Christiaan Funkhouser

*SPOILERS* The dialogue delivery is pretty flat... Especially Portman. Definitely too much CGI, it's probably the worst part of it. Yes, even more than Jar Jar. Anakin was OP, I'm ok calling him a Marty Stu, but I don't think he fully qualifies - This may be because we know his full story arc, how powerful he is with the force, and he obviously knew how to manipulate it (without realizing it) due to his history of Podracing etc. It's a weak plot for sure, but at least they try to explain it. Lucas is a fantastic story teller, and makes parliamentary procedure fascinating. Darth Maul, Qui-Gon, and Obi-Wan are all acted superbly. Lucas, knows how to make a villain be a villain, Maul is a threat, talented, and able to take down Qui-Gon. Qui-Gon Juxtaposed beside that is fantastic. The scene with the shield wall, where Maul is pacing, Qui-Gon is meditating, and Obi-Wan is impatiently rushing in is such a great image. Qui-Gon dying is unexpected and the way Darth Maul taunts Obi-Wan when he's hanging in the reactor core says so much Maul. The scene with the Gungans coming out of the mists is BEAUTIFULLY serious. The fight with Maul was timeless. And John Williams is an artist beyond all compare. "Anakin's Theme" is innocent, foreboding, and haunting. It's great. Just noticed: Queen Amidala went to the senate to ask for help. The senate (rightfully) wanted proof of claims being made (a responsible request) and when they didn't do what she wanted on her timeline. She did the nuclear option by calling a vote of no confidence which set into motion the entire empire and all the oppression and terribleness. I wonder, if that was REALLY Amidala or just a handmaiden.