Five weeks have gone by since the last viewing, and surprisingly, no withdraw symptoms have sunk in. In fact, with the film on a much reduced screening, it was becoming increasingly difficult to even find a suitable screening. Only 2-3 cinemas carried it weeknights - none in my area - and my recent weekends have been filled which has prevented viewings during those times. Even then, screenings were limited to 1 or 2 sessions a day: an 11am or so session, and an afternoon session. So it looked like viewing 8 could have been the last, and you know what? It did not really worry me all that much. Sure, I knew I would want to see it again, but if it ended before I had the chance, so what.
Two things kept the Menace fire alive. Firstly, my mother had yet to see it and I was onto her to get there before it ends. She had only see the originals upon the re-release in 1997, and marvelled at how good they were. Thinking Star Wars was a kids flick with little substance, the effects, storyline, and basically the entire film, astounded and entranced her. She was totally amazed that such contemperary looking films were made 20 years ago. Unfortunately, Jedi never made it to her favourite independent cinema, so I suggested she watch my videos. Not a bad substitute with the large TV and surround-sound system. But she has been reluctant in the hope that they bring the originals back to the big screen.
The other thing that motivated me was seeing a DVD story on Sky New's Techno-file show. They showed some Menace footage and that really got my juices flowing. Now to check the session guides, and you know what? A nice 1.30 Sunday session 10 minutes away, or 6.30 pm at Southland. Southland has been the site of our best experiences so far as the cinemas, which are barely a year old, feature fab seating, huge screens and awesome sound.
Half way between this spell of Menace inactivity, I actually watched Jedi. An inkling had been there for ages - it was next in line since my last video watched was Empire - and it was the first time I would see any of these films on my recently acquired large TV. It was sought of weird watching it - going back to the older films and thinking it may seem out of tune with Menace - but actually confirmed its place in the Star Wars family. Menace had not overwhelmed it or inferiorised it at all in concepts or effects. Still, some deficiencies did emerge, notably the duel. Quite simply, it sucked compared to Menace's. Unexciting and obviously choreographed, it seemed poorly designed and rehearsed. But then, I think we felt like then originally? I can't recall anybody raving about the duels in any of those films, only the actual light sabres.
The other interesting bit was Leia talking about her mother. Things like dieing when Leia was young, being beautiful, and kind, but sad made me think of Amidala. She does not seem to match any of those traits...yet. Obviously she will die young (but how?), and it will be interesting to see her character develop. Really, Lucas has to be so careful about not contradicting the originals and to fulfil characteristics and roles that later films have assumed.
I wonder what Naboo means? Amazingly, Naboo seems to be a word in Ewok language. Twice, C3PO used in sentences. First was when the Ewok conveyed knowledge of a secret entrance on the other side of the ridge. It sounded like: "kun kitchup naboo nuep nuep-noop". Later there was, "naboo akult ta-tat", in reference to the Ewok about to steal a speeder. And to see how Tatooine-nese has not changed throughout the 40 or so years between Jedi and Menace, Jabba's reference of Bantha Fodder was the same as that of Sebulba's: "Bantha Poodoo"!
Shortly after the last viewing, my mother brought home a few Menace merchandising items - including Queen Amidala in her Coruscant dress, which I had never seen - and duly informed me of a concept shop that Myer had going. The best thing she bought, though, was a soft R2-D2 that squealed when squeezed! Easily the best item I'd ever seen. Of course, I was keen to see all the stuff available, as quite frankly, most of the merchandise was ordinary. I'd already picked up a few things like posters and figures, but not much else. Once there, I was greeted with a heap of figures I'd never seen before. Plus, t-shirts, ties, mugs, all sorts of stuff, including those R2-D2s. Suffice to say, I spent almost $300 on stuff. Later that day, I called Jar Jar Bob just to squeeze R2 for him down the phone lines. It impressed him too.
I have tried to keep a theme with my purchases. Most things "Naboo" I have purchased, to maintain the link with my car plate. With the figures, I got all the battle droids (5 types each with different markings), and say, all those characters from Tatooine. There is also the three dueler in their respective clothes. As it stands, the only one I am still to get is Anakin in his Naboo (Padawan) uniform. As for the rest, I will account for all the money I have wasted on Star Wars stuff on a separate page.
Out of all the stuff, those R2s were still the best. That night, my mum mentioned that my sister would love one, so the next day, I was back in there on my lunch break. Amazingly, once there, I bumped into my mum who was there getting an R2 for herself! So, all our family has one. There was only one left now, so as soon as I got back to work, I let Bob know, and yep, he managed to pick up the last one.
Bob has done me a favour too. The much sought-after Droideka he managed to pick up for me. At the same time, the Phantom Menace Insider's Guide CD ROM was also purchased. That night, we spent an hour answering trivia questions, and proving once and for all that Darth Sidious is Palpatine because they mention Ian McDiarmid in the Sidious cloaks. Unfortunately for my bank balance, it listed all the toys available and some figures are now demanded! Most notably a green R2 unit with pit-droids in one set and an Amidala in black gown.
Rain pelted down on the way to Knox. The place seemed nice enough, but I was surprised to see a theatre that was split down the middle with seats on either sides. Don't recall ever see this sought of configuration before. Sat mid-distance from the front and the screen. Whilst high, seemed good enough. Hmm, but with this configuration, those bloody aisle lights were back again. Hopefully they would not distract me as they seemed not to bright. Unfortunately, a big boofhead sat in front of my mother so we were forced to move back a row. Not to worry, it seemed better.
Portents were good as the DTS advertisement sounded awesome. But then, bang! It stopped mid stream replaced with the actual film. The lights had not even gone out. They stopped it and 10 minutes later it was back up. But wait! Where was the big sound of the intro? The sound was abominable - could barely hear it - and the surround effects were non-existent. Worse, the bottom section of the scream was reflecting off something lower down giving a double image. Shit. My mum ran out to questioned the sound. No good. I suggested we leave, but since she is half deaf, the only message that got through was to physically get up and leave. We got our money back, which they were happy to do. They knew it was bad, but I cannot understand how they have no obligation to stop the film again to warn the patrons of the inferior screening and give them the chance for a refund. Of course, the idiots could just get up and leave, like we did.
We were told that Waverley had Menace, but when we checked the paper, it was not true. So it was decided to go to Southland for 6.30. Driving there in the heavy rain I was telling my mum how great it would be. But, when we went to the actual cinema screening the film, it was in a different section all together. I thought, here we go again. As it turned out, we were greeted with the utmost surprise of a cinema even better than the other section at Southland. The seats were arranged like in an arce - like a huge amphitheatre - and the screen was huge. We settled mid theatre, and my mum was astounded with all the leg room. I doubt any seat would be bad in that place. Only worry were kids behind us. Luckily they kept quiet.
As people filed in, some fool dropped their drink and stuff, and my called them silly idiots. Well, most of us would do the same, except, with my mum's hearing, she speaks louder than most and I am sure they heard her. Certainly others did. She even started talking about another film which involved Iranian women. Speaking about their lack of rights, etc, she was just so loud. She has been losing it for a while but now it has gone too far. It is time she must ignore her self pride and accept the fact she needs a hearing old, or risk getting beaten up (by the public, not me!). It is near impossible talking to her, as basically all the time I have to repeat myself. At Knox, when whispering to her about the problems, it was ridiculously bad. What is even worse, and knowing how much it bugs me to repeat myself, she pretends she hears in the hope of picking up the statements later on from the ensuing conversation. Then the time comes when she asks you about something that you had already said, and you know she has been pretending. Basically she'd been listening to the entire conversation and had basically no idea what it was about. God I hate that. Thankfully, as the music started, I knew it would be loud enough for her. Though, when the dialogue started, I thought maybe not.
Thank the maker, this viewing was great. I'd say it was the best since the 6th at Waverley. Probably even a tad better. There was that usual slight blur during pans, but even despite my slight cold, the entire experience was excellent. It has certainly reinvigorated me to see it again, at least once, and only at Southland. Why be satisfied with less? I am not with chicks, so why Star Wars? Before the film I wondered if I would pick anything else up, and yes, I did.
1. Firstly, those Federation Fighters. A friend bought a toy one and I was
surprised to see that you could move the wings and turn them into walkers. Well, I
saw those guys walking about - mainly in the docking bays. All this time I never
knew they were the one adaptable machine.
2. Tatooine's twin suns as the Naboo Cruiser approached the planet (have I said that
before?)
3. The dewback that walked behind the trio at Mos Espa had blinkers
4. The other Pit Droids. The figure Gasgano you buy had one packed in. They
have really long necks and small heads, yet still walk similarly to the others. First time
I'd noticed them in the film.
5. Gasgano walking about in the garage. He is the one with all those arms.
6. The small "Greedo" leaping up and trying to grab the reigns off those
camel-like creatures. This occurred in the garage after the pod race.
7. Darth Maul's "bike" engine firing up. Green light comes on from the
back.
8. Droid Control ship actually moving during the battle. I'd only ever seen them
stationary.
The faults some mentioned in the previous viewings may not be faults. TC14 did drop the tray, but maybe it just picked them up again? I mean, what sought of a protocol/service droid would it be if it did not clean up after itself? Bob mentioned the two pods linked together and said the side this happened on, changed. I am not so sure. I watched this carefully and it more than likely seems different camera angles more than anything. My fault - the different droids on top of the Cruiser - I have some doubts. It is possible a red one did go up, not the 2 blues that I said. But this possible red one had a really dark body once on the ship, so it seems it still could be a different one. Umm, well, I just read my previous thoughts and the confusion actually surrounded a yellow one being there instead of the 2 blues and a red. Verifying the droids will have to wait until next time.
Basically, I loved it. All the more so due to the fab surroundings and facilities. Also, that last viewing was so poor, it made this one even better. Probably the only problem I still have is the space battle. This could have been so much better. The whole Anakin section is due to luck and guess work. I'd have preferred he take control of his actions more instead of bumbling about the entire time. He is suppose to be a pilot yet seemed as though he'd never flown before. Compare it to Star Wars, and it fails badly. I know it was a different scenario with different more military-type people, but then at least there could have been some simple dog-fights. I can't even recall any federation fighters being shot down. Anakin could have at least taken a few out before being forced down into the docking bay.
Menace did have many scenes cut - including a segment where the battle droids were asking R2 of the whereabouts of the pilot whilst they were waiting for the ship to cool - but if length constraints were an issue, maybe the pod race could have been shortened a few minutes. Or, just include a couple more minutes of decent space action. The destruction of the Control Ship was as a result of people - particular one individual - that had no idea of what they were doing and I have a bit of a problem with that.
Well, she loved it and wants to see it again. Like me, she had trouble taking it all in. I explained that I felt the same the first time and that it has to be watched from a single level only, preferably superficially first time. Of course, I don't think she really heard me properly anyway. Earlier in the day she asked if I had a particular character that she pointed out at Toys R Us. It was Watto, in fact, and after the film when I asked what she thought of the "little blue flying character from the junk shop that she pointed out at Toys R Us", she said he was great. Later on, she asked me who that little blue flying character was, because she really liked him. Well? Luckily I controlled myself and told her it was Watto and that he was who I was referring previously - that he was the one she saw at Toys R Us. But it is frustrating at times.
Suppose I should not be writing all this shit about my dear old mother, but it is part of the Phantom Menace Ninth Viewing, so I think I have to. Anyway, I have asked her for a paragraph or two, which should be interesting. So far she has raved about the acting performances. She even likes Jar Jar. And being one of those arty-farty type film goers, an endorsement of acting skills from her says a lot. Natalie Portman, she loved. Like me she had no idea that Portman played both the Queen and Padme. That's a definitate benefit of knowing nothing about the film before hand.
There was even a few laughs from her during the film. Some, like R2 telling 3PO he was naked, she missed. But the site gags she got. One, and the one that I really love, is when Jar Jar says, "hello boyoes" to the R2 units, and they all turn their heads around in unison. They look so cute there.
One thing she did agree with me about was that Menace gets better even when not watching it. All the little open ends and particular comments suddenly have implications. She's basically had Menace on the mind and is still thinking of - and probably already missing - the Naboo. Anyway, I've advised her to watch Jedi before her next Menace viewing as I believe she will get even more out of it. She's realised that Palpatine is indeed sly, but is not really aware of who he eventually became. Her only knowledge of the Emperor is merely that holographic image in Empire - hardly abiding. And it is doubtful that she was even aware than Anakin will be Darth. Like some, she thought it was a young Luke. I know I did the first time I saw the first previews. But the killer revelation I made was the reason why Darth wears all that armour - that Obi-Wan knocks him into a lava pit during an epic duel! This basically sent her into mental meltdown in the realisation that Ep1 is merely the recursor for Ep2 - the real sequel that we have all been waiting for. I can't wait.