring them back to the feeling they had when they first saw it at 5 or 6 years old. And we must not kid ourselves either, Lucas does it for the money. You and I don't go to work for any other reason either. Lucas just has a much cooler job than you or I. And he had the balls to take a chance and be a movie maker, not an IT Manager at such and such corporation. Jealousy is a ugly shade of green. And if you think the dialog is bad, listen to some of the interviews with the actors reading that dialog (ahem), point taken?. I will definitely see AOTC opening weekend, because I enjoy it. Lightsabers are cool, stormtroopers (clonetroopers?) are cool, and the guy in the seat behind me whining that it isn't as cool as he thought it would be deserves to be pelted with Goobers and M & M's. Please wait till it comes out on DVD and save your comments for your living room please, we're trying to watch a movie here. If I ever grow up so much that I don't enjoy Star Wars anymore, take me out and shoot me please.
March 19, 2002, 1:01 p.m. CST
by Lord Mall
"We don't know how he could have gotten a copy of it" my ass. S....St....STAGED!
March 19, 2002, 1:36 p.m. CST
by Zarles
Ya lucky bastard! :) Not that this post will be seen amongst all the others, but anyway... I'm pretty sure that this was intentionally leaked out to get some buzz going, and hey, that's great. Doesn't affect me, as I'll be seeing AOTC even if my eyes get gnawed out by psycho militant LOTR fans. Or by Enlightenment HK before he's had his morning triple espresso, whomever finds me first... If some of you hate this site and Harry so damn much, why the hell are you here at all? Go help someone or something, and quit wasting our time with your rants. They're stupid, hateful, boring, and unbelievably self-righteous and indignant. Get over yourselves, people,really...
March 19, 2002, 1:47 p.m. CST
by moviet00l
Harry - you really should have given yourself a week to cool off before posting this and going all over the airwaves with it. This review smells of Lucasfilm's taint. I'd like to believe AOTC is that good, but your track record on stuff like this . . . your IMMEDIATE television interviews . . . something's not right here. I know, you're not a journalist, you never claimed you were - you're just a geek having a good time. But credibility does count for something. How could such a strong, DETAILED opinion come out of ONE VIEWING OF A ROUGH CUT in a hotel room? I want to believe, Harry, I really do. But there are two posibilities here: One, that this is a total quid pro quo with Lucasfilm and this review is bullshit, or two, that you really did love it this much and just couldn't see that an immediate super glowing review was going to look like a total shill. Don't tell me you don't care what people (especially us AICNer's) think. AICN isn't so loved that it couldn't eventually be universally known as a site to get the official studio spin on things.
March 19, 2002, 1:56 p.m. CST
by vich1
From his "1 year anniversary" review of TPM: Has my opinion of Jar Jar changed? Actually... believe it or not, no. Nope.. not one bit. Jar Jar to me is the best character in Episode One, and has the greatest potential for development in the future two films. It
March 19, 2002, 1:57 p.m. CST
by Carson Dyle
The notion that there are random copies of Episode 2 floating around the Fox lot just waiting for some mid-level exec. to snatch and show to Harry Knowles is patently absurd. Lucasfilm keeps closer tabs on stuff like this than most nations keep on their plutonium. If Harry saw a rough cut of Episode 2 -- and I don't doubt that he did -- he did so because it is in George Lucas' best interest. Whether he'll admit it or not, Harry cannot avoid being a studio flack -- any more than Hedda Hopper or Loella Parsons could. It's the nature of the biz.
March 19, 2002, 2:03 p.m. CST
by chiknfriedelfsac
I'm sure it will still suck like TPM. By the way, nothing can make TPM a better movie. I got the plot, it wasn't that complicated. Forrest Gump would have understood it. The premise wasn't that bad, it was the execution. YIPPEE!!!
March 19, 2002, 2:16 p.m. CST
by Lilium
Slap me with insulin because I will be going into sugar shock with all this superb cinematic eye candy!
March 19, 2002, 3:28 p.m. CST
by Blue Devil
Harry made no mention of this and it's the point (next to Jar Jar) that Star Wars fans hated most about TPM. Do they mention the Midichlorians? Is Anakin's fatherless conception dealt with? Harry- HELP! If not Harry, then someone else in the know.
March 19, 2002, 3:30 p.m. CST
by flashboy
thank you for your review....after being somewhat disappointed with Phantom, except when my mouth dropped at the darth mal/maul fight. I am so excited by Clones. I feel like a sixth grader, which is what Lucas had intentioned I think. I know it's escapism, but sumunabich it star wars.....!!!! WOOOOHOOOOOOO I think for this one I am gonna go all out and dress up like the geek I have been pretending not to be for 20 years....once again..... STAR FRIcKKING WARS!!!!!! WOOOOOHOOOOO... I HOPE KEANU SHITS HIS NO ACTING DUMB ASS AFTER HE SEE CLONES.... cheers.
March 19, 2002, 3:42 p.m. CST
by The Lucas Nine
I was 7 in 1977 and I have clear memories of my step father telling me lucas was to make 9 movies. He had started with three and flushed them out so far he decided to break them into 9. He chose to start with EP4 because it had the most adventure. Now I have lived my life thinking I'll see all 9 movies, and that I do believe, because I am a FAN! Sooo where did everyone get the 6 movie idea? I think it's kind of funny that all you die hard fans speak of only 6. I have no idea how to research this but I'd love a clear answer. Thanks - Clay 12.10.71
March 19, 2002, 3:49 p.m. CST
by SmackAttack
Does it really matter if Lucasfilm set up this screening? All that would tell us is that Harry has simply become a pawn for the entertainment industry, which many of you insist on regardless. The real point is, Harry got to see Attack of the Clones before any of us. Personally, I'm not anywhere close to feeling 1/8th the anticipation for this film as I did for TPM. Perhaps if EPII is as wonderful as Harry says it is, I'll get all hot and bothered for EPIII. If it fails miserably, then I'll visit Ain't it Cool News for the talkbacks instead of the reviews. a side note: Why would you want to watch this film on Video, in a hotel room? I'd be tempted, but opt to wait for the theatrical release when I can enjoy it with hundreds of other screaming fans who, like me, would be seeing it for the first time. I'm not sure I understand Harry's reasoning for choosing to watch this film on tape. That kind of takes away a great deal of the fun, doesn't it?
March 19, 2002, 4:02 p.m. CST
by Suicidal_Sith
you know your gonna be there...you know it. You bitch and complain and huff and puff and gnash your teeth and pull at your nut sacks, but you fuckers will be down there at the theater hours ahead of time to get your seats...you fucking know your gonna do it! Why don't you whiny bastards leave the center isle open for me? You can complain just as loud from the side seats, your not gonna fucking be happy anyway.
March 19, 2002, 4:07 p.m. CST
by SmackAttack
while it may not make a difference, I find it pretty incredible that someone could sneak a full copy of AOTC out of Lucasfilm. I feel like anyone that close to the goods wouldn't be willing to risk their job so that Harry could see the film a month and a half early. Who really cares how much LotR gets mentioned? It was a great film. Moviet001 makes a good point . . . I have a bad feeling about this.
March 19, 2002, 4:13 p.m. CST
by Aeneas
Why the hell doesn't everyone just shut the hell up and stop making brash comments about a movie that none of them have seen. Reserve judgment until you have actually seen the movie otherwise you could very well end up looking like an ass.
March 19, 2002, 4:22 p.m. CST
by SpanishPantlones
Star Wars crashed to earth 3 years ago after a nearly perfect trilogy (i loved "Jedi" despite Ewoks), and joined every other film series that has produced dissapointing, bad or utterly un-watchable sequels or prequels. Everything I ever liked that has spawned further installments has let me down: Indy 3,Conan 2, Mad Max 3,Rocky 5,Rambo 3,Superman 3-4,Batman 2-3-4,Star Trek 5-7-9,Predator 2,T2,Escape from LA,Highlander 2-3-4,Leathal weapon 2-3-4,Godfather 3,Poltergiest 2,Aliens 3-4,A View to a kill,Goldeneye,Austin Powers 2...I could go on and on. TPN broke the streak of perfection that made Star Wars so endearing. The Phantom Menace was a catastrophic failure on every concievable level but if Episode 2 and 3 are good I'll get over it,forget about it and never watch it again-like Rocky V.I'm rooting for AOTC and I'm optimistic; at least I know that little bed wetter Jake Loyd isn't in it and "Fuck face" has his screen time reduced to 2 minutes.Obi-wan has evolved and Jango Fett is introduced;Ian Mcdiamrod continues to play the Emperor...I'm fired up again! But I still worry that Lucas will still be incompetent. TPM did gross over $920 Million and he may think profit equals approval, just like everyone else in Hollywood. After TPM I can't argue why he's any different from those evil, soul-less money grubbers...BTW,The best Trilogy ever is the "Samurai" Trilogy, starring Toshiro Mifune. and then Star wars(4-5-6) and then Eastwoods'MWNN western saga. I hope the Matrix and The LOTR join this elite company. STar Wars has already missed the boat.
March 19, 2002, 4:40 p.m. CST
by minderbinder
March 19, 2002, 4:43 p.m. CST
by Alphatango
Are you angry because you think, I mean know this movie will be bigger than LOTR? Honestly, 3 years from now are most people going to pull out LOTR or AOTC to watch? No offense, but you don't know if Lucas is copying Irwin K. in every detail. What happened to objective critisism?
March 19, 2002, 4:49 p.m. CST
by Billy Talent
No, episodes 7 - 9 were scrapped a long long time ago. Once 'Indiana Jones IV' and 'Star Wars III' are finished, I'd be surprised if Lucas ever writes, produces, or directs another movie. I actually think there will be a lot of advance reviews for 'AotC' coming up. If the movie is as strong as it sounds, I think Lucas wants to start getting the message out there. Whereas 'The Phantom Menace' publicity juggernaut literally bullied audiences into seeing a movie many found unsatisfying, Lucas is trying to create enthusiasm at a grassroots level. And everybody knows Harry is for sale. This site alone has probably cut New Line's advertising budget in half. Who can blame Uncle George for saying "Me too!"? There can be little doubt that 'Clones' will be a huge commercial success - $300 million is probably the absolute least the film will gross domestically. 'The Phantom Menace', which few enjoyed unreservedly, was the third biggest film ever; had it been a better movie it likely would have out grossed 'Titanic'. By all the evidence, 'Attack of the Clones' is a much better movie. The current trend in blockbusters is to make $200 million in ten days or so, then quickly fade away. 'Spider Man' (like 'The Mummy' in '99) will have done the bulk of its business in the two weeks before 'Star Wars' opens and will not be real competition. Lowered expectations for 'Star Wars' could well result in a disappointing opening weekend box office. However, if the movie is any good, it's likely to stick around for a while, doing remarkable repeat business. What major releases are planned for June anyway? I like George's style on this one. Instead of saying "You have to see this movie! You will see this movie! You have no choice!
March 19, 2002, 4:56 p.m. CST
by smokinyoda
You are the ball lickers!! Sorry, i"ve always wanted to start a TB like that ever since Jay and Silent Bob. And here, it just seems fitting to all of you pessimistic fools who wrote off Star Wars. Ep1 was just the first chapter of a grand epic. Harry, you are the man. This time in 1999 you were optimistic about Ep1, but you had your doubts about jar jar and jake lloyd. Seeing how you feel about this movie now, I think we are all in for a treat. Sit back and get back on the bandwagon all you "former star wars fan" ball lickers. It's going to be a fun ride.
March 19, 2002, 5:33 p.m. CST
by Korny
I think that lucas knows the power of the internet and let the rough cut out for Harry to see. Hoping Harry would like it which he obviously does just adds to the good hipe. I mean look what it's doing for Blade.
March 19, 2002, 5:56 p.m. CST
by MovieFanMan
This is the first time I've bothered to read through all the postings. It leads me to ask the question, "What the hell is wrong with you people?" Some of you need to get a life, or are in need of a good ass-f**cking. AOTC is a movie!!!!!!!!! Hopefully it will be great. Hopefully we'll enjoy it. Hopefully will want to see it several times... But if it turns out to be a stinker, so what? And if Harry is off-base with his review, so what? Let's wait, see the movie, see how it stacks up, and knock-off all this mental masturbation.
March 19, 2002, 6:04 p.m. CST
by Atticus Finch
SW will kick all their asses!
March 19, 2002, 6:05 p.m. CST
by DouglasAH
Polanski, or whatever his name is, doesn't like Indy 3, T2, Lethal Weapon 2, View to a Kill, or Goldeneye. His little white room with padded walls is being prepared. Maybe he hates Connery, Pesci, Moore, and Brosnan, but calling Terminator 2 a disappointing sequel is just unfathomable lunacy.
March 19, 2002, 6:12 p.m. CST
by jaxjaguars
Even if this whole thing is all crap it makes for good reading. I'll give it the benefit of the doubt and let out a hearty "yipiee" to quote Anakin in TPM.
March 19, 2002, 6:23 p.m. CST
by SpanishPantlones
For starters,V picks up immediatly after IV, wich took place imediatley after III. Our hero looks A LOT older, too much to suspend my disbelief (and his son ages 5 years in about 6 months of real time).After he goes on a trip for a couple of months to train in Siberia for the Drago fight He loses EVERYTHING upon returning home?After beating Drago, the guy who kills Apollo, who is the ALI of the Rocky universe(he might as well have kicked GODZILLA'S ASS), he can't get a gig on ESPN or HBO? He couldn't fight anymore but he could have at least been a boxing analist and earned a living! So, He's totally broke? Just like that?-Dumb. It happens to fighters all the time in the real world but it usually takes a few years-even Buster Douglas is still rich. And when Tommy starts winning some fights, why doesn't he start getting some money for his time invested? When he arrives in America after his triumph he is greeted by a fighter named Union Kane, who thinks HE'S gonna intimidate Rocky after Rocky just wacked Drago. Yeah, right. No logic in this "Rocky".And Tommy Morrison was a real Boxer but the worst actor of the series.Watching he and Rocky go at it in the street was depressing.A total regression of the human condition for this once great hero. Rocky was supposed to be the underdog American dream. Iliterate, uneduacated and orphaned, he overcame a checkered past and a mediocre resume as a fighter to become the Champ of the world. Now he's a street brawler fighting for nieghborhood bragging rights. His whole life's pursuits boil down to just being a tough guy. Sounds like Tyson though! Sad, indeed. Oh but he bonds with his son. So what? He has to be poor again to be a real person and father? This was a terrible error in judgement by Stallone. A total buzz kill. A boxing match with his former protege could have been interesting. He could have used the age angle but he Sly blew it by making him impaired(although that is more realistic, I'll admit).Rocky can't fight anymore? Then why waste our time and money with Rocky V? I have a sentimental attachment to Rocky for his heart and spartan work ethic and I like to see him win very unrealistic fights in the Ring, for the title. But that's just me...The Don King dude was so contrived too.
March 19, 2002, 6:26 p.m. CST
by minderbinder
You're kidding, right?
March 19, 2002, 6:32 p.m. CST
by rootyb
GO LUCAS! TPM was sweet. People are just whiners.
March 19, 2002, 6:39 p.m. CST
by TheBigCheese
Wondered how many pieces of silver that Harry received from Lucas for hyping AOTC.
March 19, 2002, 6:40 p.m. CST
by exPFCWintergreen
AOTC will make $300mil. I'll go out on a limb and say that it won't beat TPM. If you check out boxofficemojo, TPM made all its money in the first 3 weeks. AOTC probably won't get off to that kind of start, the super-hype of TPM will not be there. And there's just too much competition now-a-days for a movie to go on a really long run at the top of the boxoffice. The only reason LOTR is still hanging around is because of the oscars, not fanboys, Atticus Finch. Titanic proved the buying power of preteen girls and TPM prove the power of the hype machine. I highly doubt any movie will ever get the hype that shit did. The only thing that will come close is The Two Towers - that is if FOTR happens to win big at the Oscars. I can already hear Mr. Voice announcing in the TV commericials, "Get ready, for the sequel to the motion picture that won Ten Academy Awards..."
March 19, 2002, 6:43 p.m. CST
by exPFCWintergreen
HA HA HA. Yes'm she does.
March 19, 2002, 6:47 p.m. CST
by Captin Typo
ive scene the traler like a millyon timz & htis moovie is sssoooo kikass that u shoud need a permishen slip from yor mommees to go! tha only way thatthat fat baztard Lucus coud make it bettor wood be to have Minem beat tha shit outa Aniken an than bang tha shit outa amedola. then like u coud have fred durst kill nsuk an wess boreland coud be sum laimass darth fag with his makeup. who here has herd tha new korn singel? oh i 4got, u all listin to weezr an rem an radioass. stay in tha saftey of tha moovees 'n stay aaway from Ozfest an all tha coool shit this sumemr. cuz u nevr no when yewl run in2 captim typo! snooch!
March 19, 2002, 6:52 p.m. CST
by inkymae
Upon the release of Empire Strikes Back in 1980, Time magazine did an article on Star Wars and the cultural phenomenon that it had become. In that article there was a sidebar that broke down the stories that Lucas had created for Star Wars. the first 3 had to do with Anakin and the fall of the republic, the second 3 was the fall of the emperor, and the third set was supposed to be about the reconstruction of the republic. Lucas said that the only 2 characters that would be in all 9 films would be r2 and c3po. the idea being that they would be the witnesses of this great epic story. (22 years ago and I still distinctly remember this! I am an ubergeek) This article appeared in Time, 1980 sometime in April or May. It was the only semi detailed account I have ever seen about Lucas' full concept for the Star Wars films. Lucas has since said that he doesnt want to do the last 3 stories and will quit after he is done with the prequels. I think that is a shame too. If he were to do the last 3 and they were supposed to take place say...30 years after the original trilogy...harrison ford, mark hamil and carrie fisher would be the right age to play the older versions of han, luke and leia. Not as the main characters mind you, but in the way that alec guiness appeared in the original trilogy. THAT would be cool.
March 19, 2002, 6:55 p.m. CST
by Rogman
Well, well. Sounds like old Georgie Lucas can lick the beef curtains and nibble on the Fishy McMuffin along with the best of them, after all....
March 19, 2002, 7:01 p.m. CST
by TheBigCheese
Georgie will never be able to capture the spirit and wonders of the original SW trilogy. Somewhere along the way, he went over to the dark side. The only reason why he made PM and AOTC was to sell more toys.
March 19, 2002, 7:22 p.m. CST
by Bunger
My knob is DEFINITELY flaccid at the thought of what you are doing as you fantasize about the haters' knobs you sicksicksick fuck!!
March 19, 2002, 7:28 p.m. CST
by EwanMagic
Quote From: general custer Subject: An utterly revolting "review" Comment: When I think of the glowing reaction Harry gave to TPM - both to the inept script And what has he to say about the cheap video-game sequences that seem to saturate the "film"? ------------------------ Dose any body tell you AOTC is meant to be showed with Digital Projection? http://cgi.theforce.net/theforce/tfn.cgi?storyID=14945 Clone War Trailer Review in DLP Theatre, Part 2 Tue, Mar 19, 02 01:42:38 PM EST Doug chimes in with his review: "I wanted to add to the current report on the Clone Trailer playing on a DLP with Ice Age. For the record, I saw the trailer first on TV. Then I saw it on the large (640x272) QuickTime file. Then I saw this. First of all, for those who have not yet seen the trailer, I would fully recommend that you do NOT listen to the opinions of anyone who has not seen the trailer in the theater. As good as Quicktime 5 (Sorenson codec) is, the compression leaves out plenty of detail, just like how watching on a TV lacks the kind of detail you'd see at the theaters. But, is there enough detail left out to truly make a difference? YES! On a TV and on QuickTime, there were certain scenes that did not look quite finished (ie. Yoda saying, "Begun this clone war has." and Obi-wan and Mace walking through that large hall saying, "He's become arrogant."). On the DLP (presented in cinemascope), those scenes look complete! Yoda has a lot more detail on his face, and the background definitely blends with Mace and Obi-wan during that hallway scene. I seriously doubt that ILM put together two versions (one for TV and QuickTime, and another for DLP) while giving the latter the more completed shots. I think this is clearly an example of the detail DLP can offer over compressed quicktime, TV, and as I will talk about, even FILM! In shorter words, of course some shots look fake on TV and Quicktime. See it in a DLP theater and you get the extra detail that makes those shots look real. On the DLP, NOTHING looked fake in this trailer. As with the previous report, I agree that the images are crystal clear and beautifully colorful (more colorful than I've seen in a movie, even more than TPM). However, I will go a step further in saying that some of the shots felt like they had actual depth to them (ie. they felt 3D, like you were really there ). On a big DLP screen, some shots are so massive and 3D like, it is almost too much to handle. These are all the Coruscant chase shots, the shot of the Solar Sailer opening its sail, and the Asteroid shock wave. Also, when watching the trailer on TV and QuickTime, there were some shots that looked soft and "video-like" to me. Namely, they were the shots of Obi-wan and Anakin accompanying the line, "Don't do anything until you hear from myself or the council," and the shots of Obi-wan and Jango, "Your clones are very impressive." Again, this was an impression from watching on a 19 inch computer monitor playing the QuickTime movie and viewing a live broadcast on a 34 inch HDTV (not simultaneously, that would be nuts! :) When seeing these shots on the DLP though, they do NOT look like video. They look like film. 'Nuff said. But, visuals aren't the only reason to see a movie on DLP. As anyone who has seen a DLP movie can testify, DLP also has BETTER sound! Every movie I've seen on DLP (whether it is Shrek, Dinosaur, Final Fantasy, Jurassic Park 3, or Ice Age) the sound has always been better than any FILM I've seen in Dolby Digital, DTS, or SDDS. I'm not sure what format for sound the DLP system uses, but it clearly sounds better. I'm unclear as to the method of how SDDS is matched with a film, but I am familiar with how Dolby Digital and DTS can sync up with a film. In a film environment, both Dolby Digital and DTS have certain limitations that just don't exist on a DLP system simply because it is all PURELY digital (and already synced with the visual portion) and your ONLY limitation is hard disk space and sustainable playback bandwidth. Again, I must emphasize that I don't know if DLP surround sound has a technical advantage over a film projector system equipped with SDDS (if it uses a technique similar to DTS or instead like DD), so I can't make an accurate comparison. All I do know is that surround sound on a DLP sounded clearer, more natural, more spacious, and deeper than FILM with Dolby Digital, DTS, or SDDS. Perhaps it would be beneficial if someone else could send in a report as to what kind of sound format DLP uses. To sum up, DLP is better than film (both in visual and sound). If anyone is going to pass judgment on the Clone War Trailer, see it the way it was meant to be seen before you make up your mind." Call your local theater companies and the major theater chains. Ask to have at least one theater in those multiplexes installed with digital projection technology. This isn't a crusade to see just Episode II in the best theatre experience possible, but for all movie blockbusters worthy of the big screen. Update: Dan R. adds the following: "Regarding the comment about DLP technology and the sound system, according to Texas Instruments technical specifications Audio: "The audio information is normally stored as six channel, 24-bit uncompressed PCM data for the feature, and 16-bit uncompressed PCM data for the trailers, on the QuBit system along with the picture information." As a projectionist who works with all three of the digital sound systems (SDDS, DTS, SRD--Dolby Digital) when Doug says that it sounds better than the other three it is because the sound is *uncompressed*.
March 19, 2002, 7:33 p.m. CST
by Matthegreat
Just caught the end of E news daily and Steve Kmetko just referred to Harry's Star Wars review and calmed him "That guy from Salon.com". Im not a Harry detractor, but thats pretty priceless.
crap i meant "called him"
March 19, 2002, 7:42 p.m. CST
by Maggie
Could you kiss his ass any more, Harry? You gushed over Phantom Menace the same way 3 years ago and I admit, even I WANTED to like that movie. I defended it for about a year. Then, with the hindsight of 20/20 I realized that the movie really sucked. I can't defend it anymore. The last half hour is the best part and even that wasn't great. I'm sure Ep. 2 will be better, if for no other reason than Jar Jar is in it less. Still, I don't buy that it's as great as Harry says. To be honest, I'm not even that excited about Spiderman. Don't get me wrong, I love Raimi's work. I just think that big studio tinkering will probably take it's toll on this one. Episode 2 has no studio tinkering...but it does have the vision of an isolated man who needs to come down out of the Endor forest of Marin County and join the rest of the world.
March 19, 2002, 8:21 p.m. CST
by Darth Melkor
E News Daily showed the trailer and Steve Kmetko said that the critic at Salon.com had seen the bootleg and said it is the "Best Star Wars ever." Yet I don't see any review... is there one one that site that anyone knows of?
March 19, 2002, 8:23 p.m. CST
by Kielland
Are you sure you're not jsut saying all this becuase you WANT the next film to be good? How can a man that gave us TPM suddenly turn around and make a masterpiece. He has surrounded himself with too many YES-men for this to work. I still think this film is gonna suck, but I'd be very happy if I was proven wrong.....
March 19, 2002, 8:25 p.m. CST
by Darth Melkor
The man who gave us TPM also gave us ANH and to an extent TESB and ROTJ. As well as American Graffiti and THX-1138. There's never been a director who went his whole career without making a subpar movie. Come on... name one.
March 19, 2002, 8:40 p.m. CST
by steel_mongo
Hey-zeus people - have any of you read your posts - LOTR RULES/AOTC SUCKS or LOTR SUCKS/AOTC RULES - what the frig ever happened to the thought in the geek community that you could like more than one storyline? I enjoyed SW when I saw it in the original release, and then I started reading Tolkien and enjoyed it to. Sure, like I said before I was disappointed in TPM - but my favorite scene in LOTR was missing to (the scene where Galadriel gives every one the gifts, not just Frodo). Judas Priest folks, it is ok to like more than one type of sci-fi. You people could make a strong man puke with your whining and bitching about a movie that hasn't even come out yet vs one that already has. The one group that hasn't weighed in yet are the trekkers, and it seems that they are laying low on this one. For the record, I like all three (LOTR, SW, and ST)
March 19, 2002, 8:47 p.m. CST
by CoolDan989
Luckily for you non-Connecticut residents, ctnow.com's got ya covered. Here is the article, enjoy...It must have been ``The Empire Strikes Back," which would have been May 1980. The critic and his spouse were sitting in the East Hartford theater waiting to see a technical screening - strictly off-limits to members of the press - to begin. Suddenly, quietly, the storm troopers approached, though they did not wear their white plastic armor and masks. They politely but firmly escorted the interloper and his wife from the theater. They would have to wait to see what would happen next to Luke, Leia and Han Solo. Somehow, George Lucas' minions, or Twentieth Century Fox spies, had learned of a security breach. They moved quickly and coldly to close it. So it is somehow satisfying to witness the panic spreading through Fox and Lucasfilm Ltd. over what Harry Knowles has pulled off, with the collusion of some insiders, who no doubt will be hunted down and purged. Knowles, a red-haired 28-year-old college dropout who operates the Ain't It Cool website out of his hometown of Austin, Texas, has webcast an initially critical but finally hysterically thrilled report on ``Star Wars: Episode 2 - Attack of the Clones." News of his slipping through the system was reported on the Drudge Report, run by his former mentor, Matt Drudge. His report, based on an illicit viewing of a rough cut of the film in an Austin hotel room during the South by Southwest Film Festival, has a cloak-and-dagger mystery air. One pictures an Orson Welles figure stepping out of a dark doorway to lead Knowles to a secret destination. But, in fact, he was passed a note at a book signing where he was guest of honor. He is co-author of "Ain't It Cool?" (Warner, $23.95). As his overheated, adolescent prose makes clear, Knowles lives for movies. His is an all-consuming passion: "It's like a spark that never went out. That they protected all along, as something sacred inside them. And me and my kind, when we finally show up, we're like something they've been waiting for for the longest time but were never quite sure was coming. We're pure oxygen. And we're ready to burn." He applies this movie-mad perspective, not unfamiliar to those unfortunate enough to attend crazies-crammed screenings, to the new opus in the Lucas canon, savaging Jar Jar Binks, so disliked in ``Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace." Knowles describes a new Binks scene as a ``15-second Stepin Fetchit shuffle speak," in reference to the racially demeaning movies of the '30s and '40s, as ``so offensively awful that it will not only make you recoil in horror but it will remind you of all the worst aspects of his character from `The Phantom Menace'." But Jar Jar is only around for about two minutes," Knowles comforts the sensitive faithful. The cult Web reporter, son of sellers of movie memorabilia and described as the ``Roger Ebert of the Geek Generation," also inveighs against Anakin Skywalker, the father of Luke and ultimately Darth Vader, played in this episode by Hayden Christensen. To Knowles, Anakin is ``a spoiled brat," or ``that evil high school football quarterback that wants the head cheerleader. ... There is much anger in him. He is impulsive, conflicted, a mass murderer. Every time I saw him and Natalie Portman together, I wanted to tell her to run, fly you fool. But am I not supposed to feel that way?" He wonders about Lucas. ``Did he rape our childhood? Has he turned into nothing more than a flannel-wearing toy salesman without a soul or an eye for story-telling any more?" Knowles' final answer is a ringing nay. ``Lucas succeeds beyond my wildest dreams." The Texan calls ``Attack of the Clones" ``the most entertaining `Star Wars' to date." Even with such a ringing encomium from the outsider named one of the 100 most powerful people in the movies by both Entertainment Weekly and Premiere magazines, Fox is not happy. The executives who run the picture business want press people to see their movies, but only on their terms. Fox and the "Star Wars" website parcel out glimpses of ``Attack of the Clones" in stills and previews, but they try to keep the plot under wraps. And even Knowles strives not to work as a spoiler. Though his report is long, detailed and screamingly personal, it does not really tell us what ``Clones" is all about. For that, even the press must wait until the appointed moment in May when the film is officially screened for its May 16 opening.
March 19, 2002, 8:58 p.m. CST
by Sea Bass
...even after "Jay and Silent Bob Strikes Back" spelled it out for you.
March 19, 2002, 9:02 p.m. CST
by ParamountExec
... I'd point out that AOTC has more plot than all the LOTR books combined, has better actors, and unlike LOTR, isn't incredibly homosexual. But I wouldn't do that,
March 19, 2002, 9:17 p.m. CST
by PHANTOMSHITTER
I happen to love the classic Star Wars trilogy, however, I hated, yes, I hated TPM, and I still consider myself a huge Star Wars fan. I do have high hopes for A.O.T.C., but, I'll wait until seeing the movie before making judgement. Sorry, Harry, but you also said that the Phantom Menace/Shitter was a great movie also. Please Harry, don't take this personally, and please take this as constructive critism, but I'm sorry, TPM sucked ass, and that's a LOT of people's opinions! Now, I'm NOT going to start a LOTR. vs. SW thing because there are great things about BOTH franchises, in fact I consider myself a huge Star Wars/LOTR/Matrix/Star Trek, and overall science fiction junkie. Who knows, maybe A.O.T.C. will become the prequel that Star Wars fanatics waited over fifteen years to see, but after getting badly burned last time, I'll wait to see it on the big screen before passing judgement, and even if it's great, I'm sorry, but NOTHING can make up for the mess known as The Phantom Shitter, go ahead, fanatics flame away, but you know I'm right!
March 19, 2002, 9:42 p.m. CST
by Billy Talent
Actually, I was saying that $300 million is about the bare minimum 'AotC' can possibly gross. More likely, I think it will top a half billion domestically. I don't think it has any significant competition until July when 'Minority Report' and 'Men in Black II' will come out. Like 'Planet of the Apes' or 'The Mummy Returns', 'The Phantom Menace' made the proverbial shitload of money in it's opening two weeks. Unlike those movies, it stuck around for sometime afterwards, gradually amassing another $250 some odd million. It's hard to tell exactly how much of either 'Star Wars' or 'LotR's business owes to rabid fans seeing the films repeatedly and how much comes from a more casual audience that sees them once or perhaps twice. However, assuming 'AotC' is considerably better than 'TPM',the hardcore geeks will see it many many times. For perspective, I've watched 'TPM' about a dozen times, surely a record for a film that I don't like very much. I've also seen 'Fellowship of the Ring' three times, and will probably see it at least once or twice more when it hits video. I've seen 'Pearl Harbor' twice, because I had to know that it really was THAT BAD. This proves mostly that I'm not terrifically bright, because smart people don't repeatedly watch movies they don't like. But genre movie fans for the most part are not smart people and I think that George Lucas knows this. I'm not sure what my point was, except that this movie is going to make a SHITLOAD of money. I will not make that money. I will contribute to it.
March 19, 2002, 10:02 p.m. CST
by 20th Century Fox
Wow you just give george a little competion and look at what happens...While I thought the first 90 minutes of LOTR sucked donkey I found the last 90 kick ass...I walked out of the theatre thinking: "Finally Some competion for Lucas and maybe he will get his act together..." You know I saw the ATOC trailer in front of ICE AGE and guess what. There was no clapping, no cheering, no excitiment what so ever from the movie going audience. I think my personal lord and savior Rupert Murdoch bitch slapped lucas and told him you better let us market this film cause people are Talking TOLKEN NOT LUCAS. Frankly Harry I think it was a good thing you saw the film early. Cause Lucas needs it to save his franchise from the onslaught of Tolken...The Moral of the story: COMPETION IS GOOD!!!!
March 19, 2002, 10:07 p.m. CST
by TheMatarife
Please LUCAS RELEASE THE DVDS!!!
March 19, 2002, 10:42 p.m. CST
by NFLRefugee
I came across that issue of Time around last Christmas. My father was a history teacher and he collected Time Magazine for his classes: Boxes and boxes of them. He retired and I helped him clean up his classroom. Incidently, that issue is a major collectors item. Darth Vader appeared on the cover but the powers at be at Time pulled it at the last minute in favor of Aytollah Khomeni (sp?). However, a large number of those issues were distributed to customers with home subscriptions. My dad was lucky enough to get one. I am holding on to that sucker. PS Lucas also outlined the trilogy further in the May 83 issue of Time promoting ROTJ. Lucas is on the cover. My dad had that in his stack too.
March 19, 2002, 10:43 p.m. CST
by Darth_Inedible
Notice if you will the adorable cherubesque nose.. Sparkling like the cherry stuck on a thick slice of glazed ham. Those luscious, beestung pinkish-red lips.. Taunting us, they vaguely remind us of a newborn calve's anus or a pat of margerine. Then we have those thick, shapely legs.. Like 300 pounds of cottage cheese stuffed into a pair of XXL flesh coloured panty-hose. A feast for the eyes indeed.
March 19, 2002, 10:57 p.m. CST
by MJAYACE
Somebody talked about hype a way back. It is important for this review not to hype the masses in order for AOTC to be good. It really doesn't matter whether the super fans are hyped up or not. They will still see the movie a dozen times. I actually liked most of TPM and will usually watch most of it repeatedly (although I have to admit I fast forward through the "lucky" Anakin space battle and the "lucky" Jar Jar getting his foot caught in the robot and manages to kill a bunch, scenes). The important thing is for AOTC to reach the masses on a simplistic level that made TPM's plot to difficult to comprehend. If a viewer's only knowledge of SW was the original trilogy, I could see why TPM would seem like a big mess, but for those of us who read all the books, and know a little background TPM clicked easily. So as far as the hype machine goes, Harry should have kept his review to the fans (like me) at this sight and avoided main stream interviews. Keep everyone else in the dark and they will love it.
March 19, 2002, 10:58 p.m. CST
by gizmobrainyhead
George Lucas's strategy was to make damn sure Harry saw this film weeks before the release of this film to get the positive word spinning around the Internet. It was a strategic business move, nothing more, nothing less. Obviously Lucas has confidence in his movie... I think it will be entertaining. Better than TPM.. has to be!
March 19, 2002, 11:06 p.m. CST
by Darth Melkor
If you wanna understand better what was going on in TPM and want a good lead in to Ep2 read the Approaching Storm. It features characters from Ep2 as well as info about Naboo and the blockade etc. It supposedly ends exactly where Ep2 begins. I wouldn't know for sure yet since I havent finished it.
March 19, 2002, 11:10 p.m. CST
by MikeSal222
We know what happens to Obi-Wan and Anakin. We know they don't die. That drains most of the suspense out of these movies. A sequel trilogy (even one that didn't focus on Luke, Leia, etc.) would have been much better.
March 19, 2002, 11:20 p.m. CST
by Destroya
"By all the evidence, Attack of the Clones is a much better movie." Uh, I dunno about that, buddy. To wit: 1. We have a title that is even cheesier than the first one. 2. We have George still denying that there was anything wrong with TPM in the first place. 3. We have the same bored performances from actors standing in front of green screens. 4. We have the same unfunny "humor" 5. We have huge negative reaction to the "Romance" trailer. 6. We have a mixed reaction to the "Clone Wars" trailer. 7. We have the same CGI overkill. 8. We have Jar Jar missing in action in the publicity campaign despite the fact that we KNOW he will play a role in the movie (the biggest admission you'll ever get from Lucasfilm that JJB was a mistake, that). 9. And lastly, the only positive thing we've heard is from an effusive "reviewer" with a poor track record who saw the film a single time. I hate to say it, but it takes the distance of time, reflection, and multiple viewings before one can honestly gauge a film's quality. So, in short, let's wait until we see it before praising it.
March 20, 2002, 12:07 a.m. CST
by Destroya
Damn dude, you just about hit the nail on the head. That's mainly the reason why for me Episode I doesn't survive on repeat viewings, because we're not actually SEEING any drama unfold. It's all setup, meetings, background, more setup.... And you're dead right about the "children's" angle; I wonder how many of the apologists on here defending TPM are under the age of 14 or so?
March 20, 2002, 12:19 a.m. CST
by SpacePhil
Thank God, it's going to be a decent movie. And as for the inevitable LOTR vrs. Star Wars argument that's destined to break out in this TalkBack (if it hasn't already)... do yourself a favor, boys. Just sit back and enjoy. Criticism can wait.
March 20, 2002, 12:31 a.m. CST
by Billy Talent
I wasn't saying that 'Clones' is a sure thing. I'm pretty confident it will be better than 'TPM', which I really didn't think was all that bad. Anyway, if it isn't good, it's not the only movie out there.
March 20, 2002, 12:41 a.m. CST
by Mischievous
When you've got Jabba's half-brother giving a good review of it, you know it's got to be good. --- BTW, For all of you SW vs LOTR freaks, get the fuck over it!!! Both are good films, but LOTR NO WAY will ever surmount the success of the Star Wars Saga. LOTR is a beautiful film to look at and to watch, but it will never surpass the phenomenon that is Star Wars. SW is part of our culture now. References to it are everywhere - movies, politics, etc. DM
March 20, 2002, 1:14 a.m. CST
by Renata
It just baffles me why people won't give this movie the benefit of the doubt. Assuming (and it's a pretty good assumption) that they're all jealous LOTR fans, allow me to ask a question: You hate AOTC sight unseen because you hated TPM. Well, did you hate FOTR sight unseen based on Jackson's previous movie, which was a little piece of garbage called The Frighteners? That was truly a horrible movie. Worst than anything in TPM or, frankly, any genre movie in recent memory. It was disorganized, overbearing, unfunny, not scary, and incompetent in every respect, especially acting and writing. (one more wide angle close up shot of R. Lee Ermey yelling into the camera and my head would've exploded) Yet, Jackson was recently quoted in EW as saying he's proud of it. What is anyone to make of that? Frankly, I don't care what LOTR fans think. I don't care if anyone hates AOTC. They have their reasons and if their hatred gives them a reason to live, then...well, we all need our reasons, however petty. I was just curious how they can be dismissive of this movie and, from what I've gleaned, it's only because they disliked Lucas' last directing effort. So, I pose the question: Did you hate FOTR before it was released because of the awfulness of Frighteners? Where was Jackson's credibility when he claims it's a good movie? Weren't you pleasantly surprised how much you like FOTR? ***A personal note to EwanMagic. Thanks for the post about digital projection. I haven't seen the trailer in the theatre yet, but I suspected that the less than stellar shots on t.v. were due to the vagaries of the format, not the actual filmmaking. I look forward to seeing it (and the movie) with the DLP projector. There's a great one in LA. Watching Monsters Inc last year on it was similar to looking at a movie through a window. I don't know if I'd like to watch In The Mood for Love or George Washington in this format, but a big, lavish, exotic movie like Star Wars is perfect.
March 20, 2002, 1:23 a.m. CST
by exPFCWintergreen
I know you meant it will make $300mil at the very least. I meantthat too. AOTC could turn out to be a puppet show and it would be guaranteed $300mil. However, I don't think it will top TPM, I may well be wrong, but TPM was so hyped up and so many fans went to see it multiple times just because of the hype they built up in themselves. I'm not talking about geeks either. The fan base for Star Wars goes way beond geekdom. Nearly every person in western society has seen at least one Star Wars movie (I do know some people who haven't though) AOTC will definately beat FOTR at the BO, even though FOTR will undoubtly be the better film, fuck I love that movie.
March 20, 2002, 2:28 a.m. CST
by Mischievous
Listen Harry, The next time you post a review and state that there are "minor spoilers", make sure that they ARE minor. You blew the lid off some major spoilers there, especially for those unspoiled. Just because you got to see a free screening (Fries included), doesnt mean to spoil the gist of the film for the rest of us. Gushing is one thing. Spoiling another.
I wouldn't be surprised if most of you Star Wars "haters" were also the "big buisness" hating democrats who are ruining our country. You continue to fault success because you are JEALOUS of it! And fear it. None of you really hate Star Wars otherwise you wouldn't be here. You merely wish it would have evolved (devolved?) with you; That is would embrace the cinematic cliches of the era it has been reborn into. Thank god it hasn't. What's sad is that even if AOTC is great (which it just may be) would you SW "haters" have the balls to admit you were wrong? Probably not. You are in way over your heads and will continue to spread your venomous abuse towards SW even though deep in your heart you are the murderers of your own childhood. Lay off George Lucas...it's his world, his imagination, and his money that's funding that vision (yes, we all gave it to him and now it's his). The only reason you SW "haters" critique the saga so harshly is because you care about it so deeply.
March 20, 2002, 3:39 a.m. CST
by winky
Lay off Mr. George Lucas, please! He's only the greatest thing ever to hit the movie scene since-- hello?-- a certain Mr. Steven Spielberg, that's who! AOTC will make old black and white crap like Citizen Kane and stuff look so stupid it won't even be funny. All these negative people are completely boring. Relax, people, have some fun. You only live once! Have some popcorn and enjoy life like me and my boyfriend do. We like movies because they're fun, don't ya get it? Hooray for Harry, he's the best!
March 20, 2002, 4:54 a.m. CST
by kenjinator
Granted, what MikeSal222 says is obviously true, we do know what happens to both Anakin and Obi Wan. Hell, we know what happens to Padme, R2, C-3PO, Yoda, and a host of other characters for that matter. But part of the attraction of the prequels is that the destination is NOT everything - the voyage is important too. Before these prequels began production, we knew very little of the origins of these characters, how their individual interactions led them to their ultimate respective fates. We didn't even know that several of these characters existed. Today, we still don't know exactly how the Clone Wars play out, or ultimately how and through what events Anakin becomes Vader (we just know it may or may not involve a fight with Obi Wan and a lava pit). Wake up! There is a reason why the plots of the prequels are such heavily guarded secrets, and why crazy fans who have studied every inch of the Star Wars universe since their childhoods continue to dig for "spoilers" to quench their thirst for the films before they are released - because despite the fact that we "know they don't die", there are so many parts of their story we DON'T know that LucasFilm has to hide the plot and some people get angry when someone like Harry spoils some of the movie. Prequels provide enjoyment and excitement in 2 basic ways: (1) as mentioned, they provide detail to a story we only vaguely know, involving both characters we are familiar with and those with whom we aren't familiar and (2) we get to see how the story that we know and anticipate is visually respresented. You have to admit that it's going to be exciting to SEE the start of the Clone Wars that we have only heard of up until now. And as an interesting side note to remember, you know that Lord of the Rings trilogy that is so hailed by critics and fans and has had such great success? Well, that trilogy survives on the "we get to see how the story that we know is visually represented" factor alone! We all know what's going to happen in every single one of those movies in greater detail than we do in the Star Wars movies - hell, the books show what's going to happen in greater detail than the movies show! And LotR was still a damn good movie that left me shaking with excitement. So, obviously, these prequels have enough to work from to not "suck." Making a sequal trilogy would not necessarily have been better - though maybe it would have been. But let's think about this for a minute. If Lucas could make a movie like TPM that even hardcore fans derided for taking the franchise places that people have viewed as unwarranted (Jar Jar comes to mind), then imagine what might happen in a sequel trilogy. TPM was chronologically far enough away from the original trilogy to license Lucas to do as he pleased with the characters and story as long as Anakin, Obi Wan, Padme, and Yoda didn't die. That was the only restriction and he seemingly made a mess of it (the restrictions on story telling should be tighter in episodes II and III because more is known about their respective events). Now imagine if he made a sequel trilogy. Lucas would not be controlled and by the task of filling in a story outline that has a definite ending; he would in fact have NO restrictions. Instead, he would be able to freely do whatever came to mind - and freedom, as we have seen, is not necessarily a good thing with Lucas. OK, i know some people would argue that Lucas would be limited in making the sequel trilogy because he had "planned the entire Star Wars saga in his head 25 years ago," but you are delusional. Do you think today he is sticking strictly to what he may or may not have envisioned as backstory when he made the first trilogy? It is doubtful. Lucas probably vaguely knows what story he would want to tell in the sequels, but clearly this wasn't clear enough of a story or exciting enough of a story to tell, or he would have made that trilogy over the prequels. Remember, he CHOSE the prequels. So you see, a sequel trilogy is not necessarily a better thing, and indeed we can enjoy prequels. Note that I'm not necessarily saying that the prequels will be good - i'm still skeptical after TPM and some scenes from the trailers - but they have the potential for greatness.
March 20, 2002, 5:26 a.m. CST
by Mithril
Yeah, there were supposed to be 9 films originally. The Time magazines (which I've also got) bear that out, but I've also got NBC tv interviews with Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford from the releases of ESB and ROTJ, where they explain the three trilogies. Hamill and Ford say that there will be a trilogy of prequels and a trilogy of sequels. The prequels will be shot first, and the OT main actors won't be in them (aside from C-3PO and R2-D2). Then there were going to be the sequels, where they'd appear as their older selves in a sort of Obi-Wan capacity. Now Lucas has decided that the sequel trilogy will not be made by him, and has banned anyone else from directing it too. What interests me is that after Lucas decided that, LFL people have tried to claim that there was never going to be a sequel trilogy and that the news just misinterpreted Lucas. Oh, then Lucas and his main actors discussing the matter before must have misunderstood Lucas too? Yeah, right! Just admit that they planned it and then decided not to do it! ***Oh, and come on, May 16th!!!
March 20, 2002, 8:19 a.m. CST
by opus20745
http://us.imdb.com/top_250_films The idea that Lord of the Rings is the second greatest film of ALL TIME, is so absurd as to be laughable. I really wanted to like that film, but the incredibly disjointed pacing of the film, often shoddy effects, and complete lack of interest in two of the main characters severely hampered that goal. The fact that it was nominated as one of the best pictures of the year while films such as Memento, AI, or even Vanilla Sky were not has caused me to lose much faith in Hollywood. I'm all for "epic" storytelling, but at least do it skillfully. Not that Phantom Menace WAS, far from it, I'm in no way a pro Star Wars/anti Lord of the Rings vigilante, but I do recognize QUALITY movie-making, and as much as all the LOTR fanboys wish to delude themselves, The Fellowship of the Ring was NOT it. I'm hoping the TTT will be better, but from what I've read about it thus far I'm not getting my hopes up. It says a lot when I can sit through an utterly character driven film such as JFK or Magnolia, with comparable running times, and not look at my watch once. As opposed to FOTR, where I was checking LONG before the "climactic" Orc battle. It's a shame really that LOTR is so overly praised and (in all probability rewarded) when Jackson's FAR superior film "The Frighteners" tanked at the box office. Oh well, just some thoughts.
March 20, 2002, 9:44 a.m. CST
by hildebrand
You do realize that this is a Star Wars talkback, do you not? If so, then why decide to trash another movie. We get it, you didn't like the movie, does that mean that others cannot like the movie either? Is it possible that your taste in films is different then others? Nothing wrong with that, that is the way it works with people. But why bring it up on this talkback? What are you hoping to do? Convince a very large number of people that they were wrong to enjoy Lord of the Rings? Or, more likely, are you just trying to stir the pot because you had nothing of else of merit to say. Why not post what you think about the subject at hand? If you care to discuss Lord of the Rings, why not go to a LOTR talkback. There are still some going, I am sure that your insight would be most welcome. If you did simply do this to stir some trouble, I guess you can feel some thrill because I answered your post.
March 20, 2002, 11:43 a.m. CST
by minderbinder
Oh, and Renata. Sure, the Frighteners had its flaws (mainly inconsistent tone and one over the top character), but it was still miles better than TPM.
March 20, 2002, 12:25 p.m. CST
by Virgil Sollozzo
Yeh those big business haters are ruining the country, not the politics of big business itself. I mean yeh, what good American doesnt approve of class division, greed, shitting on common laborers, laying off poor stiffs, and all the other wonderful things that entail big business. I mean im for free enterprise but think about its faults before you blast those who criticize and label them as "jealous " and "haters. You know who really is ruining this country? The type of people who always try to say that a specific group of people are "ruining this country today". You know people with that whole " America- w'ere the shit cuz we have free enterprise and make a shitload of money and can do whatever we want over here and everyone else is just jealous cuz usa can do no wrong" attitude are the reason weve got psychos trying to blow things up over here.
March 20, 2002, 12:50 p.m. CST
by Virgil Sollozzo
Im looking forward to AOTC more than anything, but you think it will make citizen Kane look stupid? yeh, sure. People who dont like classic films are either A. Fairly ignorant of classic movies in genral, therefore not really qualified to judge them B. Fairly young or just immature or C.Are too intellectually devoid to enjoy something without cussing, nudity and sfx. So what its black and white its a great film that has something that no special effect will bring AOTC, The Mummy Returns, Charlie's Angels,Fast and the Furious and other popcorn flix: GREAT SCRIPT, GREAT PERFORMANCES, GREAT UNDERLINING THEME. I just watched it 2 days ago and it is an achievement that even years from now shall seldom be bested. Im sorry there's no piefucking or car chases or other so-called "fun" to hold your attention. Maybe you should settle down someday and actually watch CK or some other great B&W, even if you gotta pop a ritalin first.
March 20, 2002, 12:54 p.m. CST
by Nucky_Lumbers
OK, I'm gonna break it down: George Lucas really is clueless. Here's the evidence: He has stated publicly that he has never understood why Boba Fett has such a huge following. Can you imagine a Star Wars fan saying such a thing? No way. He's practically everyone's favorite. Why? He's dark, dangerous, and never says anything stupid. He's mysterious. And what was the movie in which Boba really shines? The answer: Empire. The best SW film, and the one Lucas DID NOT DIRECT. Imagine that. And look how Lucas killed Boba in RotJ. He just falls into that sand worm. It was as if Lucas was saying to all the fans, "Oh, you like this guy? Watch what I do to him. He's a little bitch." If Lucas doesn't understand the appeal of Boba, what does he understand? And for all of you freaks who keep screaming, "TPM was for kids! That's why you don't get it?" I say, bullshit. ANH, ESB, and RotJ were exciting movies for a very simple reason: The bad guys seem undefeatable. It seems like the heroes don't have a chance - it's classic cliffhanger stuff. Then look at TPM, the robots are useless, Ani goes on a killing spree screaming shit like, "Weeeeeeee!" and "Yahooooooo!" Jesus. I'll admit, Maul was bad-ass for the 10 minutes he's in the film. But isn't it curious that Lucas kills him in almost the exact same way he killed Boba?
March 20, 2002, 12:57 p.m. CST
by SpanishPantlones
1.Jar Jar Binks:references to Mike Myers's humor do not belong in a SW movie;phrases like "doodoo" and "Mula" take the audience out of the SW universe as well. Jar Jar is unforgivably annoyning; he says "how rude" about 10 times. That's C3PO's line.this ill-concieved character's only purpose was to show off digital tech and sell merchandise.He ruins this movie's chance of being just OK. If a child of mine ever tells me they like Jar Jar I will put him/her up for adoption.(The Racial stuff, I think is a reaction by some overly sensitive PC babies). 2. Anikin/Jake Loyd:insipid,terrible actor but even Haley Joel Osmet couldn't make an 9 year old Darth Vader interesting. Ill concieved again from start.If he had been Padme's age, (like the 2 actors in AotC are the same age) this might have worked out great.But how many 25 year old women marry 19 year old guys? NP does not look 25. A bad start already for AotC. 3.Boss Nass: looked really fake and that shaking the lips wasn't remotely amusing. Just awful. 4.Shmi Skywalker/Pernella August: It was cringe-inducing to watch her in this film.The worst performance in TPM by far.Wasn't Karen Allen available? She doesn't cry when her son leaves? Then again it was Jake Loyd... 5.Gungans:They make the Ewoks look very cool. 6.Underwater City: This should have been saved for future Episodes, on a different Planet.It doesn't fit the environment of Naboo. It would be a great way for the Empire to "hunt down and murder the Jedi".Why not attack them under water and drown them. And have a great under water battle too. 7.The Jedi carry 007's 4 minute breather (from "Thunderball") at all times. How convienient! 8.The Pod race: This action scene lacked tension,suspense and urgency. It was redundant and boring. 9.The ground battle:It looked so fake I thought I was watching a cartoon instead of a live action film. And I was right. 10.The space battle: The worst in the series. The ships look fake unlike like the first trilogies'unique models that gave them 3 dimensions. 11.The ship designs: The royal ship looked like an American stealth bomber. Not a SW ship.no good ships anywhere in this Episode. 12.Liam Neeson: A great actor so what happended? He was sleepwalknig in this movie. I felt nothing when he died.(OK,the meditation scene was one of the only highpoints in TPM) 13.Mace Windu /Sam Jackson: What a waste.By providing some much needed help He could have kick some ass on Naboo. 14. The Jedi councel's apathy: Why did The queen and co. return to reclaim Naboo with only Obi-wan and Qui-gon and no help? They show up for the BBQ later but they offer no extra support? 2 or 3 Jedi would have made a difference and Quigon might have lived too. There is no sense of responsibility. 15. That ethnic stone scuplture in the forrest: It clearly had a thailand style design. This was another distraction that took me out of the SW universe. What were the designers thinking? 16.Qui-gon's inability to free Anakin's mother: He's a Jedi right? If she was a babe he would have found a way and pulled the trigger. But Watto wouldn't have it. This is why Anakin grows up to become an asshole. 17.Yoda: He looks way too young in this one. If he's 900 years old, what's 30 years going to do? 18.Midiclirans:lame 19.Qui-gon doesn't disapear:Lamer 20. Anakin's Imaculate conception:Lamest 21. Trade Fedration Viceroy: Bizzare, uncomfortable performances. If they are cowards how did they assume so much weath and power? It's ilogical for them to be so well armed and Martial and be cowardly. 22.C3PO: Anakin built him? Gee the universe is such a small place, what a totally fucking ridiculous coincidence! It might have been thoughtful to share this with Luke later on too. In ANH is seems very unfamiliar to Tatooine. So, maybe his memory gets erased-it's still stupid. 23.Anakin blowing up the mini deathstar: This is was the stupidist part of the movie. Another deathstar assault? He does it accidentally too. This lowered the movie to Armegeddon/ID4/Godzilla/ levels of banality. 24.Dialoge:This script was so poorly written. Example: Droid to Qui-gon:Where are you going? Q:Coruscant. D:where are you going? Q:Coroscunt-Same question, twice? If droids have computers for brains why do they have attention deficet disorder? 25.No Emotion: The Naboo invasion was Bloodless. No evidence of people suffering or dying. I got the feeling that 20 people lived there and they all lived in the palace. There is no feeling of emotion or a sense of triumph when the battle is won. So what? This movie is flat as a pancake. a terrible waste of time that's undeserving of the name Star Wars.
March 20, 2002, 1:37 p.m. CST
by Virgil Sollozzo
March 20, 2002, 2:24 p.m. CST
by flashboy
Stallone acting wise...was better in 5 than in 2-4. This whole thing how he was "back on the streets" how did he get from a meat hitting Philly tough guy to this lambogini driving pimp anyways, the way he was in 2-4???? what did I miss? I always thought the jump from his Rocky-tough guy-to Rocky-gucci guy was too dramatic a jump....and in 5 they brought the old Rocky back. SO WHY DO U SAY IT WAS BAD?
March 20, 2002, 2:28 p.m. CST
by rabid_republican
Thus far, I'm encouraged. Everything from the out n' out villians, to the bounty hunters, to Obi Wan's character development are sounding like the makings of good support. There's only one nagging problem. The way Harry talks about Anakin makes me think that there are entire chunks of this that we as an audience might be better off without.__________________________ Trouble is wasn't this film (and triology) supposed to be Anakin Skywalker? If I hate him to begin with, what would be the point? I'd rather Lucas set him up as someone more conflicted, than just a complete prick. (Yes, I know Darth Vader although cool, is really a complete prick...but if the character is static, how is the audience supposed to be emotionally pulled with him? In essence Lucas would be saying "we thought this prick would cool in black armor"--if that's the evolution of Darth Vader, than I'd consider it far too shallow.)_________________________ Obi wan definitely sounds like the one to watch here. That much has already sold me a ticket. Who knows? As the time draws closer, I may very well be motivated to see it opening night (he said coyly...yeeeeah, like I won't be first in line.).
March 20, 2002, 2:29 p.m. CST
by SmackAttack
March 20, 2002, 2:34 p.m. CST
by CoolDan989
March 20, 2002, 2:39 p.m. CST
by sparticusmaximus
It's no mystery to me that AOTC will enhance TPM: AOTC will definitely change the way people experience TPM.......The same way "experiencing" ESB changes every aspect of ANH. If it's a GOOD sequel, you just can't look it's predecessor the same way. Let me count the ways: (again until we experience these things, watching another full-blown SW movie....It don't mean shit! We must EXPERIENCE the new chapter, like we've "experienced" TPM for the last 3 years) 1.Qui-Gon: This character might have died in the first episode, but his importance to the rest of the saga, is enormous. He is the first "rebel" of the prequels. A Jedi "mildly" at odds with his council. His philosophy of the force, illuminated alot of the Jedi's flaws in TPM....we just didn't know it. But many of these "flaws" will be expanded upon in AOTC/Ep3, and during the rest of Anakin's story. Also, he plays an important part in AOTC, through Obi-Wan (took Anakin as his apprentice, out of guilt for his master), Anakin (precursor to the ultimate "rebel" of the prequels), and Dooku (Qui-Gon's former master). Dooku is almost the "monster" version of Qui-Gon. A dark reflection.........He is also a precursor to Anakin. 2.Trade federation vs. Naboo: This "non-epic" event has enormous consequences to the saga. Obviously, TPM showed how a Dark Lord of the Sith could use it as a catalyst, to become Supreme Chancellor of the Republic........But AOTC expands upon it more: The Trade Federation were not put of business. This "organ of commerce" was just one of many (!!!!) in the Republic. The fiasco of the "Naboo situation" has given rise in the last 10 years, to many of these organization breaking away from the Republic, supporting the Separatist movement (led by Count Dooku). Because of that one event, a domino effect was created. By AOTC, the galaxy is on the verge of civil war! Also, Count Dooku left the Jedi after the death of his former apprentice. It was the final straw for him. He thought the Jedi's role in the Republic was despicable...and Qui-Gon's dying on Naboo, pissed him off greatly. So that minor (tension-less) event can now be looked upon as CENTRAL to Palpy's creation of a fasict state. The seeds of a Raging Galactic civil war were planted in that minor event......which makes it fascinating....no longer deflating due to it being "non-eventful", compared to the OT's RAGING Rebellion vs. Empire war. 3.Battle droid: People were pissed that the Battle droids were goofy (Roger Roger!). The thing is, in AOTC, The battle droid's depiction in TPM will be given contrast: Battledroids are scary in AOTC. Combining the Destroyer droids (already foreshadowed as being tough, in that opening TPM scene, when they gave the Jedi "pause"...a stand-off) with the Superbattledroid (ferocious machine-independent-ruthless)..........the standard battledroids....and even newer vicious machines (those spider-like droids from the trailer)................And you have something no longer goofy. We have an army which massacres almost 200 Jedi (!!!).........Brutal! We also learn about the creators of the Battledroid. Get to see a factory, origins, etc... 4.Clones: In their role of "saving the day", and defeating the battledroids, we get to see the evolution of Evil's army. Experiencing this, will makes the battledroid's place in TPM, more understandble. It's called evolution, baby! 5.Anakin: People were pissed that after 16 years of waiting for the Darth Vader story.....we got a "nice kid" who any normal contemporary HUMAN could relate to. Nothing seemingly complex. He was a good kid. Just like even Hitler probably was. This is Lucas' plan: by AOTC, he wants us to continue looking at Anakin's story from the "inside". Not distanced. The "story of Anakin" is how any of US could become bad. Anakin is not a "bad seed". That sweet kid grows up into a complex boy, on the verge of Adulthood. He feels different from the Jedi, as he was trained at a late age. His unresolved emotional connections (mother, Padme) will increase the tension he has with the emotionally constricted Jedi/Obi-Wan. Also, Anakin KNOWS he's the chosen one. He knows how powerful he is.....and he is a little cocky about things (accidently winning the Space battle in Naboo, didn't help matters, with regards to his ego). Finally experiencing the beginning of Anakin's dark journey, I believe will quench some people's impatience, watching the intro of lil' Annie in TPM. (BTW: Alot of what Anakin becomes is subtly hinted at in TPM....The way he gets persistent, trying to get what he wants......His need for ADVENTURE........His impatience......His sensitivity to being a slave.....his close ties to his mother........His dealings with bullies (Sebulba))...his inferiority complex/insecurity) 6.Jar Jar: Becoming a senator of the Republic (and playing a central role in the creation of Palpatine's Empire) will give a "gravitas" to his place in the saga. His role was totally foreshadowed in TPM.....He was not warrior material like his people.....His greatest importance in that film was being the diplomat and bringing the Naboo and Gungans together....Check out that "quiet scene" on Coruscant, with Padme. Completely foreshadows his becoming a co-senator of Naboo in AOTC. Jar Jar is designed to represent INNOCENCE....like Anakin. Look for his story arc to parallel the chosen one's, as it gets into more mature/darker territory. I believe experiencing the more mature Jar Jar, will illuminate his place in TPM. 7.Sith Apprentice: Darth Maul as a "one dimensional" villain, will be better understood. Firstly, he was more symbol than character in TPM. Basically he represented fury/aggresion/ego aspect of evil. Basically, he was Sidious' bull dog. By AOTC.......story-wise......we will understand how Sidious uses Maul as a way of continuing to "cover his tracks". The Jedi will think Maul was the master, when they find out about DARTH TYRANUS. Brilliant! Also, think of the Sith apprentices in the prequels, as a progression: Maul.....Dooku......Anakin. Anakin combines all the qualites of his predecessors. FINAL NOTE: TPM was not an EPIC film. The OT was.....and AOTC/EP3 will also be. The Galaxy of TPM was living in an illusion of peace and prosperity. Although the dynamic was very different from the OT's.....It's still SW! I believe appreciation for TPM will increase when you realize everything EPIC that happens in the rest of the prequels/saga, was set up in that film. EVERYTHING. And just like ESB is to ANH......."darkness" in the prequels will create a synergy between each film. They enhance each other. And this ain't "gusher's hope. By contrasting TPM's light/childlike tone with AOTC darker/more adult perspective, Lucas enhances his EP1. "Search your feelings.....SW-fans....You know it to be true"
March 20, 2002, 2:46 p.m. CST
by Billy Talent
It's strange. I saw 'Tomb Raider' and 'Ghosts of Mars' only weeks ago, and I've already forgotten why they sucked. As a matter of fact I've forgotten just about everything about them. And yet you people can remember shot by shot a movie you hated three years ago. There's something a little odd about that.
March 20, 2002, 3:06 p.m. CST
by PuRpLeHaZe
George Lucas was in my house last weekend and show me the movie in an old vhs device. I Liked too much. Well, a hardly try to see Mr. Spock, but I did not. Kiss for all of you.
March 20, 2002, 3:52 p.m. CST
by SpanishPantlones
it's a riches to rags story that wants to be uplifting. Rocky losing everything and moving back to the hood is not uplifting; it's depressing. Rocky 1 was an undeniable masterpiece of American cinema. Stallone wanted to remake 1 and have it be a work of art again and give the Rocky saga some credibility. After 4 films it's too late to recapture old glory. V fails on an artistic level. And it had no climatic fight in a ring or training sequence. Rocky IV was a pretty stupid movie that I still enjoyed and consider it a guilty pleasure. Yes, his Gucci phase(good one!)was kinda lame (I missed his old fashion sensibilities like the dog collar as a wrist band)but those movies (3-4) were entertaining and re-watchable.He had memorable adversaries in 1-2,3 and 4. Tommy Gun was a joke. Tommy Morrison was a real boxer too and I'd still have picked Dolph Lungren to kick his ass.Rocky V was a total letdown.*** I forgot to include the 2 headed announcer in my list of 25 reasons why TPM sucks. make it 26! That was very lame indeed! I hope Lucas kicks some serious ass this summer. Bad sequels rarely get redeemed. Let's hope. Episode 2 should be called "A New Nope" (instead of E.VI) if it turns out to be great.
March 20, 2002, 4:09 p.m. CST
by flashboy
Yes, I agree with 5 not being as good as the others, it being a "Fifth" movie, but because I have tuned out 2-4, (mostly 3 &4) as parts of the series. To me Rocky 5 is the true Rocky 2, because to me it makes no sense how Rocky changes so much in middle movies. (this is probly more energy humans have spent on analyzing the Rocky saga than before in the history of mankind.) Cheers.
March 20, 2002, 4:44 p.m. CST
by SpanishPantlones
Absolutely!!! I never thought I'd spend a second of my life debating the merrits of Rocky V. Fucking AICN!! Cheers!***
March 20, 2002, 5:17 p.m. CST
by SpanishPantlones
The Phantom Menace was a terrible film and that's why I'm worried about 2 and 3. As long as George Lucas is directing and writing, the film is in doubt. I admire your attempt pursuade us to rethink TPM . Nice effort. It sucks no matter what insight you provide-piss poor acting,dialoge, over the top special effects, poorly executed action sequences and lame story lines are a fact of TPM. Nothing in AotC will change that. I hope GL gets it right next time.I really do.But if it sucks again at least we have Spiderman,The Two Towers,Die another Day and Austin 3.2002 is easily the greatest movie slate year ever. And Daredevil,The Matrix 2-3 next year! That's some fine competition.
March 20, 2002, 6:20 p.m. CST
by sparticusmaximus
TPM is not a GREAT film. It is a good, fun-filled entertainment, that slyly plants all the seeds for an EPIC, which will put the original trilogy to shame..........................NOTE:Without TPM, AOTC makes not a lick of sense. EVERY ASPECT OF TPM WILL BE EXPANDED UPON IN AOTC. Everything. TPM is not just a "blip on the SW rader". A mistake, Lucas has to repair (LOL!). It is the foundation for the whole saga. GL can't do what he is going to do in AOTC, without TPM. So if you like/love AOTC, TPM will never seem the same again.
March 20, 2002, 6:21 p.m. CST
by sparticusmaximus
TPM is not just a sucky SW film, like you bashers have said ad nauseam for 3 frickin' years, past it's release...................It's not just a SW film about fart jokes, Jar jar, and lil sweet Annie...........................Yes, this episode was not an epic-raging-galactic civil war......It did not have edgy characters like a certain cynical asshole.......a sarcastic bitch with attitude.....a main heroic character, past adolescence.......A dominating icon of evil...........................TPM has none of this. I agree with you there..........................But I find it ironic, that because of the DIFFERENCES EP1 had with it's predecessors, you get all these former SW fans, acting like a bunch of Pauline Kaels or Harlin Ellisons. You guys sound exactly like certain "snob critics", back in 1977........................TPM is not inconsistent in "quality of craft", when compared to the original films.............................You guys are cutting it up for it's childishness, it's lack of cynicism, it's over-abundance of SPFX, it's cardboard characterizations, it's baffling dialogue, etc...............................This cracks me up because it seems you are (IMHO) allowing a change in dynamic (done for storytelling dividends in future episodes.....for when it gets REAL DARK), to start knitpicking the acting, the special FX lightshow.....and most of all fucking DIALOGUE in a SW film (LOL!!)................C'mon!! Everything you TPM-haters say about this film is consistent with what high-brows said about ANH, at the time of it's release.........................And REMEMBER THIS: The prequels are going to be the darkest SW flicks yet. Think about it........THE FALL OF THE REPUBLIC...........THE RISE OF THE EMPIRE......THE DEATH OF THE JEDI...........THE FALL OF ANAKIN.............Take this into account when you make blanket statements regarding TPM being sucky.................TPM might have changed in many "story dynamics". But that doesn't make it any less a SW film...............................And mark my words. You can be as stubborn as you want. But TPM will be viewed differently after the next two films come out. You will soon find out. Even Harry said as much in his review.
March 20, 2002, 6:55 p.m. CST
by SpanishPantlones
I've seen "Lucas on his worse day" and I hope I never see it again. TMP SHOULD have trashed Bond and anything else out in it's way but it didn't (I refused to see The Wild Wild West) . The Matrix was infinitely better Than TPM. As a rule Star Wars kicks ass over 007 and everything else- absolutely!-except for TMP. That film was inferior to just about any Bond or non-Bond flick I've ever seen.As for Bond: The last 2 have been ok and I thought Goldeneye was weak but I still love Bond movies so I'm hopeful that the new one is good too (just as I want AotC to be great). The storyline involves Bond getting captured and tortured for months; we'll see him bearded,filthly,and demoralized. Finally, a fresh idea/non formula in a Bond movie! I can't wait. Halle Berry-maybe there will be an oscar winning Bond girl. That would be cool. And the director, Lee Tamahori is good(from New Zealand, good Karma!). He gave the future Jango Fett actor, his first major role in "Once were warriors" and made "The Edge".Bond has been with me as long as Star Wars so yeah, Bring on "Die Another Day"!
March 20, 2002, 7:08 p.m. CST
by minderbinder
Sorry, maximus but ESB didn't change anything about Star Wars. People loved the first one, and it was great to have another movie build on it and add to the story. Many people didn't like TPM. Episodes 2 and 3 may be amazing, but they're not going to cause a drastic turnaround in how people view 1. (I wouldn't be surprised if many people end up buying the DVD's of 2-6 and pretending the first one never existed) ***Can you name ANY sequel that made people change their minds about a bad original film?*** And enough with the "dialogue/acting is supposed to be bad in SW" argument, you just end up emphasizing weaknesses in the originals. Sure, it was campy and corny in the OT. But it was still entertaining - it's FAR worse in Ep1, you can forgive minor flaws but there's only so much glaring incompetence you can take before it becomes a distraction and ruins the movie.
March 20, 2002, 7:36 p.m. CST
by jman43056
ok, so this is my first post here, gotta say i dont know how i have missed out for so long, , , , i have no history of harry or of this site but i personally believe he saw the movie because of the detail of the review, , but it sure did seem alot like a commercial,,just an outside opinion, and i do like harry's reviews (most of them) although i have only read 3 or 4 , that blade 2 review was just too fucking weird, see ya J.
March 20, 2002, 7:45 p.m. CST
by sparticusmaximus
Are you kidding me, mindbender? Of course ESB changed how we view ANH. I'm not saying it made it a better picture. But it changed it forever..........................And ESB (like AOTC) does not exist in a vacuum. In many ways, every aspect of ESB was basically an inverse of ANH (Rebels lose the battle, Han finally gets caught, Han/Leia fall in love, Luke loses his innocence, C-3P0 and R2 are separated for most of the film, we FEEL the pain of the characters, unlike Leia with Alderaan's destruction, the dark side is overwhelming, etc...............................If you were to ask me what is TPM's big flaw, it would be that unlike ANH, which was created to be a "stand alone", TPM depends greatly with how dark, epic, serious, Lucas goes with EP2 and 3...............................EP1 was concieved with Lucas knowing full where he was going go with the next two episodes. So TPM is "incomplete", unlike ANH..............................But not for long...........BTW: Don't discount the "baggage" we had going into TPM, of what "dynamics" constitute a SW film. TPM was not an EPIC RAGING GALACTIC CIVIL WAR.......A primal premise for a fantasy film............................GL was being risky not following the formula that made him a multi-billionaire. But it will pay off, when the STORY IS FINALLY TOLD.
March 20, 2002, 8:17 p.m. CST
by Renata
BigPackage: Congratulations. You get the award for the most "fucks" in one post. May I suggest where you can put your prize? I didn't realize rydillin was so hard to obtain.
March 20, 2002, 8:22 p.m. CST
by Renata
Well, if Two Towers is good, I guess that'll be a good example.
March 20, 2002, 10:36 p.m. CST
by Plafsky
First off, let me say that everyone on this board should be commended for taking the time to comment on things that truly matter. Namely, the form of entertainment known as film. While some of you have decided to bash the guy who wrote an article to inform you, his avid readers, about a rough-cut of a movie he saw, (for free mind you), I still commend you for actually taking time to critique his mode of speech. And taking the time to critique my not-quite-subtle sarcasm. And yeah, I am an English major. But you're just as apt to hear me say 'soliloquy' in conversation as 'after I shove this red-hot poker up my ass, I'm going to have my testicles laminated'. (That joke is copyright 1991 George Carlin, BTW) I mean come on fellows, you don't really think that Harry f'n Knowles is a moron do you? Fact: Yeah, he's got a weight problem. So? So do more than fifty percent of the fatties reading this board. Hell, I got a gut. From drinking beer and eating the wrong foods. But the size of my ass has nothing to do with the validity of my opinion. (For the record, my opinion counts more to me than yours. So here's the ratio of opinion worth: My Opinion: The Vader "I am your father" Scene Your Opinion: The part in Splash where the blonde from the Snickers commercial screams and breaks the TVs in the store. Fact: Harry got to see Attack of the Clones and you didn't. And neither did I. Am I pissed? Nope. Some of you seem to share the ire of those who hate the playa for getting a piece of the proverbial pie for himself. Get a grip, please. Anyway, all of this aside, I really am concerned for the cynical people out there who have already commented on this movie as being 'worthless'. I mean, Lucas doesn't come down to the bus station where you collect change and take your change-collecting hat does he? Or walk into the Blockbuster video where you work, spouting your flawed opinions about the latest efforts of true artisans, and school you on simple cinematography in front of the hot soccer mom you're trying to impress, does he? Nope...He just nearly has a heart attack to entertain you fools. As for those who are entertained by both the movies and the 'internet buzz' they create, word up to you, young superstars, because your positive attitude will take you a long way. But you'll be disappointed more in humanity in one day than most of the people on the planet. My Take on Lord Of The Rings: Holy shit, did you see those two arrows? WOW. and HOLY SHIT, THAT'S A LOT OF ORCS. My Take on the AOTC preview on Fox: HOLY SHIT! TWO LIGHTSABERS!!! And if the dialogue sucks, so the hell what? It's a kiddie picture, guys...It's a fantasy story told for adolescents. Get a frigging grip. And imagine Natalie Portman naked for God's sake, if you need something positive about the movie to like. Hugs and Kisses, Plafsky "There was a time when a man could count on riding in a jet." -Federal Wildlife Marshal Will Willenholly
March 20, 2002, 11:03 p.m. CST
by GEORGEFNLUCAS
All you motherfuckers are gonna pay, You are the ones who are the ball-lickers. We're gonna fuck your mothers while you watch and cry like little bitches. Once we get to Hollywood and find those Miramax fucks who are making that movie, we're gonna make 'em eat our shit, then shit out our shit, then eat their shit which is made up of our shit that we made 'em eat. Then you're all fucking next. Love, George Lucas
March 20, 2002, 11:16 p.m. CST
by Billy Talent
'Dirty Harry' is certainly a great film, but I think that 'Magnum Force' makes it better by subverting its fascistic overtones. Also, while not really a sequel, 'Unforgiven' does allow for a new perspective on Eastwood's Spaghetti Westerns. 'The Godfather Part II' gives a greater depth and poignancy to Michael, Tom, Kaye, Frodo and Vito that makes the original a richer film. Each new 'Up' documentary makes us reconsider what we thought we knew about the subjects. And yeah, by expanding on the nature of the force and the relationship between Vader and Luke, 'Empire' makes 'Star Wars' better
March 20, 2002, 11:26 p.m. CST
by myleftknut
If you feel jaded by phantom menace and refuse to watch episode 2 because of this then fine. If you loved phantom menace and will see episode 2, fine, there's no point in arguing on the internet. Regardless of whether you like it or not, some people are going to see it and little if anything, can be done about it. I think if you liked the first three, and hated the last one, you should still go, but i'm not going to try to convince you.
March 20, 2002, 11:55 p.m. CST
by Plafsky
Hey, I know I posted about the venom people like to spew about the Star Wars films, but now I have a couple of real questions about the way Jar Jar Binks is portrayed in the films._____________________I just got done listening to the commentary Lucas provides on the DVD edition of The Phantom Menace again, and it appears as though he's not providing an apology about a character people didn't like, but a reason for putting the character in the film at all.___________________"We need something light in the first film, because the second two are so heavy", he says in the second disc's documentary. (And if the second disc's contents are any indication of the fantastic DVDs coming for the first three movies, I can wait a long time for them.) Essentially, Jar Jar was an attempt to create a character digitally, something which had never been done before with any success, and lighten up the picture. And believe me, TPM is already plenty heavy..._____________________But my question is this: Is Jar Jar really that bad, that you'd begin harping on the picture so much that it would forever go down as a 'failure'?_________________I personally think that it's sad that so called fans would do so much to bring George Lucas 'down a peg', so that they can admit to themselves that someone they once admired as a child is truly human, a fallible person much like themselves._______________Ask yourselves this question when you look at Episode I, is Jar Jar really that bad? Did the actor portraying Jar Jar have anything to do with the annoying aspects of the character? Imagine if you will, you're already behind schedule, and you have hours of audio tape of this jackass ruining your character. So much so that you have to change actual parts of the script to accomodate such nonsense?______________My point is, there are other things that I loved about the first movie, so much so that I kind of watched around Jar Jar. Like Palpatine's Wonka-esque "No, don't, come back." response to Amidala's insistience on going back to Naboo._______________Like the subtle nuances in the podrace that show that Anakin is really an amazing pilot._______Like the feeling of doom when Qui-Gon essentially begs Obi Wan to train the boy who becomes Darth Vader, one of the entities responsible for the deaths of thousands. The things right with the film are SO much greater than the sum of the parts that are questionable.________________Anyway, I personally think the first movie has yet to make me feel I was robbed for the twenty bucks I have spent in toto for the DVD and the one time I saw it in the theater.____________________And a great sequal that surpasses the original: Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo._________________Love, Plafsky
March 21, 2002, 12:21 a.m. CST
by kjeevahh
i love you man. finally someone who sees some sense - unfortunately youve already covered most of what i was gonna post, so there isnt alot for me to add! one thing in particular i have ot agree with is jar-jar.. yeah, crap effects, yeah, crap dialgue, yeah, annoying as hell bla bla bla, i aggree with everyone else there - but that isnt all there is to him. he wasnt just stuck there as some sidekick to give the kids a laugh - he -is- innocence, and his whole world will be destroyed by the events he's part of and a party to - seeing his agony and suffering at the realisation should at least appease all the jar-jar haters out there who are all desperate to see him in pain :) i dont really know how to presuade everyone to see TPM in context of the other films.. it is after all nothing like ANH, which was made as a stand-alone film - it is soley the opening part of a trilogy, more in the vein of (here i go up in flames) fellowship of the ring. basically guys, you know the bit at the end where palpy pats anakin on the head and gives his smug knowing grin and says 'we will watch your progress with gret interest' or something to that effect, obviously referring to what you know happens between then and ANH? come on, you cant tell me you didnt smile when you saw that. the whole of TPM is full of moments like this, but you dont know it yet, because you havent seen episodes 2 and 3 that they are referring to. when you have seen all 6 movies, TPM will make a whole load more sense, and there will be alot of 'ahhhh i seeeeee' type comments from you. because of this, YES, TPM WILL be greatly improved by the other films, and the other films will be greatly improved by TPM. that's what sagas are about... this is a series of films telling one big story, not a set of individual stand-alone hollywood style rehash-sequels. well, thats enough for that rambling post, one final note tho - what is it with the hating LOTR, Matrix et al? has the human brain suddenly shrunk leaving it with only the capacity to enjoy one story ever? you guys dont know what you are missing out on with your petty snobbery... p.s. this is waaaaaay too long a thread of posts for me to read any replies to this, so if you wanna respond - email me! - kjeevah
March 21, 2002, 12:29 a.m. CST
by jollydwarf
Okay, I thought I'd step in for just a moment. The trailer for "Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course" is up. Now. At Quicktime. It's one of those things that I think for a moment--just ONE SHINING MOMENT (special thanks to CBS and the NCAA for that phrase)--can bring an end to this conflict here, and restore or-der to the talkbacks. When a movie looks like the filthy underbelly of one of the "Ernest" movies, you know that we claw each other to death over rather trivial cinematic matters. But that's the natural habitat of the talkbacker. "'Cuse me, mate, but Ah've fyound a new spay-cees, the dreaded tawlk-bahcker! Lay-days, don't get toooo close to 'im, 'e's a really bitta bita there! Always c'mplainin' 'e is! But I've got jus' the thing to quiet 'im down! A whole bag of 'em! Thay're called spoy-lahs, they ahre! Notice how his frothing rayge becomes exxxcrooci-yating curiousity as soooon as Ay mention the words "Ep-eh-sode twoo." Look at that. See, 'e's not such a tough guy after all. Heh, did you know that some of them 'ave subsisted for ovuh thirty yea's on nothing but junk food, caffeine, and Stah Wahrs minutae? The tawkbahcka comes in all sy-zez, big an' small. Kind of reminds me of a creatcha that I wish I could find in the wild. Known as the Gungan. You might reemimbah Jah Jahr Banks, a feisty one 'e was. Oh, that name di'n't sit well with the tawkbahcka, we might wantta--hey!--his hands are just wretching with venom as he gets in the typing p'sition, which allows 'im to defend or ahttack! Like "Ahttack o' the Clohnes! Heh! Oh, crikey! He's gonna flame me! Gotta run!"
March 21, 2002, 12:30 a.m. CST
by kjeevahh
yoda trains EVERYONE. when you watch attack of the clones, you will see yoda teaching a group of jedi kiddies how to use their light sabers, with their helmets down, same as obi-wan and luke on the millenium falcon. so there.
March 21, 2002, 12:32 a.m. CST
by kjeevahh
is it just me, or is the background to this page king kong with a couple of people dancing on his king dong?
March 21, 2002, 12:33 a.m. CST
by lost-ark-1
First let me distinguish from people who simply disliked or even hated TPM for ACTUAL REASONS. Your opinion is your right. This message goes out to all the other shit fishing C.H.U.D.S who want so bad to be on some nonexistent fringe of uber cool geeks that have to hate the filmmakers of our time and pine for some bygone era of rod-puppets. You people are hemorrhoid-lined assholes.
March 21, 2002, 12:33 a.m. CST
by kjeevahh
dammit, cant stop posting. well, just to say i just found an interesting file on winMX.. Star Wars Episode 2 Attack Of The Clones - 1of2 - DIVX - (DownloadMoviesOnline.cjb.net).avi ;) dunno if its legit, im only on 56k so cant really download something that big
March 21, 2002, 12:46 a.m. CST
by lost-ark-1
"Star Wars Episode 2 Attack Of The Clones - 1of2 - DIVX" is the Brittany Spears movie Crossroads and NOT AOTC.
March 21, 2002, 12:50 a.m. CST
by Plafsky
Whoa. I just said they worked at Blockbuster, dude. But yeah, I see your point. I worked as a projectionist for a long time, and along with a friend of mine on the staff, we had to basically beg the management to get a digital projector for the theater.______________I couldn't tell that there was any difference between the digital footage they showed in the AOTC trailer, and say, TPM...We actually got the projector at the time of the release, which if you worked as a projectionist, the Tuesday before the opening was the first time anyone saw it. Our theater here was supervised by a rep from Fox, to ensure that any splicing done for the buildup was disposed of properly.___________Anyway, just wanted to spout off years-old anecdotes and to reiterate for all of the doubting Thomases out there: TWO FUCKING LIGHTSABERS!!! AT THE SAME TIME!!! DAMN! TWO! ASS! WHAT A LOT OF LIGHTSABERS FOR ONE GUY TO HAVE! SHIT ON TOAST, THAT WAS COOL. The rest will probably be Jar Jar and NSync, but hey, two fuckin' lightsabers, man.________________________Love, Plafsky.
March 21, 2002, 12:58 a.m. CST
by kjeevahh
its true, check it out: _________ http://www.aintitcool.com/coolnews/media/bg_news.jpg __________ king kong and his king dong
March 21, 2002, 1:04 a.m. CST
by kjeevahh
no wonder he looks pissed off! i wouldnt be very happy if some bunch of guys started dancing on my dick every time i tried to get off... and no, i dont know what you mean. did watto look flat? did sebulba look flat? huh? huh?
March 21, 2002, 2:29 a.m. CST
by Mr_ant
I suspect many of the talkbackers to be in FX companies and Studios etc (posting anonymously) btw if you like I can tell you what makes Digital look digital, and this is exactly what other talkbackers mean but may not have the exact words to explain. Lack of colour contrast range - 24p has much lower colour contrast ratios to film, so colours clip badly and blast out to white much more quickly than similarly exposed film which has a non-linear gamma curve. This also means to get a greater range in the contrast is less, making it look FLAT. I also see edge ringing artifacts often seen on video on many of the stills posted from AOTC. I also is as harsh and unforgiving on makeup as video has always been - the make-up really stands out as being particularly poor, and this is something that is NEVER EVER noticeable in this kind of film - you really think there is no connection between this and the camera's being used? Btw Panasonic has NOT developed lenses for sony's camera, Panavision has, panasonic make their own 24p camera varient - get your facts straight before you start lecturing people that may know more than you. Those that are claiming to be able to spot a "digital look" are not lying, unless you want to start calling me a liar.
March 21, 2002, 2:56 a.m. CST
by kjeevahh
pants on fire
March 21, 2002, 3:29 a.m. CST
by Darth Bad Guy
*begin sarcasm* Hm... Let's log on to AICN, see what's new... what's this? Harry's seen a rough cut of AotC? And he liked it? A reviewer liked a Star Wars movie! Urge to flame rising! The spouter of kind words must DIE! He was obviously blinded by his slavish devotion to Lucas! I have to say "fuck" a bunch of time to show Harry what a fool he is! This movie has hype surrounding it- there must be a reason! A CONSPIRACY! The hype is obviously there to make a bad movie look better, and has nothing to do with people actually wanting to see it! Every movie must fail, and I must be the one responsible (maniacal laughter)! *end sarcasm* Seriously, is this what goes through your minds while you're flaming everything Harry's says? In your world, is it even possible that this movie will be better than TPM? Hell, I didn't even mind TPM that much. Sure, Jar Jar was annoying, and Jake Lloyd couldn't act, but the Star Wars series has never been a haven for great actors. We have all made fun of Mark Hammill's facial expression when Vader intones "I am your father." But nearly everyone I know says Empire is the best film of the series. In other words, don't expect perfection. It's not Citizen Kane. It's freakin' Star Wars.
March 21, 2002, 4:55 a.m. CST
by sevenofnine
The last time I posted something on the internet I recieved loads of hatemail. The fact that I even considered posting a message at all is a giant leap. So please if there are those who don't like what I have to say, try to refrain from telling me about it because you won't change my opinion. I love STAR WARS through and through. And although at times my own snobishness makes me wish that little things about the movies could be different, I am nonetheless greatful to George for sharing his vision with me. He, like so many great storytellers, has created an entire universe. And for a few hours at a time he allows me to see it and exist in it. To the critics of TPM or ROTJ I say try to look past your own wishes of what you think the story should be, and instead try to see it for what it is. A struggle between good and evil where good wins and evil is ultimantely redeemed. You must view these films with less cynical eyes. To quote an old wise man "Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Now I know that all this is very broad, but when I view STAR WARS from this perspective, I can see worth in all the characters and dialoge. It also makes for a very uplifting experience. Now if you really must criticize me, I only ask you make genuine arguments. Please none of that petty, cynical, stuff that permiates the internet.
March 21, 2002, 6:15 a.m. CST
by Ryo
Geez! If it's not calling people who like Tolkien's work hobbit lovers or whatever, it's gleefully TELLING naysayers that, even though they have no real idea what the movie is about, they wil be in line with everybody else. Who cares if somebody sees the movie or not. If people are on this TB then they probably will, but that hasn't really stopped some people has it.***** Nobody cares if you like to do weird things in front of a picture of GL, so just stop trying to get attention and keep it to yourself. Oh, and just for the record I have seen FoTR, I thought it was great (except the end), I'm gonna see the next two films, but I've also liked SW (except TPM) all my life, so you can't accuse me of being a "hobbit-lover"
March 21, 2002, 7:44 a.m. CST
by JAGUART
Yes its true. This I'm afraid is as bad as daddy Bush's "Read my lips no new taxes" or Clinton's "I did not have sexual relations with that woman".
March 21, 2002, 8:56 a.m. CST
by EwanMagic
http://cgi.theforce.net/theforce/tfn.cgi?storyID=14905 Clone War Review in DLP Theatre Sun, Mar 17, 02 04:41:10 PM EST Alarean chimes in with his review of Clone War in a digitally projected theater. "Well.. How do you sum up perfection of picture and sound. How about WOW! Ice Age itself looks as though IT had never touched film. I was considerably impressed by the whole presentation. Very nice, very clear, great sound... blah blah blah. However, I really went to see the trailer. The inital trailers were obvious transfers from film. The trailer to Stuart Little 2 was especially crappy and "filmlike." Then the Lucasfilm logo came on CRYSTAL freekin clear and it stayed that way all the way through the rest of the trailer. The colors were right on, the sound was perfect and VERY surrounding. We have all seen the trailer. It rocked hard and was way too short. My wife said it was like seeing a DVD for the first time when you are used to VHS. This from the most non-techy, chick-flicky woman in the world. She is flat out NOT impressed by anything technological, but the way this looked blew her doors off. I was just in shock. What was nice was that a coupla people in the audience had not seen it yet. Their reactions were great. Literally gasps of delight! The guy next to me told his date, "I don't like Star Wars, but that looks kick a**!" I saw a VERY good digital transfer of the Spiderman trailer in front of Jurrassic Park 3 and raved about it to you guys before. This made that look like a steaming pile. My wife looked at me after the trailer ended and the "Feature Presentation" reel for Ice Age had started and asked if I was actually crying... I am not ashamed to admit that I was moved to tears by the clarity of sight and sound. I was just THAT happy to get a taste of what Uncle George has in store. Does this make me a girly man? Who cares? I have seen the future, and it has the Star Wars logo all over it. " (They are showing the combo of Ice Age and Clone War in DLP at the Pleasure Island AMC in theater number 19 in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.) Hopefully, a few more theaters will have DLP technology by the time Episode 2 rolls around. In the meanwhile, the graphic below on TFN's Episode II page has a listing of DLP theatres. As the release draws near, we'll have a listing of every theatre that projects Attack of the Clones digitally. Thanks to Alarean for the review! ------------------------------------- SW-Haters or LOTR-Haters are naoorw-minded. (IMHO) I am very willing to love both LOTR and SW and ST and HP and..... B/c I am open-minded. And that makes me ever more happier. I enjoy them all.
March 21, 2002, 9:36 a.m. CST
by Kincaid2
I saw a few weeks ago in one of harry's reviews how he was speaking out to a fox executive who 'owed' him, and said he wanted to be hooked up with a screening of ep 2. I swear on my life, maybe the time trailer review? I can look for it. A few weeks ago. He said in this review to that executive that he owes him and said he would not say why but that the exec would know what Harry meant. Anyway, a few weeks later, guess what, he sees it, fox wont' comment, and nobody else sees it. Seems like the source is in control of the footage, and harry got his request. And fast. I smell a fox executive. esp. since, as harry stated, was tired of LOTR talk. That is newline, fox's competition. You do the math. Harry f'd up. Get it before he deletes it
March 21, 2002, 10:22 a.m. CST
by NoCureForFools
AOTC is the only thing I have to look forward to in life. isn't that sad? i used to be happy and have a life and friends and love, but it's all been ripped from my grasp. now i have nothing. i think this is why i love the potential of this prequal trilogy. it's basically the story of this kid who has everything: limitless potential, great friends a beautiful girl, a family, only to have it all torn from him. what else can you do but reject the light and want endless revenge againt all of existance? see? see how deep Star wars actually is? i wish i could just sleep on through till May 16th, then see the movie, go back home and sleep through till Episode III and then go home and sleep forever. sad, huh? oh well. at least there is death.
March 21, 2002, 10:30 a.m. CST
by Obi-Wang
"You are George Lucas' bitch" lost-ark-1 "I am George Lucas' bitch" "You take it up the ass from Jar-Jar" lost-ark-1 "I take it up the ass from Jar-Jar"
March 21, 2002, 11:48 a.m. CST
by SpanishPantlones
I did prefer TND to TPM. Just because a Star Wars release is a much more momentus occasion than a 007 film doesn't mean I'm willing to apologize for George Lucas and overlook the appauling incompetence he displayed with Episode 1. TPM was such a let down because it has flashes of brilliance but the end result gets torpedoed by too many flaws. The first 3 minutes of TPN is as good as anything. The film has some spectacular scenery. There was potential. I was enthralled up until Jar Jar appears and then the movie starts to lose me. A few changes in the script, in the hands of a capable director and we could have had a SW film worthy of the original trilogy.A lot of people want to argue that TPM is for kids, it sets up 2 and 3, blah blah. Yes, we learn about the origins of certain characters and 2 and 3 are set up. True-but I see no reason why this film couldn't have appealed to kids, set up 2 and 3 and still be a GOOD movie! That's what Episode 4 was able to do.Actually,Episode 4 sets up 5,6 and 1,2,and 3 and still was a stand alone great movie.And the sequel was even better. Films that target kids should treat the audience as inexperienced, not stupid. TPM was not a good movie for anyone of any age. "A special effect withought a story is pretty boring"-George Lucas '77-Yep George, you were right.*** I never saw Robinson Crusoe and Brosnan is not my favorite Bond but I like him more than that litte pussy who wants to be James Bond, Tom Cruise in his-self serving MI-Me franchise.
March 21, 2002, 12:03 p.m. CST
by flashboy
this is my opinion, of all the people who hated phantom. Weren't we all 15-20 years younger when we watched episodes 4-6? Have you all lost your imaginations since then? Have you become closed minded? Believe me I was disapointed too when I first saw phantom, because I had imagined since Jedi what the next movies should be.......but during the wait from Jedi to Phantom...WE ALL GREW UP.......life moves on....For me seeing R2D2 andf C-3PO meet for the first time, pod racing, and the Darth-Mal fight....jesus that was enough for me... I recently rewatched episode 4 and it is not exactly great filmaking, it is what it is, a fun sci-fi film, no more no less. When I saw kids coming out of the theaters for Phantom, laughing, screaming and waving imaginary light sabers, pretending to be Obi like I did with Luke, it took me back to when I was that age.....just enjoy the movies for what they are.....like you once did. Cheers.
March 21, 2002, 12:25 p.m. CST
by jycd93
The movie sounds incredible. Can't wait. But I seem to recall a rumor that Christopher walken makes an appearance. Or was some jackass just toying with my emotions. Help me out. I'll be checking back for an answer. Thanks......
March 21, 2002, 12:55 p.m. CST
by minderbinder
If that were the case, what about all the people who saw ANH at age 25 and disliked TPM at 50 (including many critics)? What about all the people who loved Shrek, all the Pixar movies, the good Disney movies, Spy Kids, etc (and hated TPM)? If people lost their imaginations and/or became cynical, wouldn't they hate all kids movies?
March 21, 2002, 1:02 p.m. CST
by Vegas
Now, I know he's PLAYED some drug users, including arguably the greatest cinematic drug user of all time, but that doesn't mean he personally IS a drug user. Robert DeNiro isn't REALLY a feared don in the mafia. Clint Eastwood isn't REALLY a cop who doesn't play by the rules but gets results. Harrison Ford isn't REALLY a wise- and whip-cracking archeologist. Sean Connery ishn't REALLY a shwauve and shophishtocated shupershpy on her Majeshty's Shecret Shervishe. So why do we all assume Ewan giving a warning line to a drug dealer is an ironic commentary on his own personal life? I've never heard any stories about Ewan checking into rehab, not even for exhaustion, and as far as I know, he hasn't been arrested. He just made some bold and courageous choices as an actor early in his career, and I think a lot of people in here are confusing the role with the man.
March 21, 2002, 1:07 p.m. CST
by SpanishPantlones
"Weren't we all 15-20 years younger when we watched episodes 4-6? Have you all lost your imaginations since then?" Yes and No: Yes,we were younger and more impressionable and there were fewer eye-poping SFX and action films for us to compare 4-6 to. I heard S.Jackson say the same thing in an interview about not "using childlike imaginations"...etc.If I lost my child like imagination I wouldn't visit this site regularly. I just never lost my sense of taste when I saw TPM and that's why I don't like the movie. People do change as they get older and become adults but they still can enjoy the magic of good cinema, even in popcorn films. When I saw the FOTR for the second time, after it was 8 weeks in release, there were 2 woman behind me who were about to watch "Fellowship" for their 14th time! One of the women was about 47 and the other was her daughter, maybe 25-28. These women were Rapid "Rings" Geeks and their ages were not a factor as to why they enjoyed that movie.The older women told me she had read the books when she was 12 and waited 35 years for The Lord of the Rings Movies(compared to 16 for TPM)and when she was treated to a fine film she went overboard with "Glee". She will see that movie regularly until it leaves the theater and will buy the DVD. She's probably seen it 30+ times by now.So, there you have it: Age is not a factor when enjoying a movie, even if it's a piece of fluff like Star Wars. (BTW, those 2 woman need to find a hobby! Jesus Christ!)
Yeah u guys have good points, phantom was fluff....but i do like it..now. I hope Boba Fett ends up kicking Jar-Jars Gungan ass though. I guess the point of my post was that most people had high expectations? maybe too high....because George Lucas is cool, but I wasn't expecting Godfather when i saw Phantom....and i don't think he knew the measure of people's passion for the characters and story. Let's just hope he's been reading these posts....... you ever get the feeling with each of these posts you are turning into the geek you have been denying all of these years? :-) Cheers.
March 21, 2002, 2:39 p.m. CST
by Budo64
Harry you sell out! How many free buffets did LucasFilm take you to to get such a biased review? You have NO CREDIBILITY WHATSOEVER. We all know Lucas couldn't direct his way out of a wet paper bag, and Jonathen Hales is a hack. AOTC is nothing more than a commercial for merchandise and ILM SFX. Its a shame to see what Star Wars has become as opposed to what it should have been. Darth Tyrannus? - What's next Darth Bad Guy?
March 21, 2002, 3:06 p.m. CST
by Virgil Sollozzo
what the fuck happened?? I hope Walken didnt cancel just so he could do that fuckin Country Bear Jamboree movie.Yes, he is in that.
March 21, 2002, 3:14 p.m. CST
by Rebel INS
I dont know if anyoneknows this, it might be old news, but Anakin loses an arm in AOTC after the Geonosis battle. I do believe there was something about this some time ago on theforce.net. Anyway, I hope everyone who thought Boba Fett was a woman feel like idiots. Remember the people who thought that Darth Maul would be a clone? Funny... Has anyone else heard about Anakin missing an arm?
March 21, 2002, 3:56 p.m. CST
by SpanishPantlones
That bizzarre review of Attack of the Clones (I rather like"Playstation"instead) still leaves me curious and impatient. What was Harry thinking? I read that on Monday and he has yet to comment further? This has to be one of the longest talk-backs in AICN history so What's up Harry? Why did he do a total 180 on Jar Jar? His PTM review never mentioned his "childhood memories being molested"(excellent way to describe TPM, I might add, but it doesn't sound like you).He "loved it". I thought this review was bogus when I read it but Father geek confirmed. You've got some explaing to do Dude! And how does it stack up to your new obsession,The Lord of the Rings? We are all waiting!
March 21, 2002, 4:17 p.m. CST
by SpanishPantlones
But it's Christopher Lee: The man has played a memorable Dracula, Bond Villian, evil"Ring" wizard and now a Darth "Bad guy".And lots of other B-movie villians. Not bad.I'm looking forward to seeing what he does in Episode 2.
their camping in seattle stupid nice article though
March 21, 2002, 4:57 p.m. CST
by Swissie
I've taken the time to read through all your posts here and I am just amazed at the often drawn comparison between LOTR and Star Wars. You just can't compare those two projects! It's like comparing apples to pears. LOTR is based on a completely different storyline; it is written in three books (novels that viewed as the beginning of fantasy literature), while Star Wars was planned as 9 episodes (and has taken over some of the topics). So there's a difference there already. And then there's the fact that both stories can co-exist happily. There is absolutely no need to define which movie is better. Why?! Can't you just accept the fact that both are great movies? Why is that so difficult?! I love Star Wars as much as I love Lord of the Rings. I enjoy both equally, each in its own way. Where does this disrespect for the fans of the other films come from? It's a disgrace, this competing and trahsing of the other films. I am looking forward to a great summer with Star Wars Episode 2 and a great Winter with The Two Towers.
March 21, 2002, 5:42 p.m. CST
by Darth Bad Guy
Whoever it was who coined the name "Darth Bad Guy"- 30 seconds after reading that, I felt compelled to change my user ID. Now Lucas will see it here, and decide against using it, because it's been done. And if it pisses you off that much, then jeez, I'll change it back.
March 21, 2002, 6:03 p.m. CST
by FrohikesGirl
Hey FargoUT -- As a former film projectionist for many years, please let me assure you that there is nothing about digital projection that is "not normal." The "weird" feeling you get watching a film processed through a digital projector is the "weirdness" of not seeing platter scratches, fading, dirt, and general slime on the film print screwing with the director's/cinematographper's vision. Digital "prints" are actually glorified DVDs, downloaded to theatres via satellite and stored in a containment system alongside the projector. Quite simply, there is no film to be messed up by the handlers. Projectionists, in general, are infamous for beating the crap out of film prints (and believe me, I have almost strangled many a pimple-faced dweezle for marring otherwise-beautiful prints during my time in management) -- that's why, when you go to a film that has been out for a couple of months, nine times out of ten the picture is going to be compromised in some way or another. Digital projection maintains picture and sound quality, and provides an image that is sharper, clearer, and more accurate than any piece of film can deliver. In short, digital projection is your friend. :) I know that a pristine, not-jacked-up print takes a little getting used to, but I urge you to go back and give it another try. Digital projection rocks, and it is the direction of the future. There are only 20-some-odd digital projectors in the country (for now -- expansion will come quickly, though); consider yourself lucky that you get the chance to experience it.
March 21, 2002, 6:49 p.m. CST
by minderbinder
Sure, there's no dirt. But have they improved digital projection to the point where there's no visible compression artifacts? From what I've heard, you can see the same sort of issues that you would have in a quicktime movie (obviously not as bad). Has this been fixed?
March 21, 2002, 7 p.m. CST
by Darth Melkor
I'm changing my name too to what I believe is the greatest freaky sounding Sith name yet.
March 21, 2002, 7:50 p.m. CST
by Virgil Sollozzo
March 21, 2002, 8:33 p.m. CST
by kjeevahh
my dick is in the punch! my dick is in the punch! and if im lucky, you might give it a little munch! ____________________________ now anyway, where was i. ____________________________ right, death sticks... what are you on about? whats all this stuff about aliens with black shiny eyes? ____________________________ the death stick dealer is human. he is an actor (whos name i cant remember) who's first claim to fame was in the australian soap home and away, and then went on to play mouse in the matrix.. most of you should remember him from that. ____________________________ who's next.. bigpackagemax. teh reason cgi is dominating everything at the expense of such things as real action and storyline in hollywood at the moment is because its new an spectacular - that's the way effects have always been. guess you are a bit too young to remember the same thing happening over advances in plastecine stop-motion filming (see such travesties as jack teh giant killer) a la ray harryhausen.____________________________ CGI is still rapidly evolving, and is nowhere near perfect yet, as you well know. in a couple of years time CGI will reach the standard at which it is indestinguishable from real life, and all of these arguemtns will cease to become relevant. until then, we have to put up with merely the best the industry has to offer - a level of quality being rapidly pushed forward by such revolutionary films as TPM and AOTC. believe me, they are doing movies a favour - TPM's effects had more holes than a colander, but the simple fact was that noone had ever attempted a movie with so much CGI in before - now that ILM has done that, its been proven possible, and everyone else can work on ironing out the details.. etc etc etc. its called pushing the boundaries, and as you will recall ILM did exactly the same thing with the OT, pioneering work in such areas as animatronics and blue-screening. (see hoth battle - first decent blue-screening on a non-black background)____________________________ anyway, cgi is here to stay, and thanks to people like ILM making movies like TPM it is rapidly REACHING, not REACHED, perfection. when it doe,s the only limit to what you can have in your movies will be your imagination, and we the movie-going public will benefit incomprehensibly. be grateful.
March 21, 2002, 8:43 p.m. CST
by sidneyreilly
So much can suck in this movie. ROTJ pandered to kids enough to make you wince. TPM enough to make you puke. The Special Editions cluttered the screen with effects for their own sake. Lucas' sense of "whimsy" has gone from clever to ham-handed. Odds are, based on previous trends, the actors and story will be props for George's latest gizmos and sight gags. Lord help me, I do wish Harry is right but this "review" seems to be merely a reflex action to the ability to see the SW rough cut. Not an assessment of the rough cut itself. In May, I'm walking into the theater expecting to see Elvis in the Vegas years, hoping to be surprised by a '68 Comeback Special. To the fellow doubtful, by all means go see AOTC. But don't be afraid to demand your money back if it blows. Boycotts are ignorant. Refunds speak. And if your theater doesn't offer them, don't go there.
March 21, 2002, 9:16 p.m. CST
by 5374
People people. why do so many of you swear so much, so many of these sound so uncivilized. Ok, first of all, I don't know why it is? But everyone here seems to say that Harry gave rave reviews to phanotm Menace, But I have not checked this website since then, and I got upset with it, partly because I swear that Harry gave a very critical downright bad review of it, His very first one was good but then shortly after that saw more and disliked it. So when I saw his good review of AOTC, I thought it must be good. NOw I want to make some points. 1. I find many of the arguements against the phantom menace very weak. Most of the people say they love the OT very much, and it was lost in phantom menace, they give reasons like, bad acting, silly dialouge, it was for kids, bad humor, made money becuase of the special effects mainly. Hmmm, guess what? that is absolutely no diffrent whatsoever from the OT which most of you naysayers criticize about TPM< Not all of you, but 99% 2. Critism of CGI. Say what you want, this is the future of movies weather you like it or not. Technology is going to move forward and not backward, so there is no point in complaining about it. And, I will say it looks extremely good these days and is getting better. 3. Critism of Lucas being terrible at what he does. He is a very smart man, he made Star Wars (everyone's supposed favorite) he was THE director. Star Wars is number 2 in all time Adjusted for inflation numbers only behind Gone with the wind, and guess who was behind the directors chair? Also, He is on top of that, a very smart business person, He is a master marketer and knows how to make money, he knows what he is doing. And honesly, no matter how good of a marketer and master business person is, if a movie is truly bad, it is not going to make $400 million . 4. I have seen the Trailer, the last one. Only on a small screen. But I will hvae to say that I am incredibly impressed with it, the SFX are amazing, they put TPM to shame, and TPM put just about everything preciding itself to shame. Finally, some said this is not going to make more then TPM. I saw the preview (again) what I saw in this, combined witht he fact that there is a love story IE 2nd trailer (Ala Titanic anyone) believe me, Lucas wnats this knwing how Titanic did, I believe the combination is going to give AOTC a minimum of $500 million, and I would not be surprised if it did beat Titanic. I am not argueing with anyone, I am not degrading anyone, I am simply pointing out things with a calm perspective and I will be happy to respond back to people that want to differ with me, but not attacking me, I don't negotiate with terrorists (I have always wanted to say that!) lol
March 21, 2002, 9:59 p.m. CST
by Morgus
First of all: to echo what Lost-Ark-1 said: if you hate TPM for legit reasons, more power to you... and congrats on being a thinking individual. For those who hate it because of an overabundance of CG and because those ships just don't look "as real" as the old motion-control shot model shots: there were more models used in TPM than were used in ALL THREE original films combined. That's a fact. Theed city on Naboo? Models. The Queen's Palace? A model. The droid control ship? Model. The entire Pod Race arena? Model. Many of the pod shots? Model. The Republic cruiser? Model. The list goes on and on. A question: I can't count the times that I've heard some gibbering forum malcontent state that the "Jar Jar steps in shit" scene somehow "ruined" or "destroyed" the entire film. Where were you whimpering little idiots when Pippin almost got a faceful of horse shit? By your brilliant logic, should not that one scene have "ruined" or "raped" the whole of FELLOWSHIP?
March 21, 2002, 10:28 p.m. CST
by Renata
Everyone and their grandmother will be there in the first two weeks to see AOTC. Maybe within the first week if the early reviews are good. Maybe the first weekend if the word of mouth on the street is good. I waited until the first weekend to see TPM and I fondly remember standing in line at the Mann's Chinese Theatre with friends for eight hours. No, my friends are not your typical no life geeks. Maybe I am, but they're not. Most are screenwriters or film techs and have girlfriends, wives, and even children. I remember the whole anticipation, the frantic phone calls to 777 Film to get tickets, and more phone calls to make sure we had all bought our tickets for the same theatre at the same time. I remember meeting people from all walks of life in the line. Kids running around waving lightsabres like I did way back in '77. I remember talking to people in line about their favorite SW memory, what the movie meant to them. I can still hear the jeering of the SW fans when two guys walked by in Star Trek outfits. I can still see those four guys running out in the middle of a cordoned off Hollywood Blvd with their blasters. I remember the guy who wore an actual Stormtrooper costume and how hard it was for him to sit down. Was it silly? Yes. Did the movie live up to our expectations? I would say for the most part, no. But at the end of the night, I (and many of my friends as well as our fellow moviegoers) had realized what an event this had been. The sight of kids walking out with big smiles on their faces, talking about Jedis and the Force, was truly endearing. For anyone who loves movies, this was a day and a night that was not to be missed. If nothing else, I hope AOTC brings a little of that back. Lucas' ultimate gift might not be whether the new trilogy can stand shoulder to shoulder with the original trilogy; or whether this movie or that movie is the biggest moneymaker; or whether his digital revolution will succeed or not. No, his ultimate gift, for me, is giving me moments like that night where I can reconnect with my youth through the wide eyed innocence of the other children. Even if that reconnection is only as a spectator. That's magic no CGI can ever recreate.
March 21, 2002, 10:58 p.m. CST
by MBear
Everybody mentions the "ex-squeese me" line from EPI when bitching about "too many pop culture references...blah blah". Folks, do you really consider a throwaway word in a Wayne's World film 10 years ago to be enough of a significant contribution to popular culture to warrant such bellyaching? It's not as if JarJar said "Whazzzaaaaaaaa", or "Make my day". At least it actually sounds like the giberish that a Gungan would speak. And besides, nobody every bothers to mention the horrible Tarzan sound that Chewbaca makes in Jedi when he's swinging from the vine. That was FAR, FAR more ridiculous than anything that ever came out of JarJar's mouth. Just another example of fanboys overlooking any and all "flaws" from the original (holy) trilogy (especialy Jedi...the "worst" of all 4 films), but putting Phantom under thier special geek microscope. Let it go guys and just enjoy em all for what they are. NONE of Starwars film are exactly Citizen Kane. Can't we just accept that, move on, and have a good time?
March 21, 2002, 11:27 p.m. CST
by MBear
And another thing: all the bitching about the fart joke and the shit joke in EPI. No the original trilogy did not have fart or shit jokes...but there were several belche jokes. Why is a belche gag acceptable in the Starwars universe but a fart joke is not. JarJar stepping in dung is totally unacceptable, but R2D2 giving an Ewok an electric shock in the ass (as said Ewok jumps up in the air like one of the Three Stooges) as comedic relief is A-ok. While I'm at it, why are all of JarJar attempts at physical comedy considered cringe inducing, but those funny Ewoks are allowed total comedic licsence. They can bonk each other in the head with slingshots, spin upside down on speederbikes while screaming comedically, etc. Yep, those Ewoks were worthy additions to the Starwars films. Not like silly, goofy JarJar. Sarcasm aside, let's seriously try to hold the first 3 films up the same standards we judge Phantom by. The "flaws" in all 4 films become more apparant. Better yet, let's just get over it.
March 21, 2002, 11:43 p.m. CST
by ROMANWEB
I could be just me but I always thought the way Han snaps at Leia in ANH "Well it is for me sister!" was a little out of Galaxy Lingo. Cheesy but charming. I think Lucas could have had a character saying "I get good vibrations" and noone would have cared in the 70's. How about Lando's suave, colt45 demeaner when he sees leia for the 1st time "Hello, what have we here?!" Whoa! I think alot of you would shit a cow if that was in TPM. Of Course Chewie's Tarzan yelp in ROTJ, which I liked then and still like today. I don't know, alot of the dialogue in the old trilogy sounds contempary for the time. Like," You could use a good kiss!" line and "There'll be hell to pay". I guess some things you forget about when you're nitpicking a movie to death. And for godsakes people, quit claiming the new trilogies are for crap when only ONE has been made. You've all based the future of STar Wars soley on your dissapointment with TPM. Sure you guys hated it but two more movies are coming out and NOONE has seen them yet. So why pass judgement? How could you intelligently say it'll suck base on a couple of trailers?Really? Noone, knows any of the context on the dialouge, so why say it's bad? When we all know they've always been bad. I say wait to see how AOTC's pans out then start sending hate mail to Lucas( Which I'm pretty would happen if the movie sucked) You may surprise yourselves if you quit wishing and praying for it to suck soooo badly. Oh yeah, you guys need to quit comparing the Old trilogies with the new. Lucas has always said that the next 3 will be completely different from the old ones. He wasn't kidding was he?
March 21, 2002, 11:58 p.m. CST
by lost-ark-1
You must be talking out of your ass because all I see is shit. No I
March 22, 2002, 12:11 a.m. CST
by Darth Melkor
I think a lot of people who rip CGI know little about it. A good bit of these so called bad CGI shots are largely made up of miniatures. Even in TPM miniatures were used. The space ships and battle stations were models as they were in ROTJ. The podrace arena as well as most of the backgrounds in TPM and AOTC are miniatures not computer generated. The giant star destroyers taking off, the city in the water, and I'm willing to bet even the giant temple Obi-Wan and Mace are walking through are all models.
March 22, 2002, 1:51 a.m. CST
by lost-ark-1
obviously in my above post I meant "replied to Leia", not Vader...
March 22, 2002, 2:01 a.m. CST
by jollydwarf
The funniest thing about this site is that the few Hall of Fame-caliber TBs that have attractive subject matter for the casual visitor are the same ones that contain the highest concentration of pointless, misguided vitriol. I have skimmed/read posts where people sound bona fide homicidal about attacking CGI and such. Excuse me, but what the fuck is this circle of Hell coming to? This particular talkback has generated more obtuse hatred than any that I've seen in a long time. The funny thing is that it's almost become a sort of Mobius debate. If you follow everyone's 'logic' and gripes around long enough, you realize that it's all the same side. That being that virtually everyone here is simply stressing hard over a movie that is still agonizingly two months away and trying to compare the unseen to a film that is three years old. I know how I feel about "The Phantom Menace" and I'm at peace with that. I've cast my vote for which recent movie trilogy is my personal favorite so far. I am actually thankful that I will probably never meet some of you in the 'real world'. That's not a cheap shot, that's simply me saying that a few of you are downright scaring me. I didn't realize 'til now, I guess, that this shit was SO FUCKING PERSONAL for so many of you. While I don't side with Mr. Smug, Kevin Smith, and his Cyber Sniper Theory, I can see why this site and similar ones are misrepresented. Look, I'm not a fucking neo-hippie or anything. And I do care about the state of film, certain franchises much more than others. But this is well beyond the point of basic redundancy. People here are excavating for new layers of dispute. Do everyone a favor. Down a bottle of Merlot. Smoke a joint. Meditate. Masturbate. Whatever. Just try and check yourself so that you don't scare away the brave 'normal' souls that peek in here because they heard about this review, and, well, they've always wanted to really check this moviepoopshoot site out. 'Cause then they're gonna see this shit and exclaim "No thanks!!" and perpetuate the myth that this is like CyberSpringer, minus the tits and transvesites (I think). Or...wait...is that what you want? Oh well, "now that we know who you are, now I know who I am."-Sam the Man.
March 22, 2002, 2:36 a.m. CST
by Mithril
First, I didn't really get that comment about Ewan's line to the drug dealer being ironic? WTF? Ewan has never taken drugs in his life. When he was preparing for Trainspotting he thought about trying some heroin just to understand how it felt so he could portray it on screen better. But then he realised it was a fucking dumb idea and decided not to do it. Ewan is a responsible father, a fuckin' cool actor and a nice guy. Drugs don't come into it. Honestly, it's sad that people need help distinguishing the actor from the part this much... ***Oh, and I agree that the pop-culture references in TPM really brought it down. The pod race was great, but every time that fucking announcer piped up, I wanted to grap its two thin necks and tie them together real hard! Shut the hell up!!! Lucas has done a brilliant job of creating a fantasy world that is well realised, believable and varied. But suddenly putting in pop-culture references destroys that reality! You're immersed in the story, wanting to know what happens to these people, and all of a sudden a line makes you jump out of your concentration and go "oh, it's not real, they're just characters". It ruins the suspension of disbelief! Lucas wisely steered clear of this in the OT, except for the Chewbacca Tarzan wail. The thing is, even though I think it's funny, even as a child something always bugged me about that wail. I didn't realise what it was until much later: I'd been pulled out of the movie. For that brief moment, my suspension of disbelief was shattered. And even though I was able to get back into the film quickly, it still left me with an uneasy feeling. I'm just hoping that episodes 2 & 3 will have less of this. You can keep all the internal references ("I have a bad feeling about this."), but no Survivor/ESPN/Weakest Link/Britney/... jokes, please! ***Come on, May 16th!
March 22, 2002, 2:42 a.m. CST
by Darth Melkor
Did everyone hear that Lucasfilm is very happy with the fabulous review of AOTC and aren't going to even bother investigating this because of the positive response? Afterall this review actually is a big deal in most factions and people are starting to get excited about the film which is obviously what a movie needs to be successful.. hype. I wonder if Lucasfilm would've responded differently had Harry said it was terrible... hmmm...
March 22, 2002, 2:53 a.m. CST
by Plafsky
Since coming down on either side of the CGI debate is fruitless, I am going to ask some things about the movie that I want answered. Things I noticed in the trailer that I think I need clarified, and some 'Wouldn't it be cooler if...' style-commentary._________________First, I thought that Anakin was grabbing a fruit to eat with the Force in the trailer, I only saw it twice at home when we (my friends and I taped it). Wouldn't it be cooler if it WAS a piece of fruit? He's so arrogant that he uses the Force, a field that surrounds everyone, flows through everything and is powered by everyone, to fetch him a damn snack?! That would be the perfect subtle show of the way Anakin thinks.__________________Second, I disagree with the assertion that Anakin is merely cocky. I haven't seen the movie yet, and as much as people disliked aspects of TPM, certain 'notes' from that film played again in the 'Forbidden Love' trailer. Such as the scene where he returns to Watto's shop, and is pissed off about something. (Probably his mother getting kidnapped by Tusken Raiders or killed, or just sold to cover Watto's debt after Anakin's 'lucky' win.) I think that Anakin is someone who wears his heart right on his sleeve because he doesn't know any other way. He wants to do good at all costs, even ignoring the 'Jedi Code' when it becomes too cumbersome to work around. He's like Batman. He wants to do good, but not at the expense of his own free will._______________Also, I wonder about Obi Wan not recognizing Artoo in ANH, remarking that 'I don't recall ever owning a droid.' Even though he spent a great deal of time with Artoo in TPM....Maybe even in AOTC.________________In the documentary about TPM on the DVD, a great deal is revealed about Lucas' vision of these films. He sees them like a musical composition, and wants the themes of the film to 'rhyme'. In fact, the beginning of the story rhymes with the fourth chapter of the story. In TPM, the Master Jedi Qui Gon is killed by the apprentice Sith, Maul. In ANH, the master Jedi, is killed by the current apprentice Sith, Vader.____________But whither C3PO? What's his role in the second and third episodes? When does he get pawned off on Captain Antilles?___________And more importantly, how do Owen and Beru Lars fit into this? And why do they seem so goddamned pissed at Obi Wan at the beginning of ANH?_______ Finally, since this is 'Ain't It Cool News' I thought I should mention something that's really damned cool: We have a year where geek movies are the cream of the proverbial crop: AOTC, TTT, Spiderman, Blade 2, even to a lesser extent Scorpion King...._____________Keep the Faith Y'all, and May the Force Be With You....Until May 16th....______________________________Love, Plafsky
March 22, 2002, 3:33 a.m. CST
by vfrederic
I have seen the Clone War trailer and read Harry's review and I AM HYPED. AOTC will definitely NOT disappoint like TPM. I just don't think George was in the zone when he made TPM. I mean come on, the last movie he DIRECTED was some small film back in 1977 ;) AOTC has soooooooo much action in it. JANGO FETT, CLONE TROOPERS, YODA, MACE AND THE JEDI COUNCIL IN FULL COMBAT. OMG!!!!!! The only thing missing is Padme in lingerie :P After seeing the Clone War trailer YOU KNOW George is back in the groove. And with TPM and AOTC under his belt I'll bet my Yak Face action figure that Episode 3 The Last Jedi :P will be the best of them all. Because the only CUTE things will be baby Luke and Leia. NO EWOKS :) So to all the HATERS out there, you'll be swallowing your tongues come MAY 16.
March 22, 2002, 3:57 a.m. CST
by Morgus
You, genius, said: "when in the real star wars films were there any fart or crap jokes". Um... our heroes fell down a garbage chute and into one of the waste disposal facilities on the Death Star. You notice the muck into which Luke gets pulled? That was the flushed contents of every toilet on everyone's favorite space station: Luke and friends were splashing around in piss and shit. Surely I'm not the only one who noted Han's: "Get in there, you big furry oaf! I don't care what you smell!" and "What a wonderful smell you've discovered." Empire had its "I thought they smelled bad... on the outside," JEDI its two belch jokes. So there: all four SW films to date have contained jokes dealing with odors and/or gaseous bodily functions. Furthermore: I applaud Lucas for putting a little shit into a city bustling with beasts of burden and herd animals. That's realism played for (admittedly childish) humor.
March 22, 2002, 9:47 a.m. CST
by Otto Parts
...and I was pleasantly amused to see even the mild-mannered Lorraine Kelly disapproved of Jar-Jar! Harry clarified something as well, which might be of intrest to someone out there: when he said "the most entertaining SW movie"....you know what? that's exactly what he meant! he didn't mean it was his favourite, he didn't mean it was the best, he meant that it was, in his words [I think] "a pure action adventure movie". ACTION, PEOPLE! Remember the concept of action "beats" which was one of the revolutionary things about the OT? well what he means that this movie's got more action than you could shake a shitstick at! sounds good to me! And all these oddities who don't like the "grabbed my pantied ass" line ......it's called A JOKE. I swear harry, you should move to england, more people would get your humour over here ;)
March 22, 2002, 11:05 a.m. CST
by minderbinder
Actually, sometimes it does. And despite the times when people have mistaken models for CGI, there are times when it's obvious as hell. Example: CGI yoda. Nice work, but it just doesn't match the original. And although plenty of models were used in TPM, there were plenty of CGI spaceship and background shots as well. Unless you cite specific shots, it's hard to say if the CGI complaints actually are about CGI. (is it a fact that the star destroyers in the trailer are models?)
March 22, 2002, noon CST
by KneelBeforeZod
A couple of things. First off, whilst The Phantom Menace had its own wince-inducing "Exsqueeze me!" line, the Original Trilogy is not exempt from scrutiny. In Empire, surely the best SW film, Han says "I'll see you in Hell" to the guard at Echo Base upon being told not to search for Skywalker. This reference seems odd and out of place, surely a human reference. But does it really belong in a galaxy far, far away? The other point I wanted to bring up is that when looking at the Star Wars movies, I will see them as two separate trilogies. I will do very little comparison between the OT and the prequels because I believe they are two very separate entities. Therefore, I think we should forget about calling AOTC "Empire-like" and just get on with it. Let's freaking enjoy Star Wars while we can, after 2005 it will be gone from theatres... forever. Oh, and you all suck.
March 22, 2002, 1:51 p.m. CST
by PAIDINFULL
has anyone heard anything about copies on vhs or cdrom of the new episode II film? i remember when phantom came out there were a few that were in circulation. ??? -e
March 22, 2002, 2:21 p.m. CST
by Jackamaku
See Harry's review of TPM - http://www.aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=3624
March 22, 2002, 4:03 p.m. CST
by ender21
This review is a big hoax. I have never been to this site, and will never be back. You didn't see this movie, you went to a fucking forum and read the spoilers. Everything you stated in your "review" has been public knowledge for weeks. Hell, you can go to starwars.com and look at Yoda's saber. All this, I can't tell you who was in the room with me, crap is just a way to attract attention to your lying ass. I am a loyal Star Wars fan, have been since I was five. But if you call yourself one too, I might have to rethink my position. You didn't spoil anything for me, I could tell from the trailers that this movie was going to blow like TPM. I am going to go tongue lash the person who sent this link to me. What a waste of my time. I could have been sleeping!!!!!!!
March 22, 2002, 4:34 p.m. CST
by Jubieloo
Im sure ill get lotsa shit for asking, but when is the release date for attack of the clones...you see im not a big star wars freak so i havent been follwing it really, but now i have to go see it cuz Ewan Mcgregor is my baby and Harry said he's good in it so i have no choice...so when can i look forward to seeing my favorite Jedi?
March 22, 2002, 4:49 p.m. CST
by SpanishPantlones
The word "Hell" refers to is an ancient religious and mythological concept of a tortureous after life brought on by evil deeds in the first life.The concept is pretty universal in earth cultures, dating back thousands of years. It's not pop culture. Jar Jar's reference to Mike Myer's "Exqueeze me" from Wayne's World is pop culture and was very distracting from the experience of watching a SW movie-"I'll see you in hell" was not and it's likely that intelligent life on other worlds would have a "Hell" of their own(they are speaking English too but that's not a distraction).There is a big difference between the two lines of dialoge and how they impact the viewer's ability to suspend his/her disbelief. Based on your argument,That would almost be like saying that Queens, Princesses,Bounty Hunters, Smugglers,Emperors,Card players,Scoundrels,Farmers,Admirals,Pirates,Gangsters,Spies,Counts,Senators,Storm Troopers...etc are pop cutural references as well.A Pop cultural term is identifiable as a recent creation in entertainment, in the 20-21st centry.A "Jedi" or "Sith" is a great example of a pop cultural reference; these terms did not exist before Star wars introduced them.Jar Jar is an unredeemingly stupid character and The Phantom Menace is an unforgiveably awful movie! And If it weren't for those high maintainence Gungans and all those unneccessary computer digital effects, we could have seen Episode 1 in May of 1998! He wasted a whole year on a lot of bullshit! Kneel!!!!!!! *** I hope "G-LU" did some soul searching after that disaster he unleashed upon us and did it better this time.Despite my hatred of TPM, I still can't wait for AOTC! If AOTC is like TPM, Spiderman will bury it.
March 22, 2002, 6:33 p.m. CST
by Darth Melkor
http://www.ew.com/ew/report/0,6115,219185~10~0~reportergetssneakpeak,00.html Here's entertainment weekly's story on Lucasfilm liking the review though I've read it several places. This is just the most valid source.
March 22, 2002, 6:48 p.m. CST
by boldkira
check out small, unfrequently updated www.poomagazine.com -- seriously, some guy on that site, saw a rough cut in NOVEMBER. And no one paid him.
March 22, 2002, 7:37 p.m. CST
by Darth Bad Guy
Once upon a time, Harry loved TPM. Now he's concerned that his childhood memories will be violated, and he was prepared to desecrate his 12" Boba Fett if it became necessary. Why? Well, TPM had only a few familiar characters- R2D2 and C3PO, Obi-Wan, and Anakin. Now, it's IMPOSSIBLE to fuck up the droids. The characters are too established. I think Ewan's portrayal of Obi-Wan was good- at the very least, the accent was decent. And Anakin... left something to be desired. But Jake Lloyd is gone from the Star Wars universe forever now, so stop whining. But AotC... there was more at stake. These weren't just your standard Star Wars characters getting face-lifted- this was BOBA FUCKING FETT. The man, the legend, the dude everyone wants to see as the star. Fett, for whatever reason, has become an icon. George was allowed to screw up Jabba- he already did that with ANH SE and that godawful musical number in ROTJ SE. But if he DARES to ruin Boba Fett, there will be hell to pay. Slobbering fans would slit his pudgy throat and crucify his corpse over the entrance to Skywalker Ranch, a Boba Fett helmet in place of his severed head. So of course a Fett aficionado would be worried. But Harry's fears are gone now, and although I've never been much for old Boba, I feel slightly better.
March 22, 2002, 11 p.m. CST
by STAR WARS 25
Face it, folks. Harry's "review" of "AOTC" was B.S. start to finish. Everything he stated is pretty much common knowledge to die-hards. The truth is the guy is a liar. His story requires no evidence (like the standard story from a UFO abductee) and there are no witnesses (same as UFO abductee one again).Hmmmm.... It makes no sense when you think about it. "Episode I" (like it or not) made about a billion damn dollars (not including merchandise)- why would Lucas and friends be concerned? Even if it made half what "Episode I" made it would still be huge. The people inside Lucasfilm are high on this film and know it will rock. Also, why Harry? Ask 100 average movie-goers who Harry is. I'd doubt if 2% knew of him or even care what he had to say. Remember, this is the guy liked "Godzilla" and stood firm on his story about the "fuzzy footage" Lucas shot for "Phantom Menace"- not exactly the pinnacle of reliability or someone with his finger on the pulse of reality. This post won't last long so take care folks!Eventually the truth will be revealed...
March 23, 2002, 5:06 a.m. CST
by Miami'sCanadian
You all consider yourselves fanatics so answer my continuity questions that nag me. 1) Why doesn't Darth Vader reconize C3PO and vice versa? I mean he spent years creating him and how many droids sound like a gay British chap! Must suck being the best Jedi and having no memory. 2) How come Obi Wan doesn't reconize the droids in 'New Hope' either? 3) How come Darth Vader shows no emotions when he has his BROTHER OWEN killed? Hi my name is Darth Vader, leader of Force and I cant sense someone from my own bloodline died. 4) Why didn't Darth Vader have Jabba Hut killed for the whole darn slave thing? and 5) When you all complain about Jar Jar what do you think people said two decades ago about Chewbacca? Annoying character for kids. To you geeks who diss Harry for giving good reviews for free screenings any of you would do the same. He's a guy who loves movies, not the Pope with moral obligations. Comparing movies is useless, blondes and brunettes are more debateful. Why cant you like one or both films without hating the other? I doubt any of you will get laid to have kids but I hope you don't do the same with them. Have fun. Vipers outtie.
March 23, 2002, 10:21 a.m. CST
by Sea Bass
Vader doesn't recognize 3PO because he's a different color, in several pieces, and is on a wookie's back in a dark room. Anyway, what would he say to 3PO if he did recognize him? 3PO didn't recognize Anakin because he was in a freaking mask.I mean use your head....Who says that Obi Wan didn't recognize them? Again, what would he say to them? Do you think he's going to tell Luke anything? Anyway, so far, he only saw R2 for 2 minutes in TPM and not 3PO at all....He's not his real brother and how is he going to show emotion? How would you show that?.......that was in a different life, as Anakin. That's hardly a continuity error......You people really need to put more thought into things before calling them plot holes.
March 23, 2002, 1:02 p.m. CST
by Sea Bass
It's a review, not a fucking spy report. They don't put spoilers in reviews. Anyway, there are plenty of things he said that aren't in any spy report I've ever seen and I'm a mod of a major SW site. If you don't believe the review just ignore it and move on. Don't be a dick about it, when you have no evidence that it's not true to begin with.
March 23, 2002, 1:31 p.m. CST
by SeanMiller
I never thought of it that way. I know TPM was made for the kids, but I didn't think they would call Anankin their hero. All these kids are going to be crushed when Anakin starts killing every Jedi. I get pissed off even thinking about it. Kill that f**king emperror.
March 23, 2002, 3:52 p.m. CST
by SeanMiller
For all you haters out there... "When you grow old, your heart dies." None of you remember how to have fun. You have all become dead, bored, angry, afraid. Maybe there is hope for your kids who are still innocent enough to have fun with films.
March 23, 2002, 3:55 p.m. CST
by El Backo
I hate the fuckin popups on this site. I close one, read an article, hit Back to the main page to read another article, and another one pops up. I know there's software to kill the little fuckers but I heard they can screw up your hard drive. Get rid of the goddamn things.
March 23, 2002, 6:49 p.m. CST
by Miami'sCanadian
Well you make a good point with the answers but they still remain there. Thanks though for answering.You now have my resepct. But for me to blame a movie for it is dumb, I mean Lucas made Star Wars 20 years ago and those can be lived with. Now if someone could tell me why if it took place long time ago what happened to technology? I mean then they had all those fast spaceships with powerful Jedis driving and now the only person we have in space is Lance Bass from N Sync fame. No Lance, you cant hide from On The Line.
March 23, 2002, 8:17 p.m. CST
by MattTCO
Without starwars, lord of the rings would have never been made because of all the special fxs advancments the orgianl triolgy and lucas compenys have made. And without the lord of the rings books george lucas probly wouldnt have made star wars. Yes Phantom mence wasnt the best movie ever but either was bad taste, Or the lord of the rings cartoons. Both are great trilogys with great movies, and great fans. Just go see both instead of crap like pearl harbor and everone will be ok.
March 23, 2002, 8:48 p.m. CST
by Alphatango
You're bringing up Willow? Its 2002, get a life and wait for your two LOTR dvds.
March 23, 2002, 9:19 p.m. CST
by Alphatango
Ringbearer9 did you even bother to read my post. Lotr is better than TPM-NO SHIT! I never mentioned that Jar Jar Dreck in my post. I said its impossible for anyone to say that Lucas straight up copys the themes and the director of ESB just by watching the trailer. I SAID that judging how big star wars is compared to LOTR, that more people would take out AOTC than LOTR to watch 3 years from now. First chapter vs. second chapter? That Jar Jar Dreck was not mentioned.
March 23, 2002, 11:01 p.m. CST
by Budo64
It is really sad that so many media outlets lend credibility to anything that Fat Harry spews out on this website. He doesn't represent the "internet community", as if there were such a thing. We all know that AOTC will be as bad as TPM. Harry is a sell out and has no credibility. All of Harry's reviews/comments are bought by the studios(party invitation, set visits, merchandise, E! news coverage etc..) All you morons that believe anything he has to say need to look at the source.
March 23, 2002, 11:16 p.m. CST
by StrainedVomit
March 24, 2002, 1:23 a.m. CST
by Sea Bass
I mean for fuck's sake, if the only shit you can talk about the new SW movie is that there's a rumor that a couple of guys from NSYNC are in it (which isn't even true) then your bitching is only your reaction to the fact that the prequels are a complex political thriller/romance/action film/character study and LOTR is one huge chase scene. Therefore you should just realize that you have nothing to say and you should just sit quietly and watch SW dominate as it always has. I know those who are younger than the SW generation need their own franchise to identify themselves with and that's the reason for all the SW backlash but right now, well, you're shit out of luck.
March 24, 2002, 2:21 a.m. CST
by Darth Bad Guy
Ok, you had a rough cut of Ep 2, and decided to show it to Harry Knowles. What does this mean? Chances are, it means you frequent AICN, and are familiar with Harry's work. You probably thought you were doing us a favor by showing Harry that movie. Now do us a real favor- reveal yourself and silence all the disbelievers! Then again, why bother. They'll just say you're lying too. Your precious Dark Side is at work here, kids.
March 24, 2002, 2:32 a.m. CST
by RossBorowicki
Very interesting message about the 25 things wrong with TPM - I can think of many more.... The movie was a huge disappointment and has 'polluted' the Star Wars saga. Lets hope AOTC is heaps better. Here are some notes from the series: 1. Leia is Luke's sister - this was unnecessary, adds nothing to the story. What are the odds that Luke, plucked from obsurity, ends up saving his sister from his father without any of three knowing any of the others? Ludicrous. 2. Owen Lars - Luke's uncle - perhaps he is Darth's brother? Darth and company reduced he and his lovely wife to smouldering skeletons - just what the hell did they do to them? 3. Luke on Tatooine - Luke was hidden from his father at birth. Say, lets hide him on Tatooine - the same planet his father grew up on. Funny, Darth made no mention of his ties to the planet when he was chasing the rebel blockade runner in Star Wars. (this illustrates the absurdity of TPM's choice of Tatooine - senseless nostalgia). 4. Luke sure fluked out landing so close to Yoda's hut on Dagobah. 5. Spatial relations - Star Wars messes up continously when small space ships are flying toward large ones (or death stars). Size and speed proportions are just thrown by the wayside. Just watch the tractor beam capturing the Millenium Falcon or any scene involving the giant star destroyer. 6. DR built C3PO. This ridiculous fact makes ANH seem like an unbelievable coincidence. 7. How did Jabba the Hutt assume so much power? He's practically immobile and can be killed by yanking on a chain. 8. The Death Star could have detroyed the planet Yavin instead of going around it to fire at the moon. As we found in a string of asteroid movies, the debris from the planet would have obliterated all life on the moon of Yavin - including bacteria.
March 24, 2002, 5:44 a.m. CST
by Shaggins
I declare that this "review" is fraudulent. I put it to you that rivals of the Lucas franchise provided Harry Knowles with heavy numeration with the express purpose of securing an outlet to over-hype "Star Wars: Attack of The Clones." I accuse these people of attempting to create an atomosphere where disappointment will be inevitable. Harry Knowles - is it not true that you did fabricate this story and that indeed you are a wicked, perjurious and dispicable recreant? Do you expect us to believe this frankly incredible and woefully ridiculous tale? Surely you cannot possibly think that anyone believes you saw this movie! I accuse you of being a false, unscrupulous liar - I put it to you that you are guilt-teh! Indeed I suspect that Lucasfilm will prosecute you if this is true. You should at least expect to be questioned by the Police authorities over this matter. The Phantom Menace suffered because of the unatural level of anticipation it generated. Such levels of motion picture anticipation may never again be reached without arfificial stimulation. Therefore it is highly likely that those studios or institutions bent on destroying the Star Wars franchise want this new movie hyped beyond reasonability. This is the only concievable way (apart from the movie itself being of poor quality) that the fans will be disappointed. Therefore Shaggins issues this advice to loyal and loving Star Wars fans - ignore all the hype and expect a movie as good as The Phantom Menace. It is the only way you will enjoy Episode II.
March 24, 2002, 7:03 a.m. CST
by Shaggins
The box office take for Star Wars Epsiode II has been roundly underestimated - so much so that when everything is added up there may STILL be a new "king of the world." :) I have foreseen it!
March 24, 2002, 9:10 a.m. CST
by Sea Bass
"What are the odds that Luke, plucked from obsurity, ends up saving his sister from his father without any of three knowing any of the others?"....watch the movie. R2 knew where he was going the whole time. It wasn't an accident that he met Luke. "Owen Lars - Luke's uncle - perhaps he is Darth's brother? Darth and company reduced he and his lovely wife to smouldering skeletons - just what the hell did they do to them? "....Vader didn't kill them, he simply sent a dedtachment down to retreive the plans. The stormtroopers killed them. Besides, what does Vader care? HE'S FUCKING VADER. "Luke on Tatooine - Luke was hidden from his father at birth. Say, lets hide him on Tatooine - the same planet his father grew up on. Funny, Darth made no mention of his ties to the planet when he was chasing the rebel blockade runner in Star Wars"...What do you want, for Vader to turn to the audience and say, 'hey, I lived here!'. As for the other question, just watch Episode III....". Luke sure fluked out landing so close to Yoda's hut on Dagobah"....Yoda was on the planet guiding him, genius..."Size and speed proportions are just thrown by the wayside. "....No they're not....."DR built C3PO. This ridiculous fact makes ANH seem like an unbelievable coincidence"....It's not a coincidence if you watch the films in order. You always knew that 3PO was involved with the main characters from the beginning, Anakin building him explains it. It's not a coincidence..."How did Jabba the Hutt assume so much power? He's practically immobile and can be killed by yanking on a chain"....Now you're just getting desperate....."The Death Star could have detroyed the planet Yavin instead of going around it to fire at the moon"...Yavin was a gas giant.
March 24, 2002, 12:05 p.m. CST
by drompter
Harry didn't want us to know how it happened, didn't want us to know about the persons involved, didn't want us to know about the hotel room but he made sure that we know that he was signing his book, the ego-maniacal bastard.
March 24, 2002, 1:49 p.m. CST
by KneelBeforeZod
i don't know why, but one line from TPM keeps popping in my head, so i'll paraphrase. KNOWLES, YOUR TRADE FRANCHISE IS FINISHED!
March 24, 2002, 3:28 p.m. CST
by hildebrand
Here is my one and only hope for the upcoming Star Wars film: that like Empire Strikes Back there will be no cheesy celebration at the end of the movie. Please, please, no more medals ceremonies, no more cheesy victory songs, etc. Return of the Jedi would have been so much better if they had simply faded into the stars once Luke lights the pyre. Gads, such good movies nearly undone because of Hollywood musical endings. This is my hope. These are all good films with satisfying conclusions, they do not need sappy codas slapped onto them.
March 24, 2002, 3:48 p.m. CST
by jonnyaction
you best not be bullshittin me fat boy or i'll be forced to ass bang you with out even the common god damned courtesy[sic]to give you a reach around i remain jonnyaction
March 24, 2002, 5:15 p.m. CST
by garethvk
Hello, I am a syndicated reviewer and I wish to point out some facts that were missing from your recent issue regarding the Harry Knows article. First, Harry's article lacks much credibility, I say this as Moviehole.net had the first review weeks before, http://www.moviehole.net/starwars2.html Harry is well known for accepting and encoraging payola and does not always have much integrity when it comes to his news. He was scooped and yet people gave him credit for the news. I find his info hard to believe as one his review says nothing that is not already common knowledge on the net, and as somone who knows the storyline he left out things that any person who had seen a rough cut would know. Secondly, I find it very odd that he breaks this news after being scooped by a rival and while trying to push and sell his new book. I am not saying that Harry does not offer some valid articles, but the timing is odd especially when trying to sell books. when Moviehole should be given credit for the first news story. Thank you, Gareth Von Kallenbach Skiewed and Reviewed http://www.nwlink.com/~gareth/sknr.htm +Syndicated
March 24, 2002, 7:39 p.m. CST
by GrubStreeter
Do they attack? I sure hope so. I know that's what I'm paying to see: clones that attack. Frankly, I don't feel nearly enough movies have been made that deal with clone attacks, so I'm hoping this film picks up the slack.
March 25, 2002, 1:54 a.m. CST
by Mithril
I will not go into any possible connection with Ewan and his family, because that is beside the point. Anyone could tell you from just reading or watching Ewan's interviews on the matter that he's just not into drugs. He doesn't think drugs are "very wrong" as you state, but he's simply not into them. Ewan's more of a "let's go get some beers and hang out" kind of guy. He gets his highs from hanging out with friends and family (I can tell you his dad and him have had some nice nights out) and riding his motorcycle. So let's just lay out the drug stuff. ***Oh, and can LF decide who Owen Lars is related to?!? In the first film: Luke's uncle, Anakin's brother. Then the specifications given to official tie-in novel writers say: Owen is Ben's brother. Explains bad blood between them, and why Darth doesn't know about the place. Now again: Anakin's step brother (or half brother, or whatever). Make up your minds, dammit!
March 25, 2002, 2:02 a.m. CST
by Miami'sCanadian
...well some are you alrite but it seems most have nothing important to say then just bitch cause their moms foreced them to make their bed which made them angry, Fuck, you seem to be so intelligent yet when I pose simple continuity questions I get no answers on the board so instead you use your brian power to insult the other immature people instead of helping people understand the Star Wars univerese. BTW, try beer and women. It will make you say George who?!
March 25, 2002, 2:03 a.m. CST
by jat187
Denzel Washington is ten times the actor that Russel Crowe is and the main reason he won this award is not because Training day was a good movie. But his GREAT PERFORMANCE, which was totally different then his other performances. So shut your holes and just let the man revel in his accomplishments. He is ONE OF THE BEST ACTORS IN HOLLYWOOD.
March 25, 2002, 2:04 a.m. CST
by StrainedVomit
To the person that was wondering about the last scene of AOTC, here it is (and no, this is not BS): Palpatine, Bail Organa, Obi Wan, Yoda, what's left of the Jedi Council, and various senators stand on a platform overlooking a massive military staging area where millions of clones board Republic Cruisers which take off and fly away. The clones are heading to destinations throughout the galaxy to fight the secessionists. Que credits.
March 25, 2002, 2:26 a.m. CST
by Voice O. Reason
Nothing is official until you see it on the big screen. The previous info on Owen Lars (not Owen Kenobi, nor Owen Skywalker) was taken from draft scripts of A New Hope and Return of the Jedi. (BTW it was also speculated that he was Amidala's brother, or that Beru was the one actually related to Luke and Owen was just his uncle through marriage.)
March 25, 2002, 3:40 a.m. CST
by bogrod
First, thanks Harry for giving us the 'first look' at EP2. However, in regard to your assessment of Anakin, aren't we suppose to hate him? I think that it's been established that he becomes a far more wicked man than the typical high school football star who wants the cheerleader. Lucas WANTS us to hate him. Or begin to... He's halfway to becoming a despicable human being.
March 25, 2002, 4:14 a.m. CST
by Miami'sCanadian
Alright I have some friends who worked on Hayden's tv show "Higher Ground" and one who went to school with him in Toronto and still talks to him and this what I can confirm of his personality. From working on the show he was just a normal 18 year old with a edge of cockiness that most people do who star in a tv show but was never snobby to crew. From what his personal friend said of him he would just be the normal popular high school student. Take that as you will but he is a good actor, and with a normal expected cockiness Lucas saw he could get Hayden to be damn good when he turns to the geek side. I mean who wants to have a best friend in the Emperor who is a old man under a robe who doesn't score chicks? Now who is the chosen one, is it Anakin for killling Emperor in the big hole or Luke for doing his crazy rescue shit. If Anakin was really the chosen one I mean reality wise would have been alot smarter if he just killed Emperor before turning. What dumbasses the Jedi are! And why does Obi Wan tell Luke Yoda was his master when it was Quin Jon? I know I'm being dumb prick for nit picking at continuity issues but I sorta like hearing peoples thoughts on it, for not to antagonize. NOW WHO HAS PREDICTIONS ON EPISODE 3. Here is mine, Anakin kills Mace Windu for you to hate him more, Obi Wan is blamed by Anakin for somehow causing Amidila's death, Palpatine decides to be an Emperor he must be ugly so he gets cosmetic surgery, Yoda discovers he's no match for Emperor so goes in hiding on Drobagho, Jar Jar becomes more of a main character who blames himself for Death Star, Emperor has Anakins mother killed secretly pointing it as Jedis fault, and last shot is as Darth Vader looking out the ship into space as his feelings for Amidila show the conflict he feels.
March 25, 2002, 4:43 a.m. CST
by uleaum
Lucas makes a comment on the Xtra features of the DVD. TPM is to intense. This movie just has too much stuff in it. You can't appreciate this movie until you see the twists that come out of the narrative, not experience of the movie. Yes, it's dry, but that is intended to set the mood of the republic before the fall. The first time I saw this movie I didn't like too much. One of my friends said, "If it wasn't a Star Wars movie, would you have liked it?" The more you watch this movie the better it gets. It gets better each time because because you are aware how the plot is moved by character decisions. The perfect example is Qui Gon letting Anakin risk his life for some cash. It's not an arbitrary action for plot, but an action taken by someone with the perspective of a Jedi Master. You have to almost memorize the movie to see every nuance of this character. Remember when Liam Neison complained about the control Lucas wielded over his character. Almost every line and action taken by any character is consistent with who they are. This movie develops out of choices made by characters. With the exception of Jar Jar I challenge you to make better choices for any character than the ones those characters made. And apparently there is a something Jar Jar contributes (according to Harry). There where no stupid choices made by characters in this movie that would make you want to yell at the screen. People constantly complain about the "Classic" works of literature required in high school. They are too dry and and not relevant. The reason they are not relevant is because we cannot relate to them. The reason that people thought that TPM was dry (besides the actor's delivery in some cases, the only bad thing I have to say about TPM) was because they did not relate to the characters. Replace the word "Force" with "God" in the movies. The Jedi are people who only have to wish for something to make it happen. They are a metaphor for having the power to make changes in your own life. The code they live by is required because of the power they posses. Until you as person can face what it means to be able to posses any kind of power you need to understand the ramification of how that power will affect others. Qui Gon knows that he has the power to take what he needs, but he lets the universe unfold as it wants to. This gives him what he knows he need (the parts for the hyper drive) and what he doesn't know he needs (Anakin), hence the wisdom of experience with power. These Characters are built on complex psychological templates, while they seem confusing until we can Identfy with them. AOTC will be considered a much better movie than TPM. That's because of the model that Lucas follows. If you read Bill Moyers and Joseph Cambell, Pearson (12 architypes), or any Jungian psychology you see his pattern is Ego/Soul/Self (or Preperation for the Journey/Experience of the Journey/Incorporating the Experience). In TESB Luke experiences pain/loss/disolutionment. These things are the easiest to identify with and it is why it is considered one of the better movies. AOTC will probably be considered the best movie of all 6 movies in the end. That it will make TPM seem better is no surprise. But it will not make it better, you will only appreciate TPM more because you will be closer to identifying with the characters. "Pearls before swine" is a little harsh, but not inappropriate. Besides the SW series, and the Matrix, I challenge you to find something in this media that challenges not just the limits of human experience, but the limits human potential so well. It's kind of hard to view Lucas, renowned for his simple stories of good and evil as the misunderstood artist, but that is what he is. If you go back and look at his "simple" stories, you find a complexity unequaled in most Literature of any form. In the end, once you do identify with these characters maybe you understand how Shakespear still gets read.
March 25, 2002, 9:57 a.m. CST
by Septimus200
Styler, if you have no faith in AOTC, Lucas, or Knowles, fine, but please refrain from making such ignorant comments. You say AOTC will do less business than TPM because 'the fear is gone.' You cite the release of Scooby Doo, Minority Report, Spiderman, and MIB2 as proof. Implicit in your statement is the assertion that fear existed around the release of TPM. Maybe it did, but if so then the facts clearly show that the fear is still there. Here are the facts: In 1999 Mummy was released 2 weeks before TPM, this year Spiderman comes out 2 weeks before AOTC. In 1999 Tarzan came out 4 weeks after TPM(and Austin Powers2 came out 3 weeks after), this year Scooby Doo comes out 4 weeks after AOTC. In 1999 Big Daddy came out 5 weeks after TPM, this year Minority Report comes out 5 weeks after AOTC. In 1999 Wild Wild West came out approx 6 weeks after TPM, this year MIB2 will be released about 6 weeks after AOTC. Every film you mentioned had a corresponding major release in 1999. For a broader view, in 1999 there were about 9 major releases in the 6 weeks following TPM's release, this year there will about 11 major releases in the 6 weeks following the release of AOTC. In other words, its a very similar situation. You may be right that AOTC doesn't match or beat TPM's boxoffice. But nobody knows that yet, and even though ESB is considered better than ANH by most(???), it did considerably less boxoffice. So don't let your hatred blind you to irrefutable facts.
March 25, 2002, 1:43 p.m. CST
by darth_cheerios
AOTC will be better not because Harry says so but because George learned his lesson from TPM. Anyone who saw the "in the beginning" documentary on TPM dvd knows that even George admitted TPM was a mediocre movie in a subtle way. Him and Rick are discussing their feeling after viewing a rough cut of TPM and Rick says how it all feels rushed lacks the magic of the OT. George gave a legitimate reason saying he feels he overdid some parts but needed to setup the new trilogy. I hope AOTC is the real thing.
March 25, 2002, 2:41 p.m. CST
by Shaggins
The simple reason is this: A Star Wars movie is seen as licence to print money in Hollywood. I'll let you draw your own conclusions, but it is my opinion that any one of the three prequels is WORTH far more than $600 million in domestic box office.
March 25, 2002, 5:23 p.m. CST
by Tyler42
Your bringing fucking politics into a debate about AOTC? Fuck you Jackass! Calling all members of a political party hateful and jealous, why? Whats your fucking problem pal? To set the record straight for Mr. Jackass: Dems don't hate big business we favor competition. You fucking ass.
March 25, 2002, 9:04 p.m. CST
by Alphatango
Hey Vancity viper if you feel sorry for the talkbackers here why in the hell did you post twice? Here's a newsflash, there's no format to talkback. People say what they want, they bitch and whine, they also share cool info. Two thumbs up on your second post man, thats some funny shit!
March 25, 2002, 10:04 p.m. CST
by Rev.James
First off: not a bad "review" Harry, but of course you can not give a good review before the movie comes out w/o making it spoiler filled. Secondly: This movie will be great and, just like all the other Star Wars movies, will add more depth and story-line to the Star Wars galaxy. After all, is that not what makes any Star Wars movie great?
March 25, 2002, 11:19 p.m. CST
by Miami'sCanadian
Thanks for admiring the funny post. I am a pure genuis in many ways but my looks are what gets me through the days. Yah I feel sorry for some talkbackers, not the rabid or fun ones, the ones like UNLEAM who just made us scroll down twenty minutes on his post how the 'Force' is 'God' and if we study the bible we will learn The Phantom Menace. "Hey, my name is Unleam and I walk the streets every day stopping people with my pamplhet to turn to my religious cult. You'll like our God who we call Zule." Dumbass!
March 26, 2002, 12:36 a.m. CST
by Alphatango
Good point, want to go roast some hobbits?
March 26, 2002, 1:27 a.m. CST
by Miami'sCanadian
No thanks dude, my Hobbit roasting days are over. My mother caught me when I was a child and decided I needed exercise or I would turn into Harry Knowles. But I told here if I become really big hot chicks may mistake me for the fat long red haired guy off Titanic and I would be able to get laid. She made a pay cut to our gardener and poolboy and brought down a Heidi Fleiss girl down to BC. After that, the only Force I wield is in my pants and coming to a Mandy Moore near you this summer.
March 26, 2002, 8:02 a.m. CST
by pparker
at theforce.net and every other big SW fansite!!
March 26, 2002, 4:23 p.m. CST
by Darth Melkor
Harry just appeared on the show talking about the review yet he contradicted himself. He says above that Jar Jar has a scene that's so relentlessly terrible and so on yet on TV he said he's in there for 2 minutes and he didn't have a problem with him.... Hmm..... But still he reaffirmed that it's awesome.
March 26, 2002, 7:19 p.m. CST
by schnupper
just having a tiny little question here... a lot of people posting here make it seem like a crime to enjoy both star wars and LotR. what's wrong with you guys?? star wars already is a great saga and continues to be so and LotR is the beginning of one equally good! if those movies weren't being released about the same time nobody would even draw any comparison at all. if you people were really fans of either of them you wouldn't even waste your time screaming at each other for something that stupid. being a very much insane fan myself i just can't help coming back for the reviews here... but reading the comments just makes me want to smash the keyboard on my head in frustration sometimes. argh! sorry, getting to emotional here, i know what you're gonna say... don't like it, don't read it. it's so true... but what the hell :) long live obi-wan and frodo!
March 26, 2002, 7:35 p.m. CST
by 0010010
great review by Harry, I'm glad to see Star Wars - Episode Two Attack Of The Clones is going to be a good movie.
March 26, 2002, 8:45 p.m. CST
by orcafresh
I just wanted you to know I caught your spot on Access Hollywood tonite and, after reading your advance review think you scored a HUGE #10! Come hang out at www.orcafresh.net sometime. Rick Olney Original namesake of the Star Wars:Episode II character, Ric Olie
March 26, 2002, 10:51 p.m. CST
by yumyumsummer
You said Jar Jar only appeared for 2 minutes on Access Hollywood......................
March 26, 2002, 11:49 p.m. CST
by darth taino
I'm a 30 year old man and I remember the first time I went to see Star Wars. Now 26 years later Ep II is on the way and I'm not one of those fans that could tell you who "red leader" is but SW is a major part of my life. I just can't wait to see it. I love anyone named Darth or Fett. From what I just read above it looks like I will not be let down. Thank you Uncle George.
March 27, 2002, 12:29 a.m. CST
by Darth Bad Guy
Okay, I admit it. I've finally come to terms with this. Normally, I would be happy about another Star Wars, but I wouldn't be excited enough to post rambling messages on the internet. Truth is, there is one and only one reason I'm looking forward to Attack of the Clones as much as I am. For you see, ever since I read he had been cast as Mace Windu, I have clung to the feeble hope of seeing Sammy J bust out Jedi-style with his lightsaber. I have dreamed of a truly bad-ass Jedi. And someday, that shall be a dream realized.
March 27, 2002, 7:03 a.m. CST
by 7r4nc3
If I could rewrite every mistake I made by doing something good after the fact I would be considered a genious. George fooked up with JJB, and now we are supposed to think he is some kinda genious because he can go back in the second movie and tie it in? George you suck at character development, you make only ok stories, the only thing that makes SW so cool is all the special effects and fighting stuff. LoTR is SOOO much better.
March 27, 2002, 9:46 a.m. CST
by Darth_Negron
Great review Harry, my hat's off to ya, actually I should thank those people that gave you the private screening, what a break! It was good to hear positive feedback on on the film, I was afraid it might have been another slide show like Episode 1, lacking in depth and emotion, but I have seen the light and just from reading about the scenes you described and about the story in EP2, it makes me wanna watch EP1 over again. I've always been a fan and even though EP1 wasnt the best Star Wars ever, I couldn't resist watching it over and over again, the duel of the fates is absolutely the best scene. But I have one question to ask regarding EP2, and you can email me with the answer if you wish, its on my profile, I need to ask: Does Anakin go back to free the slaves in Tatooine? I've always envisioned a scene like that as a great opener to EP2 or 3. Im so excited, I cant wait to open my early Christmas present in May!
March 27, 2002, 9:49 a.m. CST
by PaddyIrishman
Hey Just thought you might like this I just found a link to the episode 2 soundtrack. http://www.episode1-3.de/rumors13.html Scroll down the page to the heading EPISODE II - SOUNDTRACK IM NETZ and click on the links below. Only Tracks 2,4,5,6,7,8,13 work Enjoy!
March 27, 2002, 9:50 a.m. CST
by PaddyIrishman
Hey Just thought you might like this I just found a link to the episode 2 soundtrack. http://www.episode1-3.de/rumors13.html Scroll down the page to the heading EPISODE II - SOUNDTRACK IM NETZ and click on the links below. Only Tracks 2,4,5,6,7,8,13 work Enjoy!
March 27, 2002, 9:51 a.m. CST
by PaddyIrishman
Hey Just thought you might like this I just found a link to the episode 2 soundtrack. http://www.episode1-3.de/rumors13.html Scroll down the page to the heading EPISODE II - SOUNDTRACK IM NETZ and click on the links below. Only Tracks 2,4,5,6,7,8,13 work Enjoy!
March 27, 2002, 11:54 a.m. CST
by Pizza The Hut
...Now THAT'S a movie I'd like to see!
March 27, 2002, 12:57 p.m. CST
by SWrules
I just saw the new trailer for AOTC clones. I had butterfly's in my stomach the whole time. I am convinced that Lucas is finally listening to the fans. Yes more lightsaber battles please. This is definently a step in the right direction. Not that I have many issues with TPM myself, hell I even laugh when I see jar jar on the screen and realize what a complete dumbass he is. I still I despise the two-headed announcer and Boss Nass. But most of the film makes up for these slights especially casting Ewan Mcgregor and Liam Neeson. As For my subject at the end of trailer of AOTC Yoda looks like what the fuck. This was somewhat disturbing now I miss Frank Oz.
March 27, 2002, 1:26 p.m. CST
by Astralweeks
That review has me a lot more optimistic than I was. One thing that's really pissin' me off about the prequels is the constant re-introductions of characters that were in the original trilogy. Did R2 and 3PO need to be there? No, their presence was ridiculous. Did Greedo have to be there? Now we've got young Boba Fett? In the third one I'm sure we'll see a scamp named Han making mischief with his buddy li'l Lando. And a little moptop so cute everyone will have to call him Chewie. This is a GALACTIC republic/empire that must have a population numbering in the tens of skadillions and young Ben can't go to the bathroon without tripping over some guy that'll be hangin' with Luke 30 years later.
March 27, 2002, 2:03 p.m. CST
by aunt_beru
...aunt beru get some serious dick action from owen in this one!!!??? or from jar jar?
March 27, 2002, 2:50 p.m. CST
by Deagle2
no way in hell am I seeing it opening day. Not even opening week. Maybe 2 or 3 weeks after it opens. And even then I'll see it only at a matinee price. If it kicks my ass then I'll gladly eat my Gandalf action figure but I will NOT help Lucas break more box office records. Ep. 1 was an INSULT that Lucasfilm should not be rewarded for.
March 27, 2002, 6:37 p.m. CST
by frank cotton
the first time i saw TPM, the only problem i had with it was the 'midichlorian' crap. really, really bad idea. even jar-jar was tolerable once. now, i can't stand the sight of him, or the annoying sound of his voice, so i just fast forward over all his appearances, and watch the extended and deleted scenes, my favorite being the longer pod race. other than these two issues, i like it. the only semi-complaint i might mention is that the camera never lingered on anything long enough for one to get a good look. i have watched the AOTC trailer about twenty times, and it is killer. personally, i could care less about character development. i watch movies to be entertained, and as long as they have intelligent ideas, and/or great effects, i'm happy. if i wanted to be emotionally manipulated, i'd get married. my personal favorite top ten films of all time? 1]BRAZIL 2]VIDEODROME 3]THE MATRIX 4]ALIEN/S 5]TRON 6]1984 7] STARSHIP TROOPERS 8]THE THING 9] BLADERUNNER 10]HELLRAISER. these are the films i can watch repeatedly and never tire of (so i cheeted on 4], sue me). feel free to blast my taste. RE: TYLER42-the only things democrats favor are socialism, and taxes, taxes, and more taxes (no, i'm not a republican). QUOTE OF THE DAY (not everyday, just whenever i post and can remember one): "when the mob joins in and adds it's voice, all is lost". seems appropriate considering the utter stupidity of some of these posts.
March 27, 2002, 8:15 p.m. CST
by Darth Melkor
You can't, not yet anyway. It's scenes from the theatrical trailer coming this weekend and probably won't be online for a while if at all. It's basically a ploy by New Line to squeeze more money out of the film.
March 28, 2002, 3:57 p.m. CST
by STAR WARS MANIAC
Yeah, I just wanted to know, is any member of *N SYNC in the movie, because if they are, thatwould suck. I hate that band. If they're in the movie, it will totally mess up the film for me. So, Harry, are they in it at all? Thanks, Respond ASAP
March 28, 2002, 4:02 p.m. CST
by STAR WARS MANIAC
So Harry, which hotel did you see this in and who exactly did you speak to? Or did you just sellyour soul to the devil, because that's the only way that I think any civilian could see it. Thanks, Respond ASAP
March 28, 2002, 4:38 p.m. CST
by cafegogo
Geez Harry Haven't logged onto your sight in quite sometime, but after reading your alleged "review" of the new Star Wars, its dismaying to realize how you're starting to sound like a studio press release. Even worse, for a site that's supposed to be "renegade" and "different," you and your site have seemingly become like all the rest. I mean, am I reading Harry Knowles here or Peter Travers?
March 28, 2002, 5 p.m. CST
by JackMerridew
That's right. I just said that to get your attention, folks. You guys aren't using the "talkbacks" the way you should be using them. Instead of sounding like real opinions and questions, you guys sound like a bunch of malcontented idiots, just trying to be as hateful as you possibly can. No, it doesn
March 28, 2002, 5:19 p.m. CST
by killbill
I can't wait for Star Fighter II Yoda vs. Doodku Fight !! Lucasfilm vs. Capcom would be nice too.
March 28, 2002, 6:14 p.m. CST
by pparker
source:theforce.net I work at a movie theater in Denmark. I just checked the showtimes and data we had. It looks like the overseas partners of fox has been told to count on a 135 min running time on AOTC that was just one rumor to be correct...
March 28, 2002, 9:03 p.m. CST
by HuskerSMJ
How much is Lucas paying you Harry? Seriously...I never read so much ass kissing in my life. AOTC better kick ass to make up for that worthless TPM movie. I didn't even bother to buy the DVD. We'll see when it comes out though...I sincerly hope it does well and is much better than TPM. Crossing my fingers. BTW Harry, when you see Lucas to get your paycheck...tell him to release the Indiana Jones movies on DVD for Christ's sake. I love those movies and I hate VHS.
March 29, 2002, 2:38 p.m. CST
by Eval79
Hi, I would just like to say first off that I am a huge fan of your site and I am completely looking forward to Episode II in May. Now from what I understand ,at least some, if not all of the digital effects artist that worked on Episode II had a screening of the movie last night. Now as soon as the screening was over one of these artist immediately called a mutual friend of mine and his and went on to tell her that the movie was a huge disappointment! That although the effects were amazing, the character development and story were horrible. Now, I am going to watch this movie no matter what anyone has to say, but I was wondering if there was a way anyone can confirm this ILM screening?
March 29, 2002, 6:25 p.m. CST
by jman43056
test test test
March 30, 2002, 2:14 a.m. CST
by dogfish112
March 30, 2002, 2:17 a.m. CST
by dogfish112
The damn star wars fan club is raping us Canadians. For the episode II one-sheet they charge $19.99 for the poster and $19.99 for the shipping and handling. Fucking pricks!! I've been trying to cancel my order for a week and a half since I've obtained a double sided onesheet from a friend. Sorry I just had to rant. ps they're having a sale for you americans this weekend $16.99 for the one-sheet with NO shipping and handling.
March 30, 2002, 12:29 p.m. CST
by AtomicLobster
Since the TalkBack's out of order, Sea Bass will never read this, but hey. There are gaping plot holes all over the place, and the 3PO problem is only one example. Even if Vader doesn't recognize his old lab project, it seems a bit odd that 3PO never mentions Anakin to Luke. Obiwan feeds him a bit of info, but 3PO never says a thing despite hanging around in Luke's garage. No, "I'm on Tatottine? Gosh, I was built here," or "Sure I knew Anakin, he built me in his basement." Odd. And the Force is no excuse for lazy plotting. As for Clones, I'm keeping my fingers crossed, but Phantom Menace was bad on so many, many levels. I can happily watch many movies over and over again. I even get a kick out of Lost in Space, Independence Day or Armageddon, or various other flicks that most people panned (they're fun, dammit!) But despite really wanting to like it, I can't get through twenty minutes of TPM without reaching for the fast forward button. Shudder.
March 30, 2002, 12:47 p.m. CST
by fyou
hey harry stop being a fanboy schill for the studios and try and show some journalistic integrity. I use the word journalist in it's lightest form considering the terrible reviews your book has been receiving. who knows maybe with the profits you make with the book you will be able to purchase a ticket to see attack of the clones
March 30, 2002, 1:36 p.m. CST
by Ham Salad
Anyone who makes changes to their past films cannot be trusted. Gweedo fired first?!? George Lucas should be taken oot in a field and shot in the stomach. HUGS!!
March 30, 2002, 10:07 p.m. CST
by theshadman
I really hated Phantom Menace, the only good bit was the fight with that darth maul guy. How am i supposed to know if potato neck hasent messed this up too, and how can i trust ur judgement, cos u could just be puttin down a kool review cos u got the exclusive/premier review! If it is as good as u say, then i look forward to it, oh yeah and EnlightmentHK, all i can say is ga? what u talkin bout fool!
March 31, 2002, 10:16 a.m. CST
by El_MUERkO
Cheers for the heads up on Episode 2, I was completly indiffrent about the film but now I'm really looking forward to it. /does a little happy dance
March 31, 2002, 3:23 p.m. CST
by general_zod
I have liked some of Harry's reviews, but this one just screams Simpsons Comic Book Guy. C'mon, Harry, try using more exclamation points!!!!!!!! I think I'll just stay away from Harry's fucked-up, no-gettin' laid, Taco Bell eatin' life here and ignore these silly sci-fi reviews. Moriarty, now HE can review a flick! You used to be better, Harry. A real shame...
March 31, 2002, 5:09 p.m. CST
by Skyway Moaters
... hey, access to a keyboard isn't a basic human right ya dipshit. Someone oughta' revoke yer privileges. Step away son; put the keyboard down before you hurt yourself or someone else...
March 31, 2002, 8:25 p.m. CST
by Logan 5
I am so very envious of you Harry. Congratulations on your coup and this fantastic site of yours. It's a shame that all fans dont have the influence on the industry that you do. Keep makin em nervous, boyo.
March 31, 2002, 8:34 p.m. CST
by Logan 5
...But jimmy-crack-corn, and I dont care! I am absolutely dying to see this film. I found ninety seven faults with episode 1 , but I'll still be there in line with my heart on my sleeve and faith in my heart. Actually I thought Jedi was a much worse film than episode 1, but I havent held it against Lucas for the past twenty years.if he wants to make epiosodes 7,8and 9 ill be there too. Wherever you see a stormtrooper beatin a guy, I'll be there! wherever you see those little rat-like jawas scurrying about, look in their fetid little yellow eyes, Ma. Youll see me!
March 31, 2002, 8:51 p.m. CST
by Shaggins
I just realized that Harry is no good. He's like asn extention of TFN - a site where spoilers and hyping up the opposition are the order of the day. Harry's "review" is a devious poly to give us all some false security. That way we are bound to be disappointed. I say that in order to appreciate the work that lucas has done and so as not to be disappointed we all do the following (which I was going to do anyway.)--- 1) Boycott SpiderMan (deny whoever produced that movie to plausibly claim some of lucas' money)----2) Finally watch LOTR for free when it comes out on cable so we have something that will make Lucas' work look good. 3)--- Ignore Harry's review. Also I doubt that anyone is going to watch Spiderman. I certainly am not. I've always thought that Spiderman was the dumbest of all comic book heroes.
April 1, 2002, 12:11 p.m. CST
by Mr_Morden75
Harry... were not you the one who once said "mesa loved him", when talking about Jar-Jar Binks in episode 1??? I guess your opinions depend on the opinion of the masses (not that I particularly liked Jar-Jar either). By the way, TTT will rule!!!
April 1, 2002, 6:02 p.m. CST
by Bunger
April 1, 2002, 8:35 p.m. CST
by CramNevets
Another april fools joke, right?
April 2, 2002, 5:57 a.m. CST
by Tutor007
Having just read a review for your book in EMPIRE - a uk film mag - I was compelled to go out and purchase a copy; i was then compelled to read the thing over the bank holiday weekend, only to be compelled to visit your site. you can guess what happened when i read the headline that you had seen Episode 2... Compelling this! Anyhow - the encouraging words about Episode 2 are a god send - 'Thank the maker' etc etc - your book is fascinating, and your site... needless to say i have come into school during the holiday so that i can explore to my hearts content without woorying about some rich dudes British telecom shares going through the roof... is a revealtion. I am converted and soon all my students will be as well!!
April 2, 2002, 7:37 a.m. CST
by SJ28
I don't think we will ever see episodes 7,8,9 because of the cost of getting mark hamill and carrie fisher back to reprise their roles as well the fact that Luke skywalker is not a fully trained jedi knight. I think they could get away with mark hamill and have the son of the princess and hans solo. As for the plot,i would have luke skywalker would train the son of leila and solo and eventually the younger skywalker would eventually turn against the older skywalker in a battle between good and evil in the final episode with the younger skywalker donning the darth vader outfit seeing it as his destiny to rule the universe. Finally they would both kill each other and that would kill off star wars.
April 2, 2002, 4:04 p.m. CST
by hatchme
I would like to know if this ILM Screening occurred as well. Perhaps this was leaked to lower expectations? This is after all, one person's opinion even if it is true.... Based on what I've heard about the story and the clips I've seen, I can't imagine how the character development and such would be 'horrible', but I guess I'm just a cautious optimist...
April 2, 2002, 6:46 p.m. CST
by DarthSquirrel
It's absolutely amazing how many people come out of the woodwork to throw in their two cents worth in over a review. But like it's always said, opinions are like assholes... everyone has one. Unfortunately, some have to be assholes in their opinions. The who, where, how, when and why of how Harry got to see AOTC from the impenetratable forces of LFL does not really matter to me. What matters is that Ep.II will truly be a fantastic and entertaining cinematic piece of history, such as was ANH, ESB, ROTJ and TPM was and Ep.III will be. And yet as I scroll through the seemingly endless parade of comments, praise, hate, opinions and ramblings from SW fans and non-fans alike, I feel like one of those people slowing down to watch horrific car accidents. Backlash, heh..broodings,humph... a Jedi craves not these things. Who really gives a Bantha's fat hairy ass about all the things wrong with TPM.. or about bodily functions and pop culture references in the saga... or whether N*Suck is on the cutting room floor or not... or if there is too much or too little noticable CGI in the films... or for that matter whether Harry has seen AOTC or is getting paid off by George to expel glowing praise for his work.. It's STAR WARS!! It's cinematic escape, yield to entertain the masses and that's what seeing movies is all about. So give it a rest, all you naysayers who want to over-analyze the shit out of all this. Star Wars Episode II: Attack Of The Clones will truly kick ass at the box-office and will continue to amaze and enthrall people for years to come. May The Force Be With You.
April 3, 2002, 2:39 p.m. CST
by Tyler42
OH Brother. Dems don't like taxes any more than anyone else. What we like is paved roads, a strong military, and good education system. (the later being a work in progress) "Taxes are what we pay for civilized society." - Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. - a republican That said, I do like your top 10 list.
April 5, 2002, 12:30 a.m. CST
by Embecils
Do you honestly expect anyone to believe you have a friend at ILM who went to the screening, and called a mutual friend of yours. Please! Stop the lying. We've all heard this heresay friend of a friend crap before. And JeckMerridew is right. Most of you here do sound like malcontented idiots. Juvenile idiots more like it. If you don't like the film or think it's gonna be bad, then do us all a favor and skip it. I doubt any of the real fan would want to end up sitting by you in the first place. You need to grow the hell up and act like your at least 15.
April 5, 2002, 7:36 a.m. CST
by darth smoochy
what are the fan boys for star wars and lotr gonna bitch about when all the films are finally out? these films are meant for entertainment, if your not entertained get ur money back and shut the fuck up! i love all the star wars films(yeah even phantom menace you silly bastards) and i look forward to seeing lotr when its out on video... you guys have taken a forum that is meant for people to talk about films and turned it into bitchfest 02', kevin smith did u assholes justice in "jay and silent bob strike back" adios!
April 5, 2002, 7:49 a.m. CST
by Twogees
Harry, great review of SWII. Sounds assume - you have restored my faith. Although I am a bit concerned by you girlie screams when big Uncle Tony pops by. Anyway what's this I hear about a film with real ghosts in or something? I heard that they had to stop filming because of them. Is it true or what?
April 5, 2002, 11:10 p.m. CST
by SparklingDiamond
Well the ONLY thing I am going to be watching of the new star wars movie is Ewan McGregor cuz he is (like she said) the only cool person in the film!!!! which is most toally true!!!! jedi's are soooo hott**
April 6, 2002, 5:31 a.m. CST
by mooncake
April 6, 2002, 1:29 p.m. CST
by Drath
Really, that's the scheme, so if Obi Wan is like that in this film then it confirms one of my beliefs about Episode One, that Lucas took Obi Wan's character and split him in two, making the McGregor and Neeson roles. I know Jinn wasn't originally in the script, which is alarming seeing as he holds the film together. I'm not sure it was a bad decision(although I think the characters deserved more individuality and quirks), but it gave us a Jedi character in Qui Gon who will be echoed throughout the series in Obi Wan and later in Luke. It also planted seeds of discord between Obi Wan and Anakin, because Obi Wan agrees to train him as a promise to his master and friend rather than as a choice he truly believes in. All in all, it's an interesting discovery and Harry, the lucky bastard, got to see it first. I'll bet those guys in the line are pissed. Anyway, I'm very eager to see how AOTC enhances or improves TPM. Natalie Portman has already said her performance last time was mired by her unhappiness on the set. Hmm, don't think that would have saved her character, but it might explain her limited range of expressions. Hope this one is the winner we want it to be. In all fairness, I'm not sure any Star Wars fan(myself included) will be truly happy until the series is finished and can be watched as one big piece. But hopefully I'll be proven wrong this summer.
April 6, 2002, 6:42 p.m. CST
by DaKid
It's funny. I thought I would check back on what has become an ongoing EP2 forum here at AICN and lo and behold it's still going. That review has legs (and balls) Harry. I just thought I'd put something to rest because I think these rumours are pretty stupid. There was no ILM screening of EP2. The ILM screening is happening on May 11th. That's all I will say. I can guarantee you 100% that while ILM people have obviously seen most of the film as it's been created, there was NO company wide screening of the finished or near-finished movie. All ILM sees are the dailies footage and short sequences cut together on the Avid. Perhaps they've shown a finished cut to people up at the Ranch. But not at ILM. Trust me.
April 6, 2002, 6:43 p.m. CST
by Palpitation
Secret Screening reviews lead to suffering.. Suffering leads to hate.. Hate leads to the DARK SIDE!
April 6, 2002, 6:50 p.m. CST
by Palpitation
Any ideas which theater chain in Austin will be showing # 2?
April 6, 2002, 7:44 p.m. CST
by Miami'sCanadian
OK I won't do one but instead give the good and bad points of the script. Some of you will agree, others will think I'm on crack but you'll all laugh which matters. ***MEDIUM SPOILERS-WARNING*** THE BAD: 1) The force abilities- In New Hope Obi Wan gets killed easily, in part two he gets his ass handed to him by a simple bounty hunter then gets trampled on by Count Dooku. Man, what were they thinking to let him be a Jedi? He's like Rupaul with a lighstabre. 2) The force's power- For the first three film we assume Luke will be most powerful Jedi but the Emperor makes him his prison bitch, then Darth Vader kills him meaning the reatrd couldn't sense he was about to turn, then in Episode 2 Anakin has Count Dooku stomping him for being Justin Timberlake, then Yoda opens a can of whoop ass on Dooku, then we have Yoda dyeing in a My Little Pony acid-fest forest robbing us of the battle between Yoda and Emperor. So who the hell is best? 3) Anakin boinks Padme. My problem? It wasn't me who boinked her. 4) When Anakin goes home Owen has been working with C3PO for over a decade then in new Hope Owen doesn't reconize him. With all the force's power for mind and shite, these guys sure need memory pills. 5) Palpatine has much larger role but theres no real sense of him behind it all. I wonder if he flogs the bishop to pics of Jar Jar. 6) Jedi vs Catholic Priests- They're not allowed to marry and only want young boys to train how to use a stick. 7) If Mace Windu is so cool then how come The Kliq didn't want him in Luke's final vision. 8) THE GOOD: 1) One of those rare scripts that mixes the best point of all genres. 2) The way Lucas writes hundred Jedi fighting leaves your imagination in overdrive. 3) Viper is cool and gets laid by hot chicks. Now back to the review. 4) A conversation between Anakin and Padme explains how Naboo elects queen without being obvious to understanding the plot. 5) With Rebellion being bad and Empire being good it reminded me to a few years back in WWF with the way they would turn a wrestler face or heel. BTW, wouldn't it be awsome for Rock to be in part three, walk to Empeor, pull off his hood and say "Finally the Jedi have come back to fight the dark side.!" 6) My good parts aren't as funny as bad. 7) The way Anakin gets bloodfest revenge. OK that's about it, I hope you all enjoyed it and remember two mottos: time is drinking, and money is beeer; and Viper= entertainment.
April 6, 2002, 8:58 p.m. CST
by garethvk
Let me tell you this, Harry Knowles is full of garbage. First, Moviehole.net had the first review ahead of him, and I can tell you for a fact that if he had seen the film, then his review left out a ton of things that anyone who knows the story would know. Also, isnt it odd that he brings this out in the middle of a book tour. I have not read the script, nor seen the movie, yet I challenge Harry and anyone who doubts me to go to http://www.nwlink.com/~gareth/sknr.htm and see my Episode II outline. It is more detailed than anything Harry has posted, and I got it simply from what is on the web and my media sources, and I promise, it will be 985-95% accurate and the truth unlike the for sale fake that Harry is. Gareth Von Kallenbach
April 6, 2002, 11:07 p.m. CST
by jimmymcwicked
usually the clowns posting are crap x2. nice edge! - vancityjimmy
April 7, 2002, 4:26 a.m. CST
by Woody Tobias Jr
Didn't see anything about the death star though. And Jar-Jar - he seems fairly prominent in the first little bit of the script, and as annoying as ever. Thankfully he's a minor character, but not an insignificant one, and I don't think this movie will change anyone's oppinion of him (Well, maybe... I agree with Harry there, he has an atrocious entrance, and then he takes on a slightly more dignified tone and only has a couple of other bits of dialogue). Have to see how the love story plays - it's better than 'Titanic', however it's still potentially quite dull. It looks like a pretty good movie, definitely better than 'The Phantom Menace', but it could be a little bumpy. Forty days or so now.
April 7, 2002, 6:01 a.m. CST
by zentraedi80
The acting is at its worst in TPM, when I was a kid I didnt notice these things, who does? If I didnt grow up watching these, and saw the first Star Wars movie as an adult I probably wouldn't have given them a whole lot of credit. But these movies you have to look beyond that, I should know I'm a fan of Robotech. Although it bothers me to see so much time money and energy being put into something, and not get the acting part down better. Lucas should have left some parts of directing to others. I do believe he did with ESB and RotJ. Why didn't he do it with TPM? Why? Why can't he just stay on the side of the creative writing, guidance and producing? Leave the essentials of the acting to someone else PLEASE! Oh didn't I say you have to look past that? Screw that. The story lines in the video games of star wars are better than TPM. In comment to the 25 things you hated about TPM, the CP30 being built by anakin, hate how that came to be, very stupid. The feel of only 20 people and a palace on Naboo, your so right, same feeling. And the Batman TV show style, look at the techno gadget I have in my pocket, for the long swim, bothered me a little too. You are a BAD person for reminding me of such things.) I want to pretend I liked TPM shush.)Anyway, oh and the 2 headed commentator, and the whole pod race very odd and unnecessary, the whole plot was unnecessary and boring. But if I was a KID, it would be more interesting. A stupid kid, you know the ones that make the G.I.Joes fly, like superman. Even with the story that is very crappy and the bad acting, I still have this movie on DVD-R. And I have still watched the movie more than once. The stuff about ships looking fake, and creatures looking fake, did chewy look real to any of you anyone, anyone? How about the giggling puppet creature sitting next to Jabba the Hut in RotJ? TPM least fake of all the Star Wars. It bothered me with the way Qui-Gon and Obi looked at Jar Jar, as if they were looking in a general direction of Jar Jar , like in Roger Rabbit. The ride through the oceans of Naboo were cool looking but there reactions to almost being swallowed, very off. Sitting looking out the window, hmmm, " there's always a bigger fish" ok on we go... and then almost the same identical thing happens again with another giant fish. And yet another bigger creature comes once again. Just odd.
April 7, 2002, 4:28 p.m. CST
by Woody Tobias Jr
The performances in the first two movies are fine; they're stylized and non-naturalistic, but there's a definite rythm - almost comparable to some of what you'd see in a Kubrick film. The voice over work is all good, the various british character actors acquit themselves well, Guiness is marvelous, Harrison Ford has obvious star presence, Mark Hammill is right for the part. It's true 'Star Wars' has never been about great acting, but 'The Phantom Menace' went way beyond the pale. Have you seen the behind the scenes stuff on the 'TPM' DVD? My god Jake Lloyd is an obnoxious child. Those awful scenes of him and his family - "How much do you think it costs to make STAR WARS?" - "Probably about $50 thousand." And you can tell what Mom and Dad and the agents and the lawyers are thinking - 'Yeah, that's $50 thousand more than you'll ever see kiddo.' You just know he'll be cruising the men's room down at the Greyhound depot in ten years or so, the Jedi master of the $10 hand-job. Compare to the freakishly polite and well spoken Haley Joel Osment seen on the 'A.I.' disc. I'd imagine he'll mature pretty gracefully, like Jodie Foster did. Maybe he'll even get pregnant inexplicably. I watched '13 Ghosts' the other night. That featured possibly the worst child performance I've ever seen. Yes, much much worse than Jake Lloyd.
April 7, 2002, 4:37 p.m. CST
by Woody Tobias Jr
The performances in the first two movies are fine; they're stylized and non-naturalistic, but there's a definite rythm - almost comparable to some of what you'd see in a Kubrick film. The voice over work is all good, the various british character actors acquit themselves well, Guiness is marvelous, Harrison Ford has obvious star presence, Mark Hammill is right for the part. It's true 'Star Wars' has never been about great acting, but 'The Phantom Menace' went way beyond the pale. Have you seen the behind the scenes stuff on the 'TPM' DVD? My god Jake Lloyd is an obnoxious child. Those awful scenes of him and his family - "How much do you think it costs to make STAR WARS?" - "Probably about $50 thousand." And you can tell what Mom and Dad and the agents and the lawyers are thinking - 'Yeah, that's $50 thousand more than you'll ever see kiddo.' You just know he'll be cruising the men's room down at the Greyhound depot in ten years or so, the Jedi master of the $10 hand-job. Compare to the freakishly polite and well spoken Haley Joel Osment seen on the 'A.I.' disc. I'd imagine he'll mature pretty gracefully, like Jodie Foster did. Maybe he'll even get pregnant inexplicably. I watched '13 Ghosts' the other night. That featured possibly the worst child performance I've ever seen. Yes, much much worse than Jake Lloyd.
April 7, 2002, 6:53 p.m. CST
by James5555
To all those who think that TPM sux...you people are even worse!! And there's nothing wrong with JarJar. How dare you try to diss Star Wars!!
April 7, 2002, 10:21 p.m. CST
by jessicaturns
I am so sick of Harry claiming this as a first!! PEOPLE....another site scooped Harry on having the first review of Episode 2 atleast 3-4 days ahead of them. 'The Sneakmaster' over at Moviehole.net reviewed Episode II - and a lot more legitmatelly pointing out its pros and cons - before Harry did. I think people are becoming a little sick of Harry saying he has an exclusive...when people have beaten him to it! Long live the TRUE movie site. those not on the take. from the sounds of moviehole's review, sounds like they WERENT shown it by Lucasfilm...yay.
April 7, 2002, 10:47 p.m. CST
by Fett1138
You people squander your time bitching and complaining about a movie that hasnt even come out yet. And you are STILL bitching about Episode I. that was three fucking years ago. MOVE ON!! Now, I believe that AOTC shall redeem lucas' image. I cannot recall what interview it was, but lucas has his rule of trilogies, in the first film, you introduce the characters and their conflict, which is quite apparent in ANH. In the second, you put the characters in a tight spot, very dark film, no way out: Han gets frozen and taken by Fett, Lukes hand gets cut off, and we are left with the question of whether or not Lukes father is the source of all that is evil in the galaxy. In the final film you have your resolution. Frankly, I liked ESB because of that dark, cliffhanger quality. Considering that AOTC is the second of the new trilogy, I believe it just might bring back that Star Wars feeling in peoples stomachs over 20 years ago.
April 7, 2002, 11:02 p.m. CST
by struck21
I realize that without digital a lot of great affects of today would not be done but at he same time, it becmes to much. Back in the 70's Geoge Lucas was doing affects that look ed better then digital with model kits, tootpicks, and scotch tape. I just don't see why he has to do over half a movie in digital. Star Wars: A New Hope looked better and more realistic then Eposide 1 did. And do understand the price difference but Star Wars could get a 300 million dollar budget if they wanted it!
April 8, 2002, 12:10 a.m. CST
by Enigma?
That one's easy enough to clear up. In the books their are plenty of mentions of memory wipes, and for that matter Uncle Owen mentions having R2's memory wiped in ANH. Apparently droids have their memory wiped about every six months. While as a general rule Luke and Co. leave 3PO and R2 be, I seriously doubt that every owner 3PO's had for 30 years (from TPM to ANH) failed to wipe his memory at least once.
April 8, 2002, 3:15 a.m. CST
by The Killer-Goat
...there's also the simple basic possibility that when anakin becomes darth vader, the droids aren't around to see it? Thus they don't get it. Anakin, being the newly reformed badass D.Vader (mostly robotics himself) without any human feeling except hate, probably ain't gonna think twice about 2 droids after Obiwan smacks his ass down that volcano. As I hear it, Anakin gets both a physical AND mental make-over after that battle and Palpatine wouldn't have it any other way...
April 8, 2002, 3:47 a.m. CST
by Enigma?
Yeah, that is also a possibility. As for Vader not recognizing 3PO, I don't recall anyone ever addressing the droid in front of Vader. Besides, during Ep. 1 he was still without "skin", and in Ep. 2 he looks like a rust-bucket. And even beyond that, 3PO is hardly unique. Remember the opening scene of ANH? Tottling along right behind R2 and 3PO is another protocol droid, identical to 3PO except for having a lighter color. And in TPM, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan (are they from the same planet, I wonder?) are served drinks by one.
April 8, 2002, 9:48 a.m. CST
by matrix_sux
I don't know if this is legit: http://viaserver.bioe.pitt.edu/ftp/Robs_Stuff/swe2/index.html
April 8, 2002, 10:50 a.m. CST
by fonebone
Have any of you read the scripts out there? Good lord, it looks worse than TPM. I don't know what happened to Lucas, but Jesus. Anyway, it's even more disheartening to see Harry continue his downward slide, which will no doubt end when he becomes an on-air consultant to "ET," "Extra," or the E! Network. This guy knows how to shill with the best of them. Lucas knows that TPM turned off the most literate half of his fan base, so he's hoping to use people like Harry to pump up his opening weekend. So cynical. I will bet any amount of money that in two years you'll be reading on www.aintitcool.com, "Well, I now agree that AOTC absolutely sucked, but wow -- I just saw an advance screening of Episode III, and it is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
April 8, 2002, 12:33 p.m. CST
by thewickerman
Could someone please direct me to the place that Harry claims he was the first to see and review this film? I have looked everyplace that I can think of and I can't find it. There are people here that are tired of Harry claiming it, and I wanted to see just exactly what he claimed. I admit to being half blind most of the time, that comes with age, so I may just be missing it. Can anyone help?
April 8, 2002, 9:10 p.m. CST
by Darth Melkor
Another script review is available at darkhorizons.com. Another positive one.
April 8, 2002, 9:57 p.m. CST
by Wampa1
Okay, I've just spent an hour and a half reading an endless litany of Yea's and Nay's about Harry's review and TPM and LOTR and this fictitious Third SW Trilogy... And I finally see why Kevin Smith is right - nothing can stop the Internet. Here I am, all of a sudden incenced and dying to have my own couple o' pennies' worth heard here. So here goes: FIRST, to THE LUCAS NINE: Lucas never wrote 7-9. He never really intended to. Someone in the media put that idea out there. It happened when probing about the newly added subtitle and strange number on the re-release of Star Wars in 1979 (just before ESB - remember this was in a time when VCRs didn't exist. Try to imagine that kiddies.) GL was asked if there would be continuing adventures and GL said, "Maybe, I hadn't planned it, but anything's possible." Or something close to that. More recently, Lucas has definitely said NO to 7-9, becasue A. he feels that the Expanded Universe novels have filled that void and B. He frankly doesn't want to spend ANOTHER ten years of his life doing Star Wars movies. More power to him. (I do remember Mark Hamill saying something about 7-9 while working under a misunderstanding back in the day, but HEY, He'd just made "Corvette Summer" so he was probably thrilled at the idea of doing another 3 blockbusters.) (For the record, I have to say that I think Mark Hamill is an excellent, underrated actor. Wing Commander IV had a great story and to ME, his Joker on Batman the Animated Series is far closer to the true mad-genius insanity of the Joker's character than even Jack Nicholson brought to the film.) I have a great idea that I've kept to myself for YEARS, but as I 'm just a lowly Chicago actor and don't have the pull that some LUCASFILM EXECs out there might, let me toss this out there: To satisfy the desire for continuing adverntures, how's about a Rogue Squadron episodic show on HBO or Showtime? Anybody with me? NEXT: I have to say that this ridiculous mudslinging between LOTR and SW is ri-DAMN-diculous. These movies were both made for Sci-fi/Fantasy fans and there's NO reason we should be fighting about this. And even if one movie kicks ass, that does not mutually-exclude the other film from ass-kicking priviledges... IF they are earned. We've all seen FOTR by now and I think it preposerous to think that some six-odd minutes of preview clips and Harry's review are enough to say that AOTC is groin-grabbingly good and the Hobbits can kiss off. That's ... it's just wrong. You can't do that. Adults with driver's licences and the ability to procreate just shouldn't be allowed to do that. (Of course, I have to answer myself with J&SBSB, though. "Point taken, Wampa." "Good.") Ironically, my uncle has told me that back in HIS day, Lord of the Rings was the Star Wars of that time. It was revolutionary in that it created a whole new world where these grand adventures took place. This was an era before the words "role playing game" had any kind of meaning. Tolkien was making the mold. His trilogy awakened imaginations in much the same way that SW did for a lot of us. I guarantee that Lucas's was one of those imaginations. "Frodo lives!" man. See? I'm a Star Wars fan and I loved FOTR, too. But here's the point I've been dying to make... actually, I'll put it in a nother post because this is getting too totally long and I have way too much to say about it.
April 8, 2002, 10:20 p.m. CST
by Wampa1
Sorry, little typo at the end of the last posting. Gotta have at leas tone, right? ha. ___ Now SHERLOCK, you went in guns blazing to defend TPM. And although I could do another monster posting on all the things that were wrong with the design, the acting, and the script, I'm gonna focus on one irrefutable fact: Episode One was unequivocably the Most Anticipated Movie of ALL TIME. Lucas had the ear of the world. Just about the entire civilized world was waiting to see this movie. Mankind was ready to hear what one Man had to say... And what did he say with The Phantom Menace? ...nothing. nada. zero. George could have said something as STUPID and INNANE as "Can't we all LOVE each other?" or something obvious like "War is BAD." But he DIDN'T. He dropped the ball. He Charliebrowned a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a statement heard around the world. I don't think anyone's opinions of TPM can be changed all that much at this point, even if George does things in 2 and 3 to let us know that he knew what he was doing. It's too late for The Phantom Menace. I'm gonna take Attack of the Clones with a grain of salt. I realize now that no matter what GL comes out with it likely won't ever live up to the awe that we had when we were in grade school watching these things on the big screen. Times change, movies change, people change. That's life. ...ONE LAST THING: If NEWBOMB TURK *still* has his dick in the punch, would someone please remove it for him? ...please?
April 9, 2002, 5:04 p.m. CST
by Hagbard940
Everyone from Harry to Kevin Smith have been been giving excuses for Lucas's incompetent story telling ability in Episode 1. We hear that the expectations were unrealistic, that it was merely laying the ground work for the second and third episodes of the much loved series. But when we look at the original three movies the audience can feel a sense of completion for each individual movie (even with the cliff hanger from Empire). Each movie is able to stand alone by itself, in juxtaposition to Episode One which seemed to be a shallow waste land of bad characters, recycled plot lines (how many times do poorly exposed power sources in 2 death stars and one battle station need to occur before the Empire decides to build better protection for these things anyways?), eronious dialogue and just plain silly and over long battle sequences. Liam Nieson just didn't seem to care much in his role, C-3POs introduction was lacluster and just sort of happened, the actor playing young anakin had the emotional range of a lunch meat on white bread, and the blatant racisism in some of the alien characters was astounding. Episode 2 may bring alot from the first film, but Phantom Menace should have at least had a Phantom Menace not to mention writing good enough to make it stand alone as a competent film and not merely a 2.5 hour prologue to the other 2 films.
April 9, 2002, 6:30 p.m. CST
by Wampa1
Hear Hear. Too many people have been using the "It's a PROLOGUE" excuse for Phantom Menace's shortcomings. To them, I say: HEY, THE HOBBIT was all just a prologue to the Lord of the Rings, wasn't it? Tolkein himself says that all of those events (like the Death of Smaug and the massive Battle of Five Armies) would have been totally insignificant in the grand scheme of things if it hadn't been for Bilbo finding that Ring. "It was all just a set-up!" Yes but IT STANDS ALONE as a great and epic adventure. Unlike TPM, which was little more than a warm up of needless, unwarranted, and unWANTed (Midichlorians, anyone?) exposition. If I can find the massive amount of time to put it all down sometime this week, I'll serve up my diatribe on All The Reasons TPM Was a Waste of an Episode in the Star Wars Saga. There are things there that AOTC can't justify (although through the Geonosian design GL does fix SOME things). BUT its problems go way beyond little kids and stereotyping choices. Design, Writing, Acting, Theme... they all came up lacking in Phantom.
April 9, 2002, 7:46 p.m. CST
by jollydwarf
And for me, that might actually top the movie that will be on the ticket stub that night! But nothing like a glimpse of Trinity, Agent Smith, Neo, Morpheus, et al to get the geek glands in overdrive before the big Christmas in May present unwrapping. Oh well, just wanted to start something good and/or bad! River Cuomo as the new Batman!
April 9, 2002, 8:27 p.m. CST
by Saber2
I think that Episode II will be AWESOME. I'm always wary of movie reviews b/c it's so subjective, but I pretty much trust Harry's review. Why would he bother to write a review that would only serve to raise our hopes up? If he did and the movie sucked, then no one would trust his word anymore. AOTC will be DA-frickin'-BOMB, baby!! (At least, it better be.) Or I will be PISSED. I also have to say this: Phantom Menace sucked balls. I have no doubt Lucas know what he's doing (thank God), but come on, TPM could have been great. Lucas could have really made it something special. But some would argue that if Lucas made Episode I TOO good, then Episode II would have to be BETTER . . . etc., etc. AOTC should make up for the time lost by TPM. C'mon, people, Lucas still knows how to make great movies. He hasn't lost his magic in 25 years. AOTC will pull through just fine. To be cliche, "it's Star Wars." I beginning to think that every great movie trilogy had a defunct one in the 3. Godfather I and II were great movies, but Part III was BAD. Likewise in the Indiana Jones trilogy, Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade were great, but Temple of Doom really took it hard up the ass. The original Star Wars trilogy was as close to perfect as a trilogy can get. Yea, people have their favorite of the 3, but nevertheless, they were all great movies. Then TPM had to put a hex on the whole damn thing. It's just plain EMBAR-ASS-ING. But after watching TPM, if AOTC isn't as great as Harry said but is still decent, I'll be satisfied.
April 9, 2002, 8:48 p.m. CST
by Saber2
First off, I love Star Wars, and I was very excited to read your review on Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones. You
April 9, 2002, 9:54 p.m. CST
by MrPeanut
That all the things that went wrong could have been avoided. There were no budget constraints, no time constraints, no limitations on the FX, no on-set controversy. But everything went to hell anyway because Lucas is a hack. A hack who is technically brilliant but should let other people edit his work. The TWO times Anakin says "YIPPIE!"? Lucas. The two-headed announcer? Lucas. Jar Jar? Lucas. What is frightening is that these were not cases of we-couldn't-fix-it-in-time-so-we-left-it-in kinds of fuckups. Oh no. This is what Lucas WANTED. The man reeks of cheese. Don't believe me? Recall this quote from Harrison Ford himself about George's scripts: "you can write that shit, George, but you can't say it." But now he can make people say it because he's GEORGE FUCKIN LUCAS and no one is going to tell him different lest they get booted off the ranch. So the lines "exqueeze me" and "yippie!" remain, much to the disservice of what WAS a promising trilogy.
April 10, 2002, 1:26 a.m. CST
by MrPeanut
I just read the TB list again, and it disturbs me how many people are STILL making excuses for TPM. Does your perception of reality depend on all SW films being great? I do not hate Star Wars... I had all the toys, the video games, comics (I still have all six issues of DARK EMPIRE - Dave Dorman is the shit!), I waited in line like all the other idiots. I bought the widescreen version so I could watch it at home and really make up my mind, and after watching it several more times I have purged my pre-concieved ideas about this movie having to be good just because It's a Star Wars flick. Looking at it objectively, I don't think it's all that bad, but there are so many stupid or laughable moments from start to finish that you just can't take it seriously. An that's the problem - we all took it seriously. We had to! Many of had waited fifteen years for this fucking movie, and all I could think was "It took Lucas this long to come up with that?" If this was a stand-alone summer movie, I would have no problem with its stupidity. It would be no different from any other soulless blockbuster. But this was STAR WARS. It had a history and over a decade of anticipation to live up to. It was like being celibate until your wedding night and then finding out your wife has a yeast infection. ANd there is no excuse. People say "Its setting up the next movie!" So? That's no reson for the dialogue to sound like some high school kid's attempt at a sci-fi novel. people say "It's STAR WARS!" But that doesn't give it immunity; that means it has a higher standard to live up to. People say "It's a kid's movie and you're just a cynical adult!" Bullshit. This franchise has an enormous fan base of all ages, and catering to one at the expense of the others, especially the ones who GREW UP with the OT which was nowhere near as laughable, is just wrong. And I do not believe It was intended as a children's movie; it just seems that way because kids (and some hard-core delusional fans)are the only ones who are able to view the film without some degree of contempt. I hope that EP2 will be great, but I cannot have the blind faith in the franchise I once did, and neither should any of you. If it IS good, then I will see it several times. If not, well it won't matter as much as you all think it will. You see, THE TWO TOWERS is coming...
April 10, 2002, 4:27 a.m. CST
by Mithril
my advice is, check out the second season (or series, for you Brits) of British sit-com Spaced to see the main character, who works in a comic book / sci-fi store torch his entire SW collection on a bonfire dressed in a jedi-type robe while ROTJ music plays in the background. Or when he gets fired for yelling at a little kid who wants to buy a Jar-Jar doll. Or the absolutely great ESB ending to episode 6. The ironic thing is, they couldn't use the original soundtracks for season 1, because LFL wouldn't allow it, so they had to get other versions (which reminds me, check out the SW references in season 1), but after seeing what big SW fans the series' makers were, they OK'd the use of the music for season 2, by which time the series' makers had seen TPM and loathed it, and ended up complaining about TPM on the show (except for episode 6, which showed how much those guys still loved the original trilogy). Whew, that was boring!
April 10, 2002, 4:42 a.m. CST
by Mithril
I too am sick and tired of people making excuses for TPM since it was "just the opening chapter" and "setting up the trilogy". Of course that's what it was, but who says that a movie that sets up a series has to be lousy. You can still set up characters and situations without sucking! ANH managed to set up the original trilogy without being total crap! LOTR managed to set up the next movies without stinking. The Matrix was cool and still worked as a springboard for more stuff to come. Even X-Men was a fine movie by itself, but set things up for the future. ***Oh, and I don't hate all of TPM (if that's what the above might make you think), but I just feel that a lot of it had problems and you can't just justify everything that was wrong with those "see the next two, things'll get clear". I'm sure plenty of things in TPM will be explained in the next two movies, but some of TPM just plain sucked and can't be justified in any way. ***Despite enjoying the pod race a lot (except for that lousy two-headed commentator), the way it's been extended on the DVD just makes it a bit repetitive. Honestly, George, when will you learn to leave well enough alone! You already hosed the Tatooine sequences in the ANH special edition by adding all that dumb CGId jokey stuff, buildings and characters all around. Just leave it be! Which reminds me, guess I'll have to save my precious videos of the original versions of the original trilogy, since Lucas will never release those on DVD, just the special editions (ESB was alright as a new version, mainly because they only tweaked things that actually made sense - adding more panorama for Bespin, for instance - but the other two were just made worse). ***Oh, and would people give a rest about the damn Midichlorians! They are not the Force! The Force is still a mystical energy that surrounds us all and can do weird stuff. The Midichlorians just allow people to somewhat interact with the mystical Force. The previous TBer who mentioned the Midichlorians also being used to explain Jedi abilities to scared commoners also has a point! I salute you, sir! But as I said, the Midichlorians don't take any of the mysticism away from the Force itself. It's still some weird shit, dude! (spoken like a true hippie, sir.)
April 10, 2002, 6:21 a.m. CST
by tav
of course, Obi-Wan Kenobi, means Obi-One Kenobi and there are like five other Kenobi clones. sorry if this is a spoiler, but ol' ben kenobi was deep with the clone shit from the get go. And Darth Vader means Dark Father, but yall probably know that one.
April 10, 2002, 9:45 a.m. CST
by matrix_sux
Did you get banned again?
April 10, 2002, 12:35 p.m. CST
by sparticusmaximus
All you guys saying that TPM can be judged without bias, are full of shit. It is the most "loaded" movie, for anyone who grew up with the OT. So many expectations of what DEFINES a SW film. A RAGING GALACTIC WAR BETWEEN AN OVERWHELMING EVIL FORCE THAT IS IN CHARGE OF THE UNIVERSE. UNDERDOG REBELLION TRYING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. CYNICAL, MODERN CHARACTERS. A USED-LOOK TO THE UNIVERSE. AN ICONIC DOMINATING VISION OF EVIL. 20 YEAR OLDS AS YOUR HEROES. NO TIME FOR LEISURE/SPORTING EVENTS OR POLITICS. COWBOY SCOUNDRELS.........A FRICKIN' WAR...............................TPM didn't fit these criteria. But that doesn't mean it's sucky storytelling.......................You can rationalize as "poor film craft" all you want, but the TRUE reason a SW fan is disappointed by EP1, is because LUCAS made a BEGINNING less tension-filled, lighter(kiddie-friendly tone), more political, more emotionally-constricted (Jedi/Politicians), less contemporary than the original films. UNHEARD OF IN THE WORLD OF HOLLYWOOD SEQUELS, WHICH DEMAND BIGGER, BETTER, MORE TENSE, MORE EPIC, etc..................TPM defines UNCOOL..............So it makes me laugh when you dudes act like you're being profound, saying the "GEORGIE EMPEROR HAS NO CLOTHES"...............As if George didn't know perfectly well, what he was creating.........IT'S A KIDDIE/LIGHT FILM, BECAUSE THE "GOOD GUYS" ARE IN CHARGE. AND DARTH VADER IS AN AVERAGE 9 YEAR OLD KID. IT IS NOT A RAGING GALACTIC WAR MOVIE, stupid.............................And if films with the sensibility to appeal to "9 year old kids" make you vomit, FUCK YOU! There is a heck of alot more to TPM than just that. But maybe it's easier to pick on the film like a bully.
April 10, 2002, 1:56 p.m. CST
by ash77
Hello fellow geeks, my name is ash and this is my first post here... Anyway, SparticusMaximus is dead on right about TPM. AOTC will totally change everyone's view of TPM. TPM is not the first chapter of a great novel, no. It is the first chapter of the FIRST book in a SERIES of great novels. That is how far back you must go in the history of Star Wars to understand its importance. Imagine a world before WWII, the beatles, atom bomb, the internet, MLK jr., gandhi, etc.... this is the star wars universe in the time of TPM. Remember that line in the clone war trailer. "There has not been a full scale war since the formation of the republic." Anyone who knows anything about what happens between Episode I and Episode IV: A New Hope, is aware that a NUCLEAR WINTER is going to occur. This is why the universe is so desolate by the time of the Original Trilogy. Trust me, I have heard the criticisms that basically all the elements of TPM are weak. But the problem is that we are viewing this as a flashback, when we should view like FOTR, the first in a series. Remember comic relief occurs when there is tension in the air. That is where Episode II takes off. There is no tension in TPM. Life is mundane and everything is about banal "pleasantries". I faith in Lucas and so does everyone else at ILM and even this website. STAR WARS stories on AICN still generate the greatest interest and the longest talkbacks. Have faith, redemption is on the way... May the force be with you..and oh yeah.. STAR WARS FOREVER!!!! HaHaHaHaHaHaHaHa!!!!!!!!!! peace, ash
April 10, 2002, 3:39 p.m. CST
by hildebrand
I am confused by many of you who are saying that after we see AOTC TPM will become a much better film, because more of the details of the first will make sense after the second. Pardon me, but should not a movie be able to stand on its own as good or not? It makes no sense to make a two-hour trailer and expect people to buy that it was good moviemaking. That is what you are arguing, that TPM was a movie that simply could not stand on its own. What good is a movie like that? Frankly, isn't the only other movie like that the second Back to the Future movie?****On another front, why is that George Lucas is directing these films, when everyone agrees that the best of the Star Wars films, Empire Strikes Back, was not directed by him. It is ok to admit that he is not the best director. He has a great story, great vision, but he is not a good director. I hope that he proves me wrong with this one, but his track record has not proven it as of yet.
April 10, 2002, 4:11 p.m. CST
by Darth Melkor
I find it odd that people are still finding the need to attack a movie that came out three years ago. Get over it. I saw it and thought it was good, but not great and I dwelt on it for about 1 day and was like "Oh well, bring on episode 2."
April 10, 2002, 5:49 p.m. CST
by frank cotton
just spent the weekend playing JEDI KNIGHT 3: JEDI OUTCAST. the perfect thing to keep one occupied until MAY 16. started off a bit slow, but the second level, well, get it and see for yourself. personally, i thought JEDI KNIGHT DARK FORCES 2 sucked, but that's just me. one other thing: i thought the whole trade federation/political element in ep. 1 was a WARNING. any of you geeks ever read the real news? QUOTE OF THE DAY:'Suspicion Breeds Confidence'
April 10, 2002, 5:53 p.m. CST
by Darth Melkor
Love that game. I never played the first 2 but this new one rocks. The second level, especially at the end, is awesome. Then the Jedi Temple and Nar Shaada. That's where I am now.
April 10, 2002, 8:38 p.m. CST
by Wampa1
Welcome aboard ash77... Now, on to my longwindedness: DARTH SPOOKY, personally, I'm still getting my hackles frazzled about Episode One because, unlike George, I've stayed close to the Star Wars Galaxy for the last 25 years. He was off doing other stuff, but like the fanboy I am, I was still playing in his backyard. When TPM came out, it was like George had stepped out onto the back porch and said, "Oh, you're still here? My cat shits in that sandbox, y'know." NOW, ASH77 - Welcome to the TB, but I have to make a point against you. The Star Wars Galaxy should in no way be banal or "mundane". It's one of the reasons you don't see Han or Leia or Chewie going off to the bathroom. It isn't that they never have to go, but it's BORING everyday stuff. It doesn't have a place in a Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Adventure movie. Heck, it doesn't have a place in ANY form of movie, film, or play, for that matter. Drama happens when something is DIFFERENT. When something is SPECIAL. Tennesse Williams didn't write "Just Another Tuesday in the Life of Stanley and Stella." "A Streetcar Named Desire" follows those characters when Blanche DuBois comes into their home to live. It's an Extraordinary Circumstance that makes their story WORTH TELLING. (Jeez! I'M USING DRAMATIC LITERATURE HERE...SOMETHING IS REALLY WRONG WITH ME.) Okay, so I guess in PM we see the Day That Anakin Skywalker was initiated into the Jedi Order, and the Day That Palpatine made his serious move toward the Imperial Throne...but did it HAVE to be SO mundane? and slow? and uneventful? not to mention subtle...I mean, my roommate back in 99 wasn't even sure if Palpatine was Sidious or what...For him, he just left the movie confused, not menaced.
April 11, 2002, 1:40 a.m. CST
by ash77
To Wampa1: Yes you are 100% correct in saying that Lucas more than a bit rusty when he came back to direct TPM. Episode I is very, very "dry" as Ewan M. said in recent interview. However, it MUST be dry for a REASON. There is a saying, "It is always darkest before dawn". I think this will apply to the Original Trilogy when we have Luke (" A New Hope") come to fulfill his destiny and redeem his father Anakin Skywalker(the true chosen one). There is also another saying that applies to the Prequel Trilogy. Lenin once said, "Whenever a crime occurs always look to whom may benefit from it." In this case who benefits from the "dispute over the taxation of trade routes"?... Senator Palpatine/Darth Sidious like a virus infects the republic from the inside and plays all parties against each other. The grand master of puppets will play the jedi against themselves, as well as the good citizens of the republic and even the greedy trade federation. The reason there is no drama because there doesn't need to be. TPM could be the first STAR WARS movie you have ever seen and you could still figure out that Palpatine is either a "bad guy" or is scheming something. It doesn't take alot to figure that out when the camera pans to him in the room during qui-gon's funeral. However, I don't think Lucas would ever spell it out for us. He is there to show us. And even if we were to go by the dialogue there are subtle hints that the jedi sense there somethin wrong with Anakin, the appearance of Maul, the increasing hostility in the senate. George Lucas if you know anything about him has always had a common them in his movies. That is of the common man against a big bureaucratic system and its backstabbing ways. Why do you think he hated hollywood and started ILM/Lucasfilm. Because he was sick of Movie execs oppresive influence on his filmmaking. Anyone on this site that has a job in the corporate world or has worked their knows what I am talking about. Look at Enron , look at the greedy Dot-com execs. I am not saying that lucas is a prophet but there is something very eerie about his timing. Here in the US we just lived through ten years of the greatest economic expansion in our history however by the end of the decade we had the worst art, music , and films being made. NOt only that but now that the tech market has collapsed, columbine, and 9-11, people are seeing the effects of greed and what happens when there are those that are disenfranchised and alienated. There is a line in TPM about a symbiotic circle between the Gungans and the people of naboo. Now it sounds politically correct to say that all people should come together but don't you think the complete opposite of this is Palpatine. He is not going to outright say, "Hey people lets destroy the republic and create an empire". Why should he when the people's own greed and attrition will do it for him. Woody allen once said, "90% of success is just showing up". Well in TPM that is all Palpatine has to do. Show up and let the republic fall in his hands when people are scared and confused. If he did it any other way it would be too obvious. Final Point... Lucas has always used WWII as a source for inspiration. Hitler saw a need in the people of Germany after WWI. He preyed on their weakness and their fears, and their frustration. People during the times of TPM are not exactly scared but the stage is set for them to be terrified if they see lawlessness and a group of guardians(the jedi) unable to do mediate any conflicts. And from this point on during AOTC we will see the birth of the empire.... That is all I have to say and if you took time to read this, then well thanks... peace, ash
April 11, 2002, 11:59 a.m. CST
by hildebrand
I'm sorry, if a movie is dull, it is simply dull, it is not dull for some grand unknown reason. Regardless of how you spin this, the movie was dull. It was a two hour trailer for whatever Mr. Lucas wanted to do next. A movie either stands on its own, or it does not.*******Also, I posted this thought yesterday, and the post got buried in the middle of the TB, but why is it that Mr. Lucas is directing this film? Empire Strikes Back is clearly seen as the best of the Star Wars movies, it is not a coincidence that Mr. Lucas did not direct that film. He has a good story and great vision, why not simply admit that he is not the best director in the world and bring in someone who can perk up his ideas?
April 11, 2002, 12:57 p.m. CST
by sparticusmaximus
HILDEBRAND:ANH is a better film than ESB. Kershner inherited the deepest and darkest chapter of the OT, but that doesn't mean he is a greater director than Lucas..............Now if what you're saying is Kershner was better with actors than Lucas, perhaps. But I'll put the acting in AMERICAN GRAFFITI over ESB any day......................And lest us not forget. Lucas co-wrote ESB, and supplied it's story. Not to mention DIRECTING Lawrence Kasdan....................He directed the design artists for his creation.......Oversaw the story boards..............Oversaw ILM's work on the Special FX sequences..................Was on the ESB set alot of the time (according to Carrie Fisher, it was like Lucas was directing anyhow)....................The greatest myth is that Lucas had less involvement in "directing the saga" post ANH.............Complete bullshit...............Making a SW film is just so complex an enterprise, so wide-ranging a production, that Lucas had to oversee it as a EXECUTIVE PRODUCER. Kind of like what Walt Disney did with his works.
April 11, 2002, 1:21 p.m. CST
by hildebrand
Then please explain why all of the characters seemed to sleepwalk through TPM. If Lucas is such a good director, then why were they so lifeless? My goodness, he had three great actors to work with (Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Pernilla August(sp?), all of whom have done marvelous, acedemy award level work, and they were all reduced to bumps. That was my greatest frustration with TPM. He had the right people, and they read their lines as if they were on Prozac. I excuse the kid, because most child actors cannot portray much range, that did not bother me, but the adults should have given some hint that great things were afoot.****Also, beyond American Graffiti, which was a solid film, what has Lucas directed that was very good. Tucker? Willow? Howard the Duck? Gads, not good. His is a genius at putting together a good story, just not so good in bringing out the best in his actors. Let him be the executive producer, that is fine. He is the one with the vision. But he is simply not the best choice for the director's chair. Again, there is nothing wrong with admitting that. If the actors are wooden in AOTC, someone in the Lucas camp needs to tell him to pick a director that can make the final film truly enjoyable.
April 11, 2002, 4:42 p.m. CST
by gamegal
Oh No!!! There are a few scripts of the movie that are floating on the web! (see JoBlo.com). 4-5 versions of it. It was stronger than me! I read them! please Harry, please Tell me these are not the real ones. I wanted to wait to see it at the movies but I'm now afraid that I've ruined it for myself. What should I do?
April 11, 2002, 6:48 p.m. CST
by hildebrand
...about the three movies. Nonetheless, they were uninspired films.***As for whether Empire was the best Star Wars movie or not -- It is irrelevent how much money each made. Completely irrelevent. The mark of a movie's artistic greatness is not the cash register. Often enough I have read from critics and folks on these boards that Empire was the best of the Star Wars films. Why? Dramatic tenion. A tight script. Better acting then all of the other films. Good effects, but not at the expense of the story. It was a good film. I do not know what clicked into place for that to happen, but not having George as director was a good step. I will repeat, he does not know (at least anymore) how to get anything but wooden performances from the actors working for him. TPM had no life, no feeling. That is a reflection of the director. I am hoping that that does not happen again with AOTC, but if it does, if the performances are flat, then someone needs to tell Mr. Lucas that someone else should take over the directing chores.
April 11, 2002, 7:53 p.m. CST
by Wampa1
Hildebrand, I have to agree with you, but I fear that regardless of how the actor's performances are received in AOTC, if Lucas has said he's going to direct all of the Prequels, then he probably will. I don't want to jump my guns for my Phantom Rant Opus (Coming soon to a TalkBack near you!) but EpisodeOne is what happens when a guy gets too powerful and surrounds himself with too many people who aren't willing to speak up and say, "Uh, George...Y'know, that kinda sucks." QUICK STORY: I was at AggieCon at Texas A&M University (WHOOP!) in 1997, and Howard "The Duck" Roffman (he's the Executive Director of Marketing at LF, I believe) was one of the guests. He actually brought rough cuts of some of the Special Edition scenes for ANH and he premiered that cool "TV screen" Trailer for the SEs (the one with Wedge's X-Wing that flies right out of the TV. Awesome.) Anyway, he also showed all us hungry fanboys the completed Jabba scene from Docking Bay 94. Now, after the presentation, I went up to the panel table at the front to chat with Steve Sansweet or someone, and while I'm standing there, I just turn to the guy next to me and say, "I dunno-- that Jabba just looks too small. It doesn't look right at all." AS I'M SAYING THIS, I REALIZE this guy has a guest pass on and it's Roffman. He replied back, "Well, perhaps, but on the BIG screens, we think it'll look a whole lot better." I mumbled some kind of backpedalling agreement, but we all know that that CGI Jabba (although cool that they put it back in the flick) just didn't look right. Howard knew it too, but people like that have become YesMen of a sort. George is gonna direct the next installment unless he miraculously changes his mind on his own. I doubt anyone in a place to tell him WOULD.
April 12, 2002, 8:57 a.m. CST
by Addanc
I have just booked myself tickets for the first U.K showing at 00:05 on 16th May (what are we here, about 5hrs ahead of New York) on the Warner Village web site (www.warnervillage.co.uk). Any U.K. residents should get theirs now! Woooo-hoooo!!! Better be in the queue about 4hrs before it starts I guess.
April 12, 2002, 6:50 p.m. CST
by sparticusmaximus
I disagree that all the acting in TPM was "wooden". I'll put Ian Mcdiarmid, Liam Neeson, Pernilla August up there with Alec Guiness, Peter Cushing. Jake Lloyd was directed to act like a contemporary kid. Just like Mark Hammil was directed to act like a average 1970's 20 year old. That's always been George's saavy approach: Mix raw youths with seasoned pros. It balances out. Youthful exhuberance kept in tow by solid players. TPM is consistent with the OT's style. It might have been less appealing to someone over 20, to now have a 9 year old as your HERO, but that's so 3 years ago.........BRING ON THE CLONES!!!!!!!!!!!
April 12, 2002, 7:40 p.m. CST
by hildebrand
Casting has not been the problem in these movies. Jake Lloyd played himself, as do all child actors, especially that young. Very rarely do you get a meaningful performance out of a really young child actor. Once they are past 10 their chances start to improve. Anna Paquin and Jodi Foster being two that I can think of that did great work.****Nope, the acting in TPM was wooden, and I am surprised to think that anyone thought it matched the work by Guiness and Cushing. Good actors all, but the writing was worse for TPM, and the actors slept through their roles, or were instructed to do so. There should have been no reason for such a sluggish portrayal, especially by Neeson. He is far too dynamic an actor in every other film to say that his work in TPM was up to his par. Even Ewan McGregor said the movie was flat. A very apt description. I hope the next is better.
April 13, 2002, 6:14 a.m. CST
by Black Obi Wan
OK, fellows .. let's start this discussion. My personal is still ESB. I don't know why, but let's face some facts. **First of all, there's the intimacy .. an intimicay that has never been surpassed by any of the other movies. **Then we have Darth Vader .. ESB was the only movie where he scared me to death. **Then you have Luke Skywalker .. I have never seen a character ( in a sf movie then ) who was in so much pain, anger, fear, hate, confusion and love for his fellows. **The story was very simple but effective. No political chit-chat .... just the main characters getting seperated, the chase, the training the reunion and the revealing. Also I think you can say that the millenium Falcon was one of the main characters.** The dark Empire was at his strongest here. This was the only movie where you would think that the rebels woudln't stand a chance agains them. ** The light saber duel. The TPM duels were more fast paced, but the duel between luke and vader had more tension. Here you had a Jedi-to-be against the most powerfull jedi in the universe. Darth Vader was at his coolest here and he never kost his cool. There was nothing in my mind that was saying that Luke could win. ( altough he was "full of surprises"). I constantly was saying to myself : " please Luke, remember the lessons from Yoda". ** The introduction of Bobba Fett. Just when you thought that it couldn't be more tense. Lucas introcudes Bobba Fett. Man, that was off the hook !!!. ** the one-liners. The most one-lines i can say by head are form ESB !! just plain simple but effective. Ok, these were just a few. But I really hope that Aotc will have that same darkening, fear, revealing....
April 13, 2002, 11:21 a.m. CST
by The Cars
I don't know how anyone can say that all of the acting in TPM was atrocious. I mean, okay, the kid sucked, Portman was stiff/scared/annoyed, McGreggor was afraid to emote anything, and Neeson was falling asleep, but man, look at Jar Jar Binks-- he was incredible! I cannot omagine anybody else in that role-- he was so real, and the way he moved-- there's no way CGI could ever mimic his movements. This guy is for REAL. I hope his part in AOTC is bigger than Harry says-- it makes sense that Jar Jar would turn out to have an important role in the series. Obviously, Lucas recognized the great potential of this, the greatest discovery of his filmmaking career.
April 13, 2002, 1:43 p.m. CST
by crkellogg
April 13, 2002, 1:54 p.m. CST
by crkellogg
First of all, I really enjoy this site, despite some of the no-life luatics that post in the forums. I enjoyed the review and have been likewise impressed with the trailers I have seen so far...however the review didn't really have any information that would conclude Harry had seen the movie. I just need a little more convincing. The lack of reaction from the Lucas camp seems to either agree with my disbelief or Harry is truly being used as a pawn (which I wouldn't mind being)to create early buzz for the movie. I think either scenario is plausible. Back to the lunatics, and you know who you are, remember a)It is incredibly enjoyable but it IS ONLY A MOVIE. b) Just because you spend 23 hours a day ranting online to every web outlet you can find does not mean that we can understand you half sentence rants that make no sense in any way. Use the 'force' of grammar once in a while! Keep up the good work Harry & Co.!
April 14, 2002, 5:56 a.m. CST
by dogfish112
SOmeone please tell me where I can find more from the Episode II soundtrack. All the links posted are dead. I need star wars music!
April 14, 2002, 11:48 a.m. CST
by JediLiz
I was so excited to read the review on Ep2. I have to admit, I have (had) my doubts after seeing the trailer for it. It didn't excite me as Ep1 did. But, now that I am reading more articles on the movie and after reading this raving review....I am quite excited and eager to see Ep2. As I was with Ep1, I will without a doubt be there for the midnight showing of it!!! May The Force Be With You!
April 14, 2002, 12:35 p.m. CST
by Javeryt
You can find the episode ii soundtrack on audiogalaxy, you have to search for the track names, not just "episode ii soundtrack". I am looking forward to seeing episode II also, the early buzz has sounded really positive(this review and several script reviews), although nothing can top the excitement I had for Episode I. But thats probably because the trailer was so god damn kick ass, and there hadn't been a new star wars movie in 20 years.
April 15, 2002, 1:09 a.m. CST
by Tarl_Cabot
I haven't visited this talk back in a while....Great Job! You almost had me convinced my 25 reasons were frivolous and unwarranted-trick! I'm just playin' witch you! You did have some worthy responses but the bottom line is The Phantom Menace was not a good movie. It did set up the further installments but it did so in such a dull,clumsy and uninspired way that I left the theater not really caring as much about this mythos as I did 2 hours and 25 minutes earlier-and if that isn't failure from Lucas' standpoint than he may indeed just be another Hollywood money whore. I think we all believed he was a messiah of sorts; a pure, spiritual story teller who wanted to enchant us all and who never cared much for the business aspect of cinema. But he got his green on ($$) and for a lousy movie and he made a lot of us embarrassed that we cared so much about this saga in the first place.That movie was an artistic disaster-it sucked on every level and the fact that it was the most anticipated movie ever was a heavy burden for Lucas-still, could he have done better than this? I saw brief flashes of brilliance that could have made this movie kick ass(Darth Maul)-he had the resources to deliver-but he failed in his conception-too many insipid characters and nausiatingly stupid plotlines just overwhemled this first installment. Nothing in parts 2 or 3 will redeem this movie. A lot of people I know have problems with ROTJ-it has it's share of flaws. My inspiration for "25 reasons" was an aticle I read that had "50 reasons why Jedi sucks". I couldn't come up with 50 without really reaching but I came up with 25 on my three year old memories rather easily.I liked ROTJ(flaws aside it worked).ROTJ seems like a masterpiece to Jedi haters compared to TPM. So,The hope of 2 great trilogies is destroyed now but hopefully 2 and 3 will be great Star wars movies. I'll never own TPM. It never happended and there is no reason to rewatch it if 2 and 3 are good. It just sucks too much no matter how much you want to intellectualize it. You should be a lawer! cheers*-Tarl Cabot *fka Polanco
April 15, 2002, 2:24 a.m. CST
by Mithril
Is it just me, or is Lucas pulling a Herbert on us? Let me explain. The jedi are not sure whether Anakin is "the chosen one" or not. His great powers would seem to suggest he is, but who knows? Considering the events of the OT, it seems that in the end, Luke will turn out to be the actual chosen one. He will bring balance to the force by getting Anakin back from the dark side and defeating the Emperor. He will struggle with the strong pull to the dark side he feels, but learn to overcome it. Herbert did the same in Dune by having people think Paul was the chosen one, the super-being, but then it turning out that it was his son all along. Paul was fated to spawn the super-being and to create the right circumstances for him to appear in (and save his life), just as Anakin spawns Luke and A's fall to the dark side helps bring about the rule of the Empire, which brings about circumstances that allow Luke to become a jedi and do all his stuff. ***And this TPM stuff is just getting a bit tired after a while (as everyone's posting the same stuff). Let's just say that some of the movie was great, some of it wasn't, but whatever you say, "Jar Jar makes the Ewoks look like fucking Shaft" (Tim Bisley).
April 15, 2002, 3:20 a.m. CST
by Tarl_Cabot
Sherlock Holmes' response to 25 reasons why TPM sucks in brackects *MY Counters in ( ). 1.Jar Jar Binks:references to Mike Myers's humor do not belong in a SW movie; [WHAT MIKE MYERS HUMOUR?]( ex-queeze me?-Waynes World)phrases like "doodoo" [IT'S "POODOO" AND THE USED IT IN THE ORIGINAL TRILOGY A FEW TIMES TOO. IT'S HUTTESE FOR "SHIT"](I remember "deep doodoo"-sounded kiddie cutesy to me) and "Mula" [???] (they needed "Mula" to buy parts to fix the ship-maybe I imagined that one as I have not watched TPM since I saw it in a theater)take the audience out of the SW universe as well. Jar Jar is unforgivably annoyning; [GRANTED, BUT THERE IS A REASON FOR IT AS WE WILL SEE LATER](I'm not reviewing "Later"; my criticisim is directed at this installment only)he says "how rude" about 10 times. That's C3PO's line. [HOW DARE HE!](C3PO was a prissy whiner but that was his character;he was a protocal droid-we don't need a retread of that-and Jar jar was an amphibian whose race avoided human relations-his sensibilities concerning manners should not be instilled by Emily Post or Miss Manners)this ill-concieved character's only purpose was to show off digital tech and sell merchandise. [PARTIALLY. WAIT FOR EP III FOR HIS REDEMPTION](I was again reviewing what was on the screen in 1999; fuck that wait and see shit-good movies do depend on the future sequels; The Matrix is obviously a foundation of a trilogy and it had no such flaws; I might also add that if my advanced age kept me from enjoying TPM than why did I love The Matrix which came out the same year?) He ruins this movie's chance of being just OK. [TO YOU](and probably 85% of the talbackers) If a child of mine ever tells me they like Jar Jar I will put him/her up for adoption. [WELL, KIDS DID LIKE HIM](BS-really young kids will consume anything you put in front of them like Barney but when kids get to around 7ish they'll tell you Jar jar is gay as hell) (The Racial stuff, I think is a reaction by some overly sensitive PC babies). [I AGREE. PEOPLE LOOK TOO HARD TO BE OFFENDED] 2. Anikin/Jake Loyd:insipid,terrible actor [HE'S A KID PLAYING A KID. WHAT DID YOU WANT? SHAKESPEARE?](my point was it was a terrible idea to begin Darth vader's saga at such a young age-totally uninteresting to anyone over 8 years old) but even Haley Joel Osmet couldn't make an 9 year old Darth Vader interesting. Ill concieved again from start. If he had been Padme's age, (like the 2 actors in AotC are the same age) this might have worked out great. [I DISAGREE. HE WAS A KID TO SHOW THAT EVEN THE MOST EVIL MAN IN THE GALAXY WAS ONCE JUST AN INNOCENT KID. IT'S CALLED "CONTRAST" AND IT'S A GOOD STORYTELLING ELEMENT](he could have been Padme's age and still been a good kid; he would at least be more interesting and a more logical romantic match for future episodes) But how many 25 year old women marry 19 year old guys? [I WAS 19 AND ALMOST MARRIED A WOMAN OF 28. AGE IS IRRELLIVANT](ok good for you but most 19 year olds are not mature enough nor are they established in life to become a husband) NP does not look 25. [ODD BECAUSE SHE'S FAIRLY CLOSE TO THAT](she's the same age as HC as of filming and they look the same age) A bad start already for AotC. 3.Boss Nass: looked really fake [I AGREE. THEY HALF-ASSED HIS ANIMATION] and that shaking the lips wasn't remotely amusing. [I AGREE AGAIN. NASS WAS POORLY DESIGNED] Just awful. 4.Shmi Skywalker/Pernella August: It was cringe-inducing to watch her in this film.The worst performance in TPM by far. [TOTALLY DISAGREE. SHE UNDERPLAYED CERTAINLY, BUT SHE WAS PLAYING A CHARACTER THAT HAD BEEN A SLAVE FOR WHO KNOWS HOW LONG. HOW EMOTIONAL WOULD *YOU* BE IF YOU WERE A SLAVE ALL YOUR LIFE? DON'T YOU THINK THERE WOULD BE A SORT OF EMOTIONAL DRAIN? YOU'RE ALSO NOT CONSIDERING THAT SHE'S FROM AN ALIEN CULTURE.](you're asigning possibilities as to why her performance was so poor-it was awful.period) Wasn't Karen Allen available? She doesn't cry when her son leaves? [AGAIN, EMOTIONALLY DRAINED.](?ever dude-mothers generally are never too "drained" to feel pain when their only child leaves for good-even in this silly scifi universe I expected to have some characters with human qualities-like in the first saga) Then again it was Jake Loyd... 5.Gungans:They make the Ewoks look very cool. [COME ON! THE COOLER GUNGANS WERE SORT OF NIFTY IN DESIGN](The Gungans are the reason TPM was released in 1999 as opposed to 1998.G-lu wasted an entire year these terds and a lot of BS in that ground battle) 6.Underwater City: This should have been saved for future Episodes, [AND YOU KNOW BECAUSE..?] on a different Planet.It doesn't fit the environment of Naboo. [WHAT?!? NABOO IS A JUNGLE-COVERED PLANET. WHY WOULDN'T THERE BE SWAMPS AND LAKES?](because every planet in 3 films has had a consistent environment:desert,Ice and forest...etc-and if you know anything of geology no planets' core could be an ocean too-only liquid hot magma baby!) It would be a great way for the Empire to "hunt down and murder the Jedi".Why not attack them under water and drown them. And have a great under water battle too. [SIMPLE ANSWER: BECAUSE YOU DIDN'T WRITE THE STORY]( no but if I had a chance to edit the script this movie might have kicked the shit out of Titanic!) 7.The Jedi carry 007's 4 minute breather (from "Thunderball") at all times. How convienient! [IT'S USED FOR MORE THAN JUST UNDERWATER BREATHING. IT'S FOR ODD ENVIRONMENTS. THEY ARE TRAVELLING TO DIFFERENT PLANETS WITH DIFFERENT ATMOSPHERES FAIRLY FREQUENTLY. I THINK IT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA TO BRING AN OXYGEN FILTER ON SUCH TRIPS.](I don't buy it and it did look just like Connery's 007gadget)8.The Pod race: This action scene lacked tension,suspense and urgency. It was redundant and boring. [DISAGREE, THOUGH IT WAS SLIGHTLY OUT OF PLACE, IT WAS A THRILLING SCENE. WELL-MADE. IT'S NOT AS GOOD IN A HOME THEATRE EXPERIENCE, BUT ON THE BIG SCREEN IT WAS GREAT] (the kid just did not bridge the gap for the audience-it was a detached spectacle unlike some of the scenes in Empire like the Asteroid chase)9.The ground battle:It looked so fake I thought I was watching a cartoon instead of a live action film. And I was right. [IT COULD HAVE HAD A FEW LIVE MODELS. YOU ARE RIGHT. BUT IT WAS A MEANS TO AN END, AND IT LOOKED DECENT ENOUGH.](it was inferior to early SW battles and it was like watching Toy Story-no reality whatsoever) 10.The space battle: The worst in the series. [IT WAS MEANT TO BE. DID YOU WANT THIS LITTLE SKIRMISH WITH THE TRADE FEDERATION TO BE COOLER THAN THE DEATH STAR BATTLE? HOW LAME WOULD THAT BE? THIS BATTLE WAS MEANT TO BE SORT OF LOW-KEY](keep intellectualizing, it still sucks) The ships look fake unlike like the first trilogies'unique models that gave them 3 dimensions. [AGREED. A LITTLE LESS CGI NEVER HURT ANYONE] 11.The ship designs: The royal ship looked like an American stealth bomber. [SLIGHTLY] Not a SW ship. [AND YOU KNOW BECAUSE YOU'RE THE AUTHORITY ON SW SHIPS?](no but I remember some cool ships in the OT with lots of character that were very original to the scifi space genre) no good ships anywhere in this Episode. 12.Liam Neeson: A great actor so what happended? He was sleepwalknig in this movie. [HE WAS PLAYING A CALM, DULL CHARACTER, SO HE DID FINE.] (Alec guiness was also playing a Jedi-he was good at it) I felt nothing when he died. [REALLY? WAS THAT BECAUSE YOU KNEW HE WAS GOING TO DIE BEFORE YOU SAW THE MOVIE, OR BECAUSE YOU DIDN'T LIKE HIM?] (I just didn't care because this film was poorly directed)(OK,the meditation scene was one of the only highpoints in TPM) 13.Mace Windu /Sam Jackson: What a waste.By providing some much needed help He could have kick some ass on Naboo. [NOT IN THE STORY. THEY WEREN'T THERE TO "KICK ASS". THEY WERE THERE TO NEGOTIATE AND WERE PULLED INTO A SHOWY BATTLE DESIGNED TO MASK THE BEHIND-THE-SCENES POLITICAL MANEUVERING OF PALPATINE. THE WHOLE BATTLE WAS A SHAM AND A DECOY. THAT IS THE FREAKING POINT!] (ok but IT WAS FUCKING BORING!!!!!)14. The Jedi councel's apathy: Why did The queen and co. return to reclaim Naboo with only Obi-wan and Qui-gon and no help? [THE JEDI MADE THAT CLEAR. THEY ARE NOT THE GALACTIC POLICE OR ARMY. THEY ARE A RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION. ASKING THAT QUESTION IS LIKE ASKING WHY THE POPE AND THE ARCH-BISHOPS DON'T SEND A BUNCH OF PRIESTS INTO THE MIDDLE EAST TO HELP FIGHT THE BATTLES. IT'S NOT THEIR PHILOSOPHY OR THEIR WAY OF LIFE. THEY EXPLAINED THIS FAIRLY CLEARLY.]( The Jedi were supposed to be the guardians of peace and justice? So. why do they not offer help? WTF? ) They show up for the BBQ later but they offer no extra support? [IT WAS A FUNERAL, NOT A BARBECUE, AND THEY SHOWED UP BECAUSE THEY CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS A SITH PRESENT AND THEY HAD A DISTINCT INTEREST IN *THAT* AND QUI-GON'S FUNERAL.]( I was being sarcastic) 2 or 3 Jedi would have made a difference and Quigon might have lived too. [AGAIN, NOT PART OF THEIR PHILOSOPHY] (what is their philosophy? They know how to kick serious ass but they are supposed to be passive? WTF? )There is no sense of responsibility. [THERE'S NOT SUPPOSED TO BE. JEDI ARE NOT COPS OR SOLDIERS. THEY'RE HOLY MEN] (they kill too?)15. That ethnic stone scuplture in the forrest: It clearly had a thailand style design. This was another distraction that took me out of the SW universe. What were the designers thinking? [IT LOOKED ALIEN TO ME. I'VE NEVER BEEN TO THAILAND, THOUGH.](go to a Thai restaurant-you'll see my point) 16.Qui-gon's inability to free Anakin's mother: [NOT INABILITY. IT WAS AGAINST THE JEDI CODE.](again The Jedi are guardians of justice? Slavery is unjust) He's a Jedi right? If she was a babe he would have found a way and pulled the trigger. But Watto wouldn't have it. [WATTO WOULDN'T HAVE IT, AND HE'D TELL THE HUTTS THE JEDI WERE BREAKING HUTTESE LAWS AND SHOWING THEM DISRESPECT, AND THEN THE JEDI WOULD HAVE TO FIGHT THE HUTTS. NOT A GOOD IDEA!](The Jedi are holy and pussys too?) This is why Anakin grows up to become an asshole. [EXACTLY. IF SHE HAD GONE WITH HIM, HE'D HAVE GROWN UP TO BE A GOOD GUY. KINDA RUINS THE POINT OF THE SERIES, HUH?] (not really-there are alternative possibilities-when you leave a movie asking so many questions you know it sucks dude)17.Yoda: He looks way too young in this one. If he's 900 years old, what's 30 years going to do? [30 YEARS IN A SWAMP LIVING IN A TREE STUMP WOULD MAKE YOU LOOK LIKE SHIT, TOO](don't buy it-he still looked too different and that's one of the things that alienates this new trilogy from the old) 18.Midiclirans:lame [MIDICHLORIANS ARE A SCIETIFIC WAY TO EXPLAIN RELIGION. THIS HAS TO DO WITH THE REST OF THE GALAXY AND HOW EVERYTHING IS VIEWED. IT'S A HAPPY, SHINY TIME AND EVERYTHING IS BEUROCRATIC AND PERFECT ON THE SURFACE. THE "MIDICHLORIAN" THEORY IS PART OF THE LEADERSHIP EXPLAINING TO PEOPLE (JEDI AND NON-JEDI ALIKE) THAT THE JEDI ARE NOT SUPERNATUAL THINGS TO BE FEARED. THEY ARE SIMPLY SCIENTIFICALLY POSSIBLE. IT SETS MIDS AT EASE, MAKES PEOPLE SHUT UP, AND IS ESSENTIALLY BULLSHIT. JUST LIKE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE OR SCIENTOLOGY OR ANY NUMBER OF SCIENCE-BASED RELIGIONS. IT'S THE "WATERED-DOWN" END OF THE JEDI ORDER, BECAUSE THEY'VE BECOME COMPLACENT AND STOPPED SEEING THE FORCE AS SUPERNATURAL. IT WILL CHANGE. BY LUKE'S TIME THE FORCE IS MYSTICAL AGAIN.](Stupid and uninteresting-we don't micro biology in SW movies but ocassional attention to logic and physics) 19.Qui-gon doesn't disapear:Lamer [THAT WILL BE EXPLAINED IN THE NEAR FUTURE](again My critic is for TPM only) 20. Anakin's Imaculate conception:Lamest [DAMN, PEOPLE ARE STUPID! IT WAS *NOT* IMMACULATE CONCEPTION. SHE DID NOT SAY THAT. SHE SAID SHE DOESN'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED. DON'T YOU THINK THAT A SITH OR A JEDI COULD IMPREGNATE A WOMAN AND THEN MAKE HER *FORGET* IT EVER HAPPENED? THINK ABOUT IT FOR ONCE! SHE DOESN'T KNOW HOW IT HAPPENED, BUT SHE *NEVER* SAYS SHE'S A VIRGIN. QUI-GON DOESN'T SUSPECT JEDI OR SITH MANIPULATION BECAUSE THAT THOUGHT IS JUST TOO HORRID AND FOREIGN TO HIM. ANAKIN'S FATHER IS OBVIOUSLY A POWERFUL FORCE-USER!](she said "there was no father"-a totally silly red herring) 21. Trade Fedration Viceroy: Bizzare, uncomfortable performances. [SUPPOSED TO BE. THEY ARE ALIENS AND ALIENS ARE SOMETIMES "BIZZARE"] If they are cowards how did they assume so much weath and power? [GEORGE W. BUSH IS A COWARD. HE'S RICH. EXPLAIN THAT. BILL GATES IS NOT A SUPREME WARRIOR AND HE'S RICH. EXPLAIN THAT. COWARDLY AND RICH GO HAND IN HAND.](I doubt that-timid people do not amass great fortunes and power nor do they gravatate towards warfare) It's ilogical for them to be so well armed and Martial and be cowardly. [THINK ABOUT IT. THEY NEVER FIGHT. THEY ARE ABOVE THAT. THAT'S WHY THEY HAVE *DROIDS* DO ALL THEIR FIGHTING. THEY ARE RICH COWARDS. THEY USE HIRED HELP, OR BUILD IT THEMSELVES. JUST LIKE MOST CROOKED CAPITALISTIC TYPES] 22.C3PO: Anakin built him? Gee the universe is such a small place, what a totally fucking ridiculous coincidence! [AGAIN, THINK ABOUT IT. DO YOU THINK MAYBE ANANKIN WAS BUILDING C-3PO AS A SUBCONCIOUS WAY TO HINDER HIS EVIL ACTIONS IN THE FUTURE. JEDI CAN DO THOSE KIND OF THINGS, YOU KNOW...](totally fucking stupid-this was the deep sixer for me-at this point i knew this movie was going to really suck) It might have been thoughtful to share this with Luke later on too. [VADER: "I AM YOUR FATHER, AND OH, BY THE WAY. I BUILT YOUR DROID, TOO!" ---ACTUALLY, I DON'T THINK VADER EVER EVEN SEES C-3PO IN THE TRILOGY, AND IF HE DOES SO WHAT? THERE ARE MILLIONS OF PROTOCOL DROIDS. IT WOULD BE LIKE YOU RECOGNIZING A COMPUTER YOU BUILT 30 YEARS AGO, EVEN THOUGH IT LOOKS LIKE EVERY OTHER COMPUTER] In ANH is seems very unfamiliar to Tatooine. So, maybe his memory gets erased-it's still stupid. [WHY IS THAT STUPID. THEY ARE DROIDS. THEY ARE PROPERTY. THEY HAVE MEMORY WIPES EVERY FEW MONTHS IN MOST CASES, BUT LUKE HAS SOMETHING AGAINST IT SO HE NEVER DOES IT. THEY WIPE MEMORY IN DROIDS TO PREVENT THEM FROM DEVELOPING PERSONALITIES. READ A BOOK ABOUT IT SOME TIME.](yawn) 23.Anakin blowing up the mini deathstar: This is was the stupidist part of the movie. [WASN'T A DEATHSTAR, BUT IT WAS A BIT CONTRIVED](I said mini death star-it was a stationary ship, like an early death star, SFT)Another deathstar assault? He does it accidentally too. This lowered the movie to Armegeddon/ID4/Godzilla/ levels of banality. [THEY WERE TRYING TO DEMONSTRATE THAT HE'S SO POWERFUL WITH THE FORCE THAT HIS EVERY ACTION, EVEN WHEN IT SEEMS LIKE AN "ACCIDENT" IS CONTROLLED BY THE FORCE. THE FORCE GUIDED HIM INTO THE CONTROL SHIP, AND IT AIDED HIM IN HITTING THE REACTOR. HE WAS A FORCE PUPPET. THAT'S ALL.](Lucas was actually demonstrating that he has become artistically bankrupt) 24.Dialoge:This script was so poorly written. Example: Droid to Qui-gon:Where are you going? Q:Coruscant. D:where are you going? Q:Coroscunt-Same question, twice? If droids have computers for brains why do they have attention deficet disorder? [I'M NOT SURE WHAT SCENE THIS WAS, BUT OK.] 25.No Emotion: The Naboo invasion was Bloodless. No evidence of people suffering or dying. [MAYBE THEY WEREN'T. MAYBE IT WAS ALL A LIE MEANT TO SCARE AMIDALA INTO HELPING PALPATINE BECOME CHANCELLOR..?] (maybe this movie just does not tell an interesting Star Wars story?) I got the feeling that 20 people lived there and they all lived in the palace. [THIS WASN'T A STORY ABOUT THE POPULACE OF NABOO. YOU WANT TO INTRODUCE THEM TO THE ALREADY-LARGE CAST OF MAIN CHARACERS?] ("my people are dying"-where?)There is no feeling of emotion or a sense of triumph when the battle is won. [AGAIN, IT WAS A DIVERSIONARY BATTLE. NOTHING REALLY AT STAKE. MAYBE BY THE END THEY WERE STARTING TO FEEL THAT, TOO](IT WAS FUCKING BORING!!!) So what? This movie is flat as a pancake. a terrible waste of time that's undeserving of the name Star Wars. [AND YOU'RE THE AUTHORITY ON WHAT IS AND ISN'T STAR WARS BECAUSE..?]( Because I saw episodes 4,5, and 6 and they are infinitely better than THE PHANTOM MENACE. It sucked dude. Nevermind SWE2 and 3-THIS movie sucks no matter what happens in the future! *** Tarl Cabot FKA Polanco
April 15, 2002, 7:30 a.m. CST
by Mithrandir9
all sw movies are XXXX and compared to lotr they look like the teletubies. please, light sabres and mullets, that's for XXXX'n losers. y'all can bite me
April 15, 2002, 2:24 p.m. CST
by Obe One Shmuck
EXT. SPAVE A vast sea of stars severas as a backdrop for the Main Title, following by a rollup, whcih crawls into infinity. There is unrest in the Galactic Senate Several hundred solar systems under the leadership of the rebel leader, Count Dooku, have decalred their intentions to secede from the Republic. This separatist movement has made it difficult for the limited number of Jedi Kights to maintain peace and order in the galaxy. Senator Amidala, the former Queen of Naboo, is returning to Coruscant to vote on the critical issue of creating an army to assist the overwhelmed Jedi. PAN UP to reveal the amber city planet of Coruscant. A yellow Naboo Fighter flies OVER CAMERA toward the planet, followed by a large Royal Cruiser and two more Fighters. EXT. CITYSCAPE, CORUSCANT - DAWN The ships skim across the surface of the city landscape. The sun glints off the chrome hulls of the sleek Naboo spacecraft as they navigate between the buildings of the capital planet. EXT. CORUSCANT, LANDING PLATFORM - DAWN Two Naboo Fighters land on one leaf of a three-leaf-clover landing platform. The Royal Starship lands on the central lead, and the third Fighter lands on the remaining plaform. A small GROUP OF DIGNITARIES waits to welcome the Senator. One of the members of the group os a well dressed JAR JAR BINKS, a member of the Galactic Representative Commission, and DORME, Senator Amidala's handmaiden. One of the FIGHTER PILOTS jumps from the wing of his ship and removes his helmet. He is CAPTAIN TYPHO, SENATOR AMIDALA'S Security Officer. He moves over to a WOMAN PILOT. CAPTAIN TYPHO We made it. I guess I was wrong, there was no danger at all. The ramp ;pwers. TWO NABOO GUARDS appear. SENATOR AMIDALA, ONE HANDMAIDEN (VERSE) and FOUR TROOPERS descend the ramp. AMIDALA is more beautiful now than she was ten years earlier when, as Queen, she was freeing her people from the yoke of the Trade Federation. The DIGNITARIES start to move forward. SENATOR AMIDALA reaches the foot of the ramp, when suddenly there is a blinding FLASH and a huge EXPLOSION. The DIGNITARIES and PILOTS are hurled to the ground as the starship is destroyed. Klaxons blare, alarms sound! CAPTAIN TYPHO and the TWO ESCORT PILOTS get up and run to where SENATOR AMIDALA lies dying. Beyond, ARTOO DETOO drops down from the Naboo Fighter and rolls toward the wreckage. The FEMALE ESCORT PILOT kneels by SENATOR AMIDALA and takes off her helmet, revealing SENATOR PADME AMIDALA. PADM
April 15, 2002, 2:38 p.m. CST
by Obe One Shmuck
OBI-WAN (nodding) According to my information, it should be in this quadrant somewhere... just south of the Rishi Maze. JOCASTA NU taps the keyboard and frowns. JOCASTA NU No co-ordinates? It sounds like the kind of directions you'd get from a street tout... some old miner or Furbog trader. OBI-WAN All three actually. JOCASTA NU Are you sure it exists? OBI-WAN Absolutely. JOCASTA NU Let me do a gravitational scan. OBI-WAN and JOCASTA NU studt the star map hologram. JOCASTA NU There are some inconsistencies here. Maybe the planet you're looking for was destroyed. OBI-WAN Wouldn't that be on record? JOCASTA NU It ought to be. Unless it was very recent. (shakes her head) I hate to say it, but it looks like the system you're searching for doesn't exist. OBI-WAN That's impossible... perhaps the archives are incomplete. JOCASTA NU The archives are comprehensive and totally secure, my young Jedi. One thing you may be absolutely sure of - if an item does not appear in our records, it does not exist! OBI-WAN stares at her, then looks back at the map. EXT. THEED, RESIDENTIAL AREA, SIDE STREET - AFTERNOON PEOPLE are passing through the little street, OLD MEN are sunning themslves, WOMEN are gossipping, KIDS are playing. ANAKIN, PADME and ARTOO turn onto a side street. ANAKIN is back in his Jedi robes. PADME wear a beautiful simple dress. She stops, beaming. PADME There's my house! PADME starts forward; ANAKIN hangs back. PADME (continuing) What? Don't say you're shy! ANAKIN (untruthfully) No, but I... Suddenly, there are shouts from two little girils, RYOO (age 6) and POOJA (age 4). They come running toward PADME. RYOO & POOJA Aunt Padme!! Aunt Padme!! PADME Ryoo!! Pooja!! PADME scoops up RYOO and POOJA and hugs them. PADME (continuing) I'm so happy to see you! This is Anakin. Anakin, this is Ryoo, and this is Pooja. ANAKIN and the GIRLS say hello shyly. Then: RYOO & POOJA Artoo!!! As they see the droid, they hug him. ARTOO WHISTLES and BEEPS. PADME laughs. ANAKIN and PADME go on toward the house. The GIRLS stay and play with ARTOO. INT. PADME'S PARENTS' HOUSE, MAIN ROOM - AFTERNOON SOLA, PADME'S beautiful older sister, comes in from the kitchen carrying a big bowl of food. SOLA (over her shoulder) They're eating over at Jev Narran's later, Mom. They just had a snack. They'll be fine. SOLA puts the bowl down on the table, where ANAKIN, PADME and RUWEE NABERRIE (Padme's father) are coming into the room. PADME Anakin, this is my sister, Sola. SOLA Hello, Anakin. ANAKIN Hello. SOLA sits, as JOBAL NABERRIE (Padme's mother) comes in with a heaped bowl of steaming food. JOBAL You're just in time for dinner. I hope you're hungry, Anakin. ANAKIN A little. PADME He's being polite, Mom. We're starving. RUWEE (grinning) You came to the right place at the right time. Sit down, son. EVERYONE sits and starts passing food. JOBAL (to Padme) Honey, it's so good to see you safe. We were so worried. PADME gives JOBAL a dirty look. RUWEE smiles as he watches. RUWEE Dear... JOBAL I know, I know... but I had to say it. Now it's done. SOLA Well, this is exciting! Do you know, Anakin, you're the first boyfriend my sister's ever brought home? PADME (rolls her eyes) Sola!! He isn't my boyfriend! He's a Jedi assigned by the Senate to protect me. JOVAL A bodyguard?! Oh, Padme! They didn't tell us it was that serious! PADME It's not, Mom, I promise. (glances at Jobal) Anyway, Anakin's a friend. I've known him for years. Remember that little boy who was with the Jedi during the blockade crisis? They nod. PADME (continuing) He grew up. JOBAL Honey, when are you going to settle down? Haven't you had enough of that life? I certainly have! PADME Mom, I'm not in any danger. RUWEE (to Anakin) Is she? ANAKIN ...Yes... I'm afraid she is. PADME (quickly) But not much. EXT. PADME'S PARENTS' GARDEN - AFTERNOON ANAKIN and RUWEE are walking. RUWEE Sometimes I wish I'd traveled more... but I must say, I'm happy here. ANAKIN Padme tells me you teach at the university? RUWEE (nodding) Yes, and before that, I was a builder. I also worked for the Refugee Relief Movement, when I was very young. INT. PADME'S PARENTS' HOUSE, MAIN ROOM - AFTERNOON PADME, SOLA and JOBAL are clearing the table. SOLA Why haven't you told us about him? PADM
April 15, 2002, 2:42 p.m. CST
by Obe One Shmuck
DOOKU I wouldn't think of such an offence. But, there are individuals who have a strong interest in your demise, M'lady. It has nothing to do with politics, I'm afraid. It's purely personal, and they have already paid great sums to have you assassinated. I'm sure they will push hard to have you included in the executions. I'm sorry but if you are not going to co-operate, I must turn you over to the Geonosians for justice. I've done all I can for you. JANGO FETT moves over to ANAKIN. JANGO FETT I'll take that weapon. ANAKIN hesitates. DOOKU You may cause a lot of bloodshed, my young Jedi, but you will not escape. PADM
April 15, 2002, 8:58 p.m. CST
by hildebrand
Hmmm...Someone obviously has a wee bit too much free time on their hands. You felt compelled to type all of that, did you? Perhaps you could have used that time for something a bit more constructive? Eeek. Sorry, but someone needs a life.
Somehow I don't think he typed it, probably just copy and paste.
April 15, 2002, 10:28 p.m. CST
by hildebrand
April 16, 2002, 2:01 a.m. CST
by BobbyPeru
Imagine George Lucas, stomping on a human face...forever.
April 16, 2002, 7:17 a.m. CST
by Rebel INS
Too bad kingkong, youre wrong. Anakin does lose his arm after fighting dooku. There are even pictures of this on the net and in various Star Wars books. And whoever said Obi Wan is a clone is also wrong. So..in your face kingkong33
April 16, 2002, 10:26 a.m. CST
by jay2075
"My head no longer bears any relation to the size of my body" Christopher Lee looks like he fresh out of a Reeves & Mortimer sketch here, thanks to ILM's sterling stunt head replacement work...http://cgi.theforce.net/theforce/image.cgi?Image=episode2/newspics/aotc-cards.jpg
April 16, 2002, 8:22 p.m. CST
by DuckStar
Would someone please explain to me why most self proclaimed "star wars geeks" hate on Return of the Jedi? I mean obviously its not as good as the first two, but its good, really really good. Watch the final lightsaber battle again and tell me its not good. Also, the Ewokes are cool, I loved them when I was a kid. Whats not to like about the Ewokes? Somebody else stand up for the Ewokes. The Ewoke Adventure was twice the movie the phantom menace was.
April 16, 2002, 8:24 p.m. CST
by tav
nice try. padme designing C3PO. wow, you got some key plot points there... just a question.... who is the leader of the "attack of the clones"? :):):) see ya'
April 16, 2002, 9:19 p.m. CST
by MrPeanut
Wow. That was either the biggest spoiler that there ever was or will ever be, or the longest bullshit session in history. But my interest has been piqued regardless. I actally want to see this movie now.
April 17, 2002, 4:03 a.m. CST
by Mr. SavageLucy
A bruised and battered soon to be former LFL employee is dragged into George's office by two mean looking thugs. Lucas: Welcome young spoiler. Spoiler: Do with me as you will Emperor Lucas your days are numbered as Lord of the Fanboys Lucas: Is that so. Spoiler: Your arogance had defied you Emperor. As we speak your downfall has begun. Soon the world will know the truth of Attack of the Clones and the hudled masses will break free of their camping sited outside of ticket windows...and they will journey forth into the brilliance that is Spider-Man. Lucas: Is that so young spoiler? And how will this be accomplished? By your friend Harry Knowles perhaps? The beaten man's hopes are shattered at the realization That emperor Lucas knew his plan all along. Lucas: You seem suprised? Did you really think that a copy of the film would leave my realm without my knowledge. Foolish spoiler. I have known your thoughts before you even knew them yourself. The young Sopiler can't believe his ears. Lucas: Ah yes. But he has the movie. Unfortunately it is far better done than the trailers made it seem. I'm afarid that the film will be quite unbelievable when your friend attempts to critique it. Spoiler: NOOOOOO!!!! Lucas: You should have joined me when you had the chance young one. Now you will have the pleasure of watching helpless as your friend enjoys Attack of the Clones. Body guards come from outside the door and drag off an openly weeping spoiler.
April 17, 2002, 12:18 p.m. CST
by AggregateScore
. . . that over a thousand people have been able to see this 'rough-cut'.
April 17, 2002, 12:55 p.m. CST
by Grand Digital
Firstly, bless his heart. It must have been tough for the man, with the reaction against the Phantom Menace...the first time back in the director's chair after about 100 years, he was probably thinking the world will dig this Phantom Menace joint, and probably wasn't expecting the worldwide dissing it got, it must have been pretty harsh for him. Anyway it looks as though he's taking the fans into consideration; reducing Jar Jar's role, including another Fett (which he didn't have to do), cutting out nysnc, etc. As long as he's telling the story basically the way he wants to, I think it's cool the way he's listening to the fans. ******MAXIM: If a certain boy band is indeed making a cameo appearance in AOTC, could you at least promise they'll be killed off in some excruciatingly gruesome way? George: How About: They aren't even in the film. [laughs] MAXIM: Any plans for a Special Edition of the Holiday Special? George: [hangs head] Right. That's one of those things that happened, and I just have to live with it.******props to the flannel, let's hope AOTC roxx azz
April 17, 2002, 1:07 p.m. CST
by mEloN jAvEliN
anybody seen the AOTC soundtrack scans on jedinet? dont be fooled, lucas WANTS you to think this film will be poor...I have a sneaky feelin he KNOWS he messed up with phantom...(aint hindsight wonderful)...??? But check this kiddies...These new scans look uber-cool...stunning composition and TONS of action...this really looks like its the series is returning to the greatness of the OT...Where's the evidence I hear u ask? SLIGHT SPOILERS: Well - Dooku throwin force lightning at anakin...yoda doin some kind of jedi power-up...chris lee looks like a dracula style mofo badass sith...jango & obi grappling and gettin nasty (with lightning)..."this partys over"...padme with HUGE nip shot...nah - only kiddin on that last one...
April 17, 2002, 4:19 p.m. CST
by bigandycraik
but only for a short time. its at www.script-o-rama.com/snazzy/dircut.html its cool too
April 17, 2002, 7:04 p.m. CST
by JAGUART
If Tarl Cabot's post is the nitpicker's guide to TPM, then Sherlock Holmes' post is the " Shitkicker's guide". I can't stand TPM, and Tarl's post just brought back the pain 25 fold. Very effectve.
April 17, 2002, 10:57 p.m. CST
by GaijinRurouni
I disagree. Just as Episode 1 was a generation behind Episode 4, so should anything to come after RotJ be at least a few decades in the future. And I certainly wouldn't see any one donning the old Vader armor (talk about cheese). Rather, I'd love to deal with Anakin Solo trying to avoid falling to the Dark Side the way his grandfather did, kind of like Aragorn not wishing to repeat Isildor's failure. Also, Luke and Leia would probably only make token appearances in Ep. 7, just to set the little Jedi newbies on their way before passing into the Force. That's my 2 credits, anyway.
April 18, 2002, 3:08 a.m. CST
by H-52
Seems that Harry isnt the only one that has seen this one folks. Another review is up over at truth media an I'm afraid that one isnt so positive. http://www.somethingawful.com/truthmedia/starwars2/
April 18, 2002, 4:02 a.m. CST
by X7thsamuraiX
I am surprised that Lucas has not send out a squad of professional killers to hit Harry for seeing a sneak preview of his film. Harry!! Watch out for lasersights and check under your car everday for bombs.
April 18, 2002, 6 p.m. CST
by jollydwarf
Did anyone see that ET segment about Episode II? While I'm reluctant to prejudge this movie as a whole, I still have not heard Hayden Christensen utter ONE SYLLABLE that doesn't make me think that Lucas has actually cloned humans and Hayden is basically an accelerated growth version of Jake LLoyd. His delivery makes Natalie Portman's seem as emphatic as Matt Foley, Motivational Speaker, after two pots of black coffee! Everything else about this film seems like a vast improvement, so why do I feel like the central character is going to bring this franchise down? I really don't want to type this, but his delivery is almost...(gulp)...Freddiesque. And you know which Freddie I'm talking about. (Saying the last name on this site is like saying "Voldemort" at Hogwarts.) We'll see, I suppose. P.S. The ET segment link is up at theforce.net, if you care.
April 18, 2002, 7:56 p.m. CST
by penniless writer
April 18, 2002, 7:59 p.m. CST
by penniless writer
Since the last post was blank, I thought I would include the link this time:http://homepage.mac.com/junorhane/.cv/junorhane/Public/Across%20The%20Stars%20%22Music%20Vid0570-binhex.hqx
April 19, 2002, 3:02 a.m. CST
by jollydwarf
IT IS A JOKE. Anyone who thinks that review is even vaguely legitimate is truly hopeless. Ha ha, I know, the joke's on me for thinking that someone out there doesn't get it. But you know what? They don't. I guarantee a handful of paranoid fans that are in hyperventilation hyperdrive by now will let something like that snowball to near-epidemic proportions. So I'm sorry to spoil the joke, guys, but it's over. The movie might very well suck, as a more legitimate piece at Hollywood Confidential suggests, but the only review that I've seen thusfar that rings true is the one above this Talkback. So give it until around the first of May before you REALLY start believing anything else definitive about this. But just for the record, I'm digging in for a massive shitstorm. If anything, this movie's got an insurmountable amount of ill will towards it from 'us', and a vast sea of apathy from Joe and Jane Public. The sad part is that it might actually be a good film, but it really doesn't have a chance against the fins circling, increasing in number every day. In other words, expect a big green splat symbol next to it at rottentomatoes.com. And these commercials that I haven't seen yet? Well, that's interesting, because as I recall, in the weeks prior to Episode I, I coulda swore I heard echoes from the direction of Skywalker Ranch, saying "Commercials? Weesa don't needen no steeken commercials!" Maybe by Episode III, they'll get your attention by having a touring caravan with Twil'lek girls in donkey shows, with the donkeys given a couple extra prosthetic appendages and horns, you know, just to complete the effect of a galaxy far, far away. Or they could just recast Anakin with Beetlejuice from the Howard Stern show. They're both plausible options.
April 19, 2002, 3:02 a.m. CST
by jollydwarf
IT IS A JOKE. Anyone who thinks that review is even vaguely legitimate is truly hopeless. Ha ha, I know, the joke's on me for thinking that someone out there doesn't get it. But you know what? They don't. I guarantee a handful of paranoid fans that are in hyperventilation hyperdrive by now will let something like that snowball to near-epidemic proportions. So I'm sorry to spoil the joke, guys, but it's over. The movie might very well suck, as a more legitimate piece at Hollywood Confidential suggests, but the only review that I've seen thusfar that rings true is the one above this Talkback. So give it until around the first of May before you REALLY start believing anything else definitive about this. But just for the record, I'm digging in for a massive shitstorm. If anything, this movie's got an insurmountable amount of ill will towards it from 'us', and a vast sea of apathy from Joe and Jane Public. The sad part is that it might actually be a good film, but it really doesn't have a chance against the fins circling, increasing in number every day. In other words, expect a big green splat symbol next to it at rottentomatoes.com. And these commercials that I haven't seen yet? Well, that's interesting, because as I recall, in the weeks prior to Episode I, I coulda swore I heard echoes from the direction of Skywalker Ranch, saying "Commercials? Weesa don't needen no steeken commercials!" Maybe by Episode III, they'll get your attention by having a touring caravan with Twil'lek girls in donkey shows, with the donkeys given a couple extra prosthetic appendages and horns, you know, just to complete the effect of a galaxy far, far away. Or they could just recast Anakin with Beetlejuice from the Howard Stern show. They're both plausible options.
April 19, 2002, 2:54 p.m. CST
by odietamo
Midichlorians destroyed the spirituality of Star Wars. Greedo shooting first made a fundamental change in a core original character. I need not go on. Fans of SW who cling to the notion that ep I was anything but crap and who are even remotely looking forward to ep II are sheep. YOU are the reason tv sucks and most of Hollywood is crap. Because these people know they don't have to bother to put out a quality product. Lucas is worse than senile. Don't give him another dime. Sheep.
April 19, 2002, 4:21 p.m. CST
by TNO821
rootyb, did I read this right? "GO LUCAS! TPM was sweet. People are just whiners." WTF? You, sir, are one of three things: Satan, retarded, or...well, those two pretty much run the gamut. And I don't say these things in malice. I'm merely against revisionist history...Episode I (or, as I like to call it, Episode Blow) is not the worst movie ever; It is, in fact, the worst THING ever. And not just the worst thing ever devised by man. The worst thing ever devised ANYWHERE by ANYTHING at ANYTIME, past, present, or future. Bar-None. And I'm sure you'd agree with me, were you not either the Prince of Lies, or a member of the Short-Bus Squad.
April 19, 2002, 5:53 p.m. CST
by cravenbean
I've been told that Lucas Films has cancelled all advance screenings of the movie that were to be promoted by tv, radio & print media. (I know for a fact that they have canclled previous plans to do screening promotions with TV stations. I'm not sure if they have cancelled their radio & print promotional screenings as well.) Do you know the reason for their change of plans? Could it be that the movie is a stinker they're are trying to hide?
April 19, 2002, 8:09 p.m. CST
by brigitte7735
Ok i dont know that much about the history of star wars but my husband has read all the books and the storyline of darth not having a father doesnt really make sense. any thoughts? was he really like a chosen one that the force just created?
April 19, 2002, 11:25 p.m. CST
by xcajx
I will see AOTC on May 12th for the charity release. I am not gloating, but I promise to post what I think as a completely objective observer. Am I a Star Wars fan? Yes. Did I think TPM was fantasic? No. SO I will do my best, if anyone cares, to post something non-spoiler that will hopefully clear some things up. I realize my opinion is just as individual as all of yours, but I hope to set some of the BS staright. Incidentally, we all know Lucas makes tons of money, but he doesn't have to make these charity previews, yet he does. It isn't a huge gesture, but it is a gesture nonetheless.
April 20, 2002, 5:10 a.m. CST
by Mr. Threepwood
...pathetic. :)
April 21, 2002, 12:12 p.m. CST
by Lord_Soth
Of course I ain't readed every post here, because I've got many important things to do in the next 2 years, if someone stated this before...
April 22, 2002, 12:07 p.m. CST
by Jango_Fatt
what the hell are you talking about??? why the hell would han and leia's kid become like vader? that sounds like a shitty fan film to me. lets face it, 7,8&9 will never be made. be ahppy that episode 2 looks awsome.
April 23, 2002, 4:28 a.m. CST
by XChrome
It would not be necessary to get any of the actors. You would use a new cast alltogether.
April 23, 2002, 4:30 a.m. CST
by XChrome
Come on admit it for the fine people! Make them happy and tell them he will die.
April 24, 2002, 11 a.m. CST
by Goonie
Orcus, I think you're onto something. I have had the same suspicion/guess. Some reviewers have hinted that something will happen in Ep. 2 that will "remind viewers of an development that occurs in one of the other films." I think that Anakin will definitely lose a hand, and have it replaced by robotics.
April 24, 2002, 11:09 a.m. CST
by Lone Fox
Since so many of you are so pumped up about Bored of the Rings, why don't you spread your big fat hairy asses and find one of them twin towers to sit on. It'll be nice not having to sit near any of you when I see Attack of the Clones. Yes. Yes it will. Ahh, the freedom of a 'grown up' message board. *GUFFAW*
April 24, 2002, 12:23 p.m. CST
by KAKALABA
April 24, 2002, 4:33 p.m. CST
by darth_cheerios
Sorry to disappoint but Anakin does lose his arm. It does mirror ESB but we have to see him lose it eventually to explain the robotic hand in ROTJ
April 24, 2002, 4:51 p.m. CST
by j1126
Idiots, the novelization of EII has been out for two days already. "Annie" looses an arm and that miovie IS GOING TO ROCK!!
April 24, 2002, 5:09 p.m. CST
by OldJediGeek
Lucas won't need the original actors for these last movies. He's going to make it 100% digital (like Final Fantasy). In 10 years or so, the technology will be good enough to do it believeably. All he'll need is there voices.
April 24, 2002, 5:20 p.m. CST
by jollydwarf
What the hell happened to that TB? There at midnight, mysteriously gone this morning...look, this Ampukin spoiler has gone too far. It's in the book (I'm assuming), it's referred to on the back of his Hangar Duel Figure, and even TIME basically spells it out without warning. So I mention this for the fucks that think that they're really fuckin' it up for the rest of us. If you hit a Star Wars-friendly site in the last two weeks or have even sent one probe droid out for this movie, then you probably know more than you need to by now. For me, this movie isn't so much the "Whats" anymore, it's now the "Hows".
April 24, 2002, 6:26 p.m. CST
by Goforth
April 24, 2002, 6:57 p.m. CST
by DouglasAH
What other series of PG-rated films feature this much dismemberment?
April 24, 2002, 7:48 p.m. CST
by turbonerd
Brian Chalk is at risk of being devoured by the mysterious pumpkin headed whore. Look Out Raarrrrrrr. -Davidoff
April 24, 2002, 9:21 p.m. CST
by PHANTOMSHITTER
Man, the problem with today's SW fans, in case you guys never get off of the internet, let me say this loud and clear, EPISODE III WILL BE THE LAST FILM OF THE SAGA, THE STAR WARS SAGA IS SIX CHAPTERS LONG, NOT NINE, SO YOU LOSER FANBOYS NEED TO LEARN HOW TO READ NEXT TIME, there, now I'm off of my soapbox!
April 24, 2002, 9:23 p.m. CST
by PHANTOMSHITTER
April 24, 2002, 11:01 p.m. CST
by Chewbaca001
uhh...isn't possible to see AOTC on kazaar.com?
April 24, 2002, 11:10 p.m. CST
by j1126
I'm telling jooooooooooos!!!!the book novelization is out, Anakin looses his arm, Anakin marries Amidala, Dooku gets away, and Anakin massacres a whole tribe of of sand people.... don't you read books!!!!
April 24, 2002, 11:31 p.m. CST
by j1126
I bought it yesterday at THE BOOKSHOP" at PLAZA DEL CARIBE MALL in Ponce Puerto Rico for $26.00, UPC #03034528811 1. Anakin commits a massacre 2. He kills a whole village of sand people (including females and children) 3. He looses his arm 4. Dooku escapes after dueling with Yoda 5.Mace windu and all the available jedi battle at the clone planet against droid forces 6Anakin's mother is tortured and killed want more?????
April 25, 2002, 1:29 p.m. CST
by usualsuspect213
Did I miss something? Apparently there is a big feud between Star Wars and LOTR fans?! When did this all happen, I really need to pay more attention. My question is, why can't there be room in our hearts for both. I grew up watching Star Wars... and reading the LOTR trilogy. I happen to be a huge fan of both! What does that make me?
April 25, 2002, 1:55 p.m. CST
by Jonny Quest
Unless it turns Phantom Menace into CITIZEN KANE, I ain't interested. Lucas had 16 years to make a decent Star Wars prequel and he flubbed it. I don't plan on seeing another uninspired story to change my mind about a 3 year old movie that should've been able to work on its own. I'm hoping SPIDER-MAN kicks SW's overrated ass this summer.
April 25, 2002, 2:11 p.m. CST