Action, Drama and Jedi - All rolled into one.

Rating: Null/10 (15 April 2002)

I've had most people I know comment on this film. It has either been praise or the exact opposite - the feeling of being let down. I personally loved this film. When I first viewed it I too was not enthralled by it - but after I purchased it on dvd and watched it several times I found myself truly overjoyed with this film. Firstly, I am a child of the Star Wars era. I can remember when my mother bought me my Darth Vader figurine. I remember the shock of discovering that Luke and Leia were brother and sister and being dumbfounded that Darth Vader was Luke's father. So naturally episode 1 was an experience I could not wait for. This film has a terrific storyline - we begin learning of the trade dispute and are introduced to the bad guys in the federation, Darth Maul and the future emperor Palpatine. It leads to the Gungans (a new race introduced by George Lucas) vs Droid battle. Also it has the beautiful heroine, brave warriors (Qui-Gon and Obi Won),a child blessed with the force and of course Joda. I was spellbound by the special effects - the breathtaking pod race and the ultimate jedi battle. Wonderful, expressive characters like Watto - the owner of the slave Anakin and his mother - was great comic relief. I love that we learn that Darth Vader was a boy genius full of love and care for others and that makes you ponder that had he not met the Jedi he may not have caused all the problems he does in the galaxy. We also see Anakin being introduced to the mother of his children Padme. How thrilling. I suppose the only fault I can find is Jar Jar Binks, whilst hats off to Mr Lucas for thinking up such an interesting character I found his accent and his clumsiness a little hard to watch and not amusing. That would be my only complaint. You don't however watch a Star Wars film for Oscar calibre acting - you watch them for the thrills and spills of the special effects and inventive storyline. The lead actors Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman and Ian McDiamond supply the acting that is both subtle yet perfect for this film. Not to forgot Anthony Daniels and Kenny Baker bringing back old favourites C3p0 and R2d2.After watching this film I am left breathlessly waiting for the next episode (Episode 2) to arrive. I will be there on opening night awaiting this film to open. I wait to see yet again great performances from Ewan McGregor and Natalie Portman - also to see how Hayden Christenson portrays more of the boy who will become Darth Vader. Watch this film to remember dreams of childhood and the joy of the imagination.