An Okay restart to the Franchise

Rating: 6/10 (29 August 2012)

Star Wars Episode I for me was one of my favourite Childhood films, it was fast paced, it was action packed and it had some interesting characters, except for the one creature that many consider to have been the downfall of this entire movie, Jar Jar Binks. Indeed an obvious gimmick used for comedic reference, but the problem is after the first few minutes of his insatiable babbling it becomes totally obnoxious. And apart from that, he contributes next to nothing to the entire movie, bar leading Obi Wan Kenobi and Qui Gon Jinn to the underwater city of Otho Gunga. Other than that he is just a useless character who spends a majority of his time being beaten up by thugs, blasted by tanks, shot at by speeder bikes, nearly run over by transport craft and getting thrown from his own horse (or, duck like thing, I don't know...). If you exclude this ridiculous character, the film isn't all that bad, the story is very well written as it introduces many pivotal characters such as Obi Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker and many other Jedi Master's of the original Trilogy such as Yoda, as well as giving a better background to where they came from.
So the story begins above the Planet Naboo where Jedi Master Qui Gon Jinn and his apprentice Obi Wan Kenobi are masquerading as Ambassadors to the Supreme Chancellor to help resolve a Trade Dispute that has the planet blockaded. However, they are soon recognised as Jedi and after consulting the mysterious Darth Sidious, a sentenced to death. Escaping their pursuers, they sneak aboard a landing craft which is part of a massive invasion of the Planet of Naboo. Upon arrival on the planet, the pair come across the Comic Relief and he leads them to Otho Gunga. After mind-tricking the Gungan Leader Boss Nass out of existence, the pair leave aboard a small craft under the partial guidance of Jar Jar Binks to navigate their way to the Capital City of Theed via the planet's water based core. After coming across some nasty underwater beasties, the trio arrive at the city only to find that it has been overrun by the Droid Army of the Trade Federation. After rescuing the Queen from her Captors, they make it aboard the Royal Spaceship, but it is damaged whilst escaping the blockade. With Power fading, the ship is forced to land on the nearby Planet of Tatooine where they hope to gain parts to repair the ship. Whilst in a small parts store, they come across a strange young boy named Anakin Skywalker who agrees to help them pay for the parts by competing in the Boonta Eve Pod-Race, an incredibly dangerous sport with no apparent rules, but with little option, they have no choice. At the same time, Qui Gon senses that the Force is strong with the child and after a blood test, it is found that he is stronger with the force than any other Jedi known, which leads him to believe that he is 'The Chosen One'. What will happen to our hero's? Will Anakin be able to win the race and thereby allow them to get their parts? Will Naboo ever be saved? Only the movie holds the answer...
As mentioned, an interesting story with some complex nature, although I do feel that there is a little too much comparison with the Nativity Story with there being immaculate conception, and of course, Jar Jar Binks, who has been and continues to be panned by critics. Other than that, the acting is pretty good although it can be quite bland sometimes and some of the special effects may need a little work. Other than that, a great little film for the kids.