Good installment to the Star Wars Saga

Rating: 8/10 (14 July 1999)

Star Wars Episode I The phantom Menace is a good installment into the Star Wars universe. It is, in my opinion, about equal to Return of the Jedi, but not as good as A New Hope or The Empire Strikes Back. I think that this is a film that we will learn to appreciate a great deal more after we see Episodes II and III. Right now we are viewing the film alone, which is really unfair. This is really just a set up movie. A set up movie obviously can not be as interesting as it's predecessors. If you read a good book it's first chapters are not as interesting as the middle chapters. When I head about the prequel trilogy I was not expecting to be guessing what would happen next, after all, I knew how it would turn out. How wrong I was. I now find myself wondering how things will happen, even more so than I did with the original trilogy. How will Anakin turn to the dark side? How will Amidala die? Why did Obi-Wan and Yoda disappear, but not Qui-Gon? Although the relationships were not developed in this film as much as they were in the others, I feel that this will be further developed in the future films. I thought that the four main actors did a fantastic job. When I first heard that Ewan McGregor was going to play young Obi-Wan I'll admit, I had my doubts. They were all put to rest when I saw and heard him on screen. He sounded almost identical to Sir Alec Guinness in Star Wars. Natalie Portman played a double role extremely well. She brought a very human touch to Padme, and a very regal feel to Queen Amidala. Liam Neeson played a rebellious Jedi Master well. And Jake Loyd, contrary to what early rumors said ("Mannequin Skywalker"),played a very good young Darth Vader. The actor appeared very innocent, which will make his turn to the dark side even more powerful. There are a few hints at his future fate though, like his hard glares at Mace Windu in the Jedi Council. As for the much debated comic relief character, Jar Jar Binks, he is not a racist stereotype. I firmly believe that Lucas had no bad intentions while creating the character. If anyone sees the character as racist, they are going in with a pre-conceived racist view. I think the character, whom many regard as annoying, had a potential for disaster. However, he was handled very tactfully. The action never centered around Jar Jar's comic actions. A prime example of this is when Jar Jar is juggling the pit droids. Instead of making a big deal of this Qui-Gon simply keeps walking and says "Come on, we're going." In all, I'd say that this is a very good installment into the Star Wars universe and worthy of the "Star Wars" name. The action is great, and the movie keeps you on the edge of your seat. The podrace and the jedi duel is amazing. Although the lightsaber duel is not as emotional as the ones in the original trilogy, it is the best physical battle of all the Star Wars films. John William's score is fantastic. This is a very good film that does what a good film is supposed to do, keep you guessing. You will find yourself, a few days later asking yourself, "I wonder how Anakin will turn to the dark side? Will his mother be killed? Will Amidala leave him? I can't wait for Episode II."