Will the force be with yousa?

Rating: Null/10 (11 July 1999)

A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away...dissension grows restless within the Galactic Republic. Jedi Masters Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) are on a mission to negotiate with members of the merciless Trade Federation (for some reason, these aliens enigmatically speak with Oriental accents). However, the malicious Trade Federation is not interested in making deals. Rather, they are more contented in conquest. The Trade Federation has decided to invade the neighboring Planet Naboo and enslave all of its inhabitants. When negotiations fail...the Jedi Knight heroes must take action...
Princess Amidala (Natalie Portman), who is caught in the middle of the turmoil must align with the Jedi Knights in order to save her own people...and free the galaxy from the consummate forces of evil. Senator Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) and Chancellor Valorum (Terence Stamp) quarrel amongst themselves as they try to decide whether to step in and thwart this "invasion" or simply wait...
At the dark side of the galaxy, Darth Sidious along with his apprentice Darth Maul (Ray Park) plot the destruction of our heroes and the fall of darkness everywhere...
Meanwhile, on the Planet Tatooine, a young boy by the name of Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd) has potential to be the next Jedi. With his quick reflexes and marvelous gifts, he may serve as either the savior of mankind, the disturbance in the force...or both. All hope very well rests on this boy...
STAR WARS: EPISODE I - THE PHANTOM MENACE is a most entertaining spectacle. Although this movie is hampered by quite a number of flaws, it is a once-in-a-while experience worth seeing at least a few times. Before I praise George Lucas for creating another sci-fi milestone, let me give an inventory of this film's weaknesses...
The acting in this movie is for the most part, adequate. Ewan McGregor is a much better actor than all those Generation X teen idols. Liam Neeson portrays his character with plenty of aplomb. Natalie Portman is beautiful yet strong-minded as a leader. Some of the best acting though, belongs to Pernilla August, as Anakin's mother. She displays the strongest emotional power in this movie. August portrays a modest and caring mother. She adds a touch of serenity as a genuinely loving mother who cares so much for the health and well-being of her son, Anakin. Despite some great performances, the acting is sometimes sub-par. Samuel L. Jackson's considerable talents are wasted in his tenuous role as a wise sage. Ray Park also deserved more screen time so he can fully develop Darth Maul into a menacing, devilish figure. Darth Maul may be an excellent martial artist, but he lacks a personality. A few of the disappointing performances were not what I expected. Still, as an added bonus, look for Warwick "Willow" Davis in an all too brief cameo appearance as a spectator at the Pod Race.
STAR WARS: EPISODE I - THE PHANTOM MENACE cannot avoid lapsing into its lethargic spots, especially the scenes in Tatooine. This film also depends too much on CGI special effects which may sometimes distract from the heart of the movie...
With those statements said, this is definitely not as bad as critics have alleged, but the new STAR WARS flick contained serious rough spots. Luckily, these flaws have little or no effect on the film. I do disagree with the condescending critics' harsh reviews for this movie. Come on, it's entertainment people! Anyway, the spirit of the space opera is certainly celebrated. The action is stupendous and the invigorating special effects will enlighten your evening. Most of the action scenes are top notch and outstanding. The Pod Race is a felicitous event to watch with eye-popping FX. You can feel as if you were in the driver's seat at that moment! The extraordinary space battles, what can I say, are out of this world! The grand battle between the Gungans and the Battle Droids is impressive enough. Finally, the light saber battle between Darth Maul and the heroes has amazing martial arts choreography. To summarize, the special effects are majestic...
Another prominent attribute in George Lucas's great film is the wide array of alien creatures. Although they look like they rely on computerized digital effects, these aliens are unique and they have their own personalities. Everyone who has already seen this movie knows about Jar Jar Binks and the controversy surrounding this odd creature. Jar Jar Binks does provide some much needed comic relief, but I admit that for most of the time, he is very fool-hearted. I also wished that Jar Jar Binks was a bit more comprehensible and coherent. I am aware that this eccentric alien can become intolerably annoying, but once you get used to him...he will bring a smile on your face. :-) Another minor character, Sebulba, has one mean attitude! Yoda, Jabba the Hut, C-3PO, and R2-D2 all bring back a sense of nostalgia to the STAR WARS series.
STAR WARS: EPISODE I - THE PHANTOM MENACE contains the most breathtaking visuals and set designs ever created. From the awe-inspiring temples to the highly decorated underwater city, Lucas has managed to draw viewers into his fantastic, imaginative voyage. The concomitant soundtrack, especially the "Duel of the Fates" orchestration by the London Symphony Orchestra is perhaps some of the most profound music ever.
The new STAR WARS movie is a force to be reckon with. The plot is decent and the characterization is moderately solid. This movie may not become an instant classic, but it will be recognized for its show-stopping special FX. Is STAR WARS: EPISODE I - THE PHANTOM MENACE worth seeing? Absolutely. I anxiously await to see Episode II of this memorable saga...

RATING: *** out of ****.