A worthy addition to the saga

Rating: 9/10 (18 May 2005)

No it is not as good as the original trilogy. But then again, how many movies are? It stands on its own as an entertaining film. And for the Star Wars fan it is fascinating to see how it all began.
Much of the joy of watching this film is knowing how the things you are seeing now will impact what is yet to come. George Lucas blends old and new to kickstart his saga. We see the origins and backstory of some of our favorite characters from the original trilogy. R2-D2, C-3PO, Yoda, Jabba...they're all here and it's great to gain some insight into exactly who they are and what their true role is in the whole scheme of things. A key bridge between the two trilogies is Obi-Wan Kenobi. In the original trilogy we really didn't learn much about him. He seemed quite the mysterious figure. Here, as played very well by Ewan McGregor, the character of Obi-Wan really begins to take shape. The other key character that connects the two trilogies is of course Anakin Skywalker, the boy who would become Darth Vader. Jake Lloyd plays young Anakin here and it's safe to say he had not yet honed his craft as an actor. Many were disappointed in his performance and in the character himself. After the epic heroes of the original films it is hard to embrace a small child as a key figure. Better casting (Haley Joel Osment anyone?) would certainly have helped but the truth is there were always going to be problems with this character in the film. Star Wars simply isn't about eight year old boys running around shouting "Yippee!". But this is where the story must logically begin.
Two vitally important new characters play key roles in Phantom Menace. The first is Qui-Gon Jinn, played by Liam Neeson in a fine performance. A Jedi knight and teacher of young Obi-Wan it is Qui-Gon who really sets the whole saga in motion by discovering young Anakin. With a trade dispute leading to an invasion of the planet Naboo, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan must protect the planet's leader, Queen Amidala, played by Natalie Portman. Portman's performance doesn't quite match that of Neeson and McGregor but is certainly serviceable. Amidala and her Jedi protectors take off headed for Coruscant, the central planet in the galaxy where Amidala will plead her planet's case before the Senate. But with their ship damaged they can not make it to Coruscant and instead land on Tatooine, future home of one Luke Skywalker. And so it begins...
On Tatooine Qui-Gon first encounters young slave Anakin Skywalker and immediately senses there is something special about the boy. The Force is strong in this one. Following a podrace sequence that, while visually impressive, goes on forever and seems to serve no purpose other than to sell video games Anakin is freed and will take off with Qui-Gon who is convinced the boy is The Chosen One of phophecy who will bring balance to the Force.
Off to Coruscant we go and what a sight it is. The entire planet is one large city. While the original trilogy spent most of its time in desolate outposts of the galaxy such as Tatooine and Hoth here the visuals are one of the film's great appeals. The majesty of Coruscant and lush beauty of Naboo are quite the contrast to the sand and ice planets we have seen previously. On Coruscant we see for the first time the massive Jedi temple and see Anakin brought before the Jedi council who will decide if he is to be trained as a Jedi. The Council is headed by Yoda who it is apparent plays a much greater role in the Star Wars universe than we might have thought. He is not just a Jedi. He is THE Jedi. Also on the Council is Mace Windu, played by Samuel L. Jackson in what is really just an extended cameo here. While on Coruscant we get our first view of Senator Palpatine of Naboo in action. Any fan of the saga knows there is more than meets the eye to Palpatine, played wonderfully as always by Ian McDiarmid. After some political machinations Amidala, Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan and Anakin head back to Naboo and the climactic final battle is upon us.
Part of the final battle centers around another new character, Darth Maul, a truly frightening character and a strong villain. He is a Sith, apprentice to Darth Sidious who we see now and again pulling the strings to set the plot in motion. The Sith, strong in the dark side of the Force, have long been thought to be extinct. Finally they will reveal themselves to the Jedi and the battle for the future of the galaxy is on.
Oh yes, there is one other new character in Phantom Menace. The less said about the accursed Jar Jar Binks the better. Clearly the worst character to ever be foisted upon the Star Wars fandom, Jar Jar will make you cringe every time he is on the screen and even moreso when he opens his mouth and that ridiculous voice comes out. Nobody over the age of five could possibly enjoy this character who serves no purpose besides selling toys. Ostensibly here for comic relief Jar Jar is completely unfunny and an utter waste of time.
In the end this film leaves you wanting more. The story is slow at times, the dialogue seems rather forced now and again and Jar Jar is a disaster. But any Star Wars fan will appreciate this film. The visuals and special effects are marvelous. There are fine performances from Neeson and McGregor. After the majesty, wonder and epic heroes of the original trilogy it is hard to embrace a story about a little boy. But Phantom Menace is an impressive and revealing start to the saga. And we know the best is yet to come.