WOW!!

Rating: 10/10 (20 May 1999)

In 1977, George Lucas wrote and directed a masterpiece of modern cinema. 'Star Wars' revolutionized science fiction in a whole new way. Anyone who has seen it, knows, that it is a true classic. Making 460 million dollars, 'Star Wars' has stayed a very popular film with people. Some seeing it more than once when it came out. Some not even seeing it. but through 23 years, everyone has surely seen at least the first 'Star Wars' once. If you haven't seen it, go out and but it. For it's time, the special effects were spectacular, and took movie-goers by surprise, and amazed them. The story being about a young Jedi, Luke Skywalker, who has to try and free his not-then-known twin sister Princess Leia. With the help of his droid friends C-3PO, and R2-D2, and the young, and suave Hans Solo, they fight and try and save her.
In 1980, George Lucas returned with the spectacular sequel, 'The Empire Strikes Back', which has been hailed as the best sequel of all time, and even hailed as better than the original. To me, the first was better, but that's just my opinion. Of course, everyone liking the original, went and saw this one. It did not disappoint. The special effects were improved, the fight scenes vastly enhanced, and the acting somewhat above par. This is what made Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and especially Harrison Ford stars. Not just the Empire Strikes back, but the entire series, known then as 'The Star Wars Trilogy'. In this one, Luke has to fight the federatuon, as well as learning some dirty family secrets. Some of the most spectacular scenes in this are: The lightsaber fight which pits Luke vs. his Dad, and all the outer-space fights. This is a great film as well as a great sequel.
In 1983, George Lucas brought us the excellent sequel 'The Return of the Jedi' which most say is the least of the series. But I say it is the best. I thought this was a great way to end a series, and great way to begin one. He made the audiences wait 3 years, before he made a new one. And most were disappointed. But to me, the special effects, the action scenes, and humor was better the first two. The little ewoks, and characters in this movie were charming as they were neat. I thought the best scenes through the movie was the race in the woods, and every other scene in this movie. I love it all.
Now, in 1999, May 19th, we have the long awaited (16 years!) prequel, Episode I: The Phantom Menace. When I went into this movie, my heart was racing. I was humming the score of the movie, and I was ready! Alas I thought, I get to see the first 'Star Wars', my dad, my mom, my family saw the other ones when they came out. Now I, get to expierence it. Being a strong fan of the triolgy, I knew I would not be disppointed. The theatre grew dark, the audience sat up, all eyes locked on the screen. After the previews the words: 'A long, long time ago in a far away galaxy', came up, and then it started. Cheers came throughout the theatre as all the people were excited to see and hear this movie.
We go back to the very start, before Darth Vader ever was, before Luke Skywalker. Now we go to Ben Obi-Won Kanobi and his master. Ewan McGregor plays Obi-Won Kenobi, Liam Neeson, plays Qui-Gon Jinn, his Jedi master. The film starts out with them, going on a ship. Being reconized as Jedis they are quickly attacked by battle droids, soon to destory them, they escape, and meet a friend creature named Jar-Jar Binks. After they escape, they land on a planet known as 'Naboo' run by the Queen Amidala (Natalie Portman). This peaceul planet is being challenged by an evil federation, who wants to take over the planet. They free the queen and land on a planet, where they meet the young Annakin Skywalker. Who everyone will know soon as Darth Vader. Annakin is a slave, who builds stuff with his free time. From here, if I tell anymore, it will ruin the plot. But let's just say it's excellent. The ending, pitting the good vs. bad, is more than incredible, and I think has the best special effects ever made. The last scenes with all the shootings and lightsaver action is great. And will be hailed as some of the best special effects ever made.
If this were made as the first in the series, it would be hailed as an astonishing achievment of visual effects. Underwater cities, creatures that look as though they are there, ships that fly through the night sky, and lightsabers that look amazing. The action scenes in this movie, were absolutely incredible. The nonstop action in the movie, was amazing. And the sound, man the sound was awesome. If you see this movie, try and see it in a theatre with THX Sound or better. Because if not you will the whole expierience.
Most critics are saying now, the acting in this film was not that good. I strongly disagree, and say that all the people: Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, and young Jake Lloyd, all did an excellent job playing their characters. We are also given the first look at some favorite characters. A not yet finished C-3PO, R2-D2, Jabba The Hut, Obi-Won Kenobi, and young Annakin Skywalker. Seeing this film you don't. To me you live it, and that's exactly how I felt throughout the entire film. I was amazed at the special effects. Stunned at the way George Lucas wrote and directed this movie. And all together, I loved it. I will see this movie more than once. And althought 'Titanic' was good, I hope this beats the heck out of it!! See this movie today, tomorrow, and more than once. You won't get tired of it. At least, I know I will be seeing it, and I won't get tired of it.
I give it a 10!
Rated PG for sci-fi action and violence.