Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace

Rating: 5/10 (15 September 2005)

After the unexpected success of the three original films, Razzie nominated George Lucas knew that one day he would have to make the prequels (the old films being episodes IV, V and VI). So this is the first of the new prequels leading to the story of how Anakin Skywalker became Lord Darth Vader. Basically Jedi Knights Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and his apprentice Obi-Won Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) are trying to restore some order in the galaxy after the villains have started a battle, because of taxation. Along the journey they help Queen Padmé Naberrie Amidala (Natalie Portman), meet 10-year-old Anakin (Razzie nominated Jake Lloyd) who wins a pod race for them to get money to fix their ship, have many political discussions both about the war and Anakin's future, and have a war with the Gungans, droid armies and fighter pilots. Also starring Pernilla August as Shmi Skywalker, The Muppets' Frank Oz (aka Miss Piggy and Fozzie Bear) as Yoda (still a puppet, till the next two), Ian McDiarmid as Senator Palpatine/Darth Sidius, Ray Park as Darth Maul, Razzie winning Ahmed Best as Jar Jar Binks, Anthony Daniels as an uncovered C-3PO, Kenny Baker as R2-D2, Terence Stamp as Supreme Chancellor Valorum, Brian Blessed as Boss Nass, Celia Imrie as Fighter Pilot Bravo 5, Samuel L. Jackson as Mace Windu, Keira Knightley as Sabé and twice Razzie nominated Sofia Coppola as Saché. This along with the other two are never going to be as good for story, dialogue (which is ridiculous) or 'magic' as the originals, but the special effects are never disappointing. It was nominated the Oscar for Best Sound Effects Editing, Best Visual Effects and Best Sound, and it was nominated the BAFTAs for Best Special Visual Effects and Best Sound, and it was nominated the Razzie for Worst Picture, Worst Screenplay and Worst Screen Couple for Lloyd and Portman. Samuel L. Jackson was number 11, and Ewan McGregor number 9 on The 100 Greatest Movie Stars, Liam Neeson was number 15, and McGregor number 2 on The 50 Greatest British Actors, Star Wars was number 24 on The 100 Greatest Pop Culture Icons, and the film was number 28 on The Ultimate Film. Worth watching!