The Saga Begins.

Rating: 6/10 (27 February 2015)

**Warning! Spoiler Information Inside**
After the monumental and revolutionary Star wars trilogy of the 1970s/1980s ... enough time passes and we are given episodes 1-3 by George Lucas. Who releases Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace(1999).
An even longer time ago in a galaxy even further away , Queen Padme Amidala (Natalie Portman) , faces an embargo from the evil trade federation. The Supreme Chancellor has dispatched two Jedi to resolve the blockade. Their journey to free Naboo will take them many places including the home of Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd).
This is the beginning of the storyline and we are introduced to the characters that ultimately define the latter Star Wars trilogy. Certainly a solid mix of political intrigue and light action fare, we follow the characters progression through the perspective of the Jedi Knights Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor). As would be expected from a Star Wars production effects are top notch , and the alien creature effects above and beyond the time of it's release.
Viewers who attended this film for the Star Wars of old were disappointed. The plot is dominated by political scheming on the part of the rogue senator Palpatine (Ian Mcdiarmid), only at the end does the action deliver. The flow of the story is a drag at times , as the introduction of familiar characters can only do so much to hold interest. Little or no controversy resulted from the "immaculate birth" sequence , the main reason this trilogy was not done in the 1970's. The fight sequence with Darth Maul is very entertaining.
Meh. It's Star Wars. or is it Star Politics?
Three Stars(of 5.)