" Now This Is Pod Racing"

Rating: 8/10 (26 February 2018)

When I was younger I would tell others, I wish there were more Star Wars films. In 1999 my wish came true when Lucas decided to create The Phantom Menace, The first of the 3 pre-quels. This film is action packed; and superb acting from veteran actors Neeson, MacGregor, and Mc Diarmid. In my opinion too much CGI can ruin films, but it's cheaper and cost efficient.
The Phantom Menace begins when Supreme Chancellor Valorium ( Terrance Stamp) sends two Jedi Qui-Gon Gen( Liam Neeson), and His apprentice, Obi-Wan-Kenobi ( Ewan Mac Gregor), to negotiate with the Trade Federation. When the negotiations fail, because Darth Sidious ( Ian Mc Diarmid) tells Viceroy Gunray to eliminate the Jedi.
When the Jedi escape they flee to the planet Naboo. Once there they are caught in the middle of a ground invasion. It's a droid army invasion ordered by Darth Sidious. When Qui-Gon is escaping he saves a local Gun-Gun. Gun-Gun's also live on Naboo, but are considered 2nd class by the Nebuians. Qui-Gon ask Jar Jar( Amehd Best) to be taken to see the leader of the Gun-Gun's. Jar Jar Binks is strange, and was banished because of his clumsiness. The three go to the secret underworld city, where Qui-Gon talks to Boss Nass, the Gun-Gun leader. There he realizes that Jar-Jar is to be axed, but Qui-Gon explains that Binks owes him a life-debt. Boss Nass is lets Jar jar go with the 2 Jedi and provides them transportation through the planets core. Jar Jar navigates them, to the top of Naboo. Once they arrive they rescue Queen Padme Amidala ( Natalie Portman), who is leader of Naboo. She is watching her people suffer, and is being pressured to sign a treaty against her will. Once the Jedi find the queen, she flees with the Jedi in her Nubian Star Ship.
When returning back to Coruscant the ship gets damaged.The Hyperdrive is destroyed and they have to find a safe place to land. The closest planet and one that no one will find them is Tattooine. Once there Qui-Gon, Jar Jar, R2-D2, and Padme who dresses as one of her handmaidens investigate the planet. They arrive in Mos Espa- Trying to get parts for their ship.
In a junk shop they meet Anakin Skywalker(Jake Lloyd) who works there. Is boss is Watto, Anakin is a slave who lives with his mom (Permilia August). Anakin is very gifted he loves to build things(Protocol Droid -C-3PO) and has very quick reflexes. In fact he catches Qui-Gon eyes with his metaclorian count, plus he tells Qui-Gon he built a pod-racer. If he wins he will help pay for the repairs to their ship. Darth Sidious is still trying to locate Queen Amadalia so he explains to the viceroy his apprentice Darth Maul (Ray Park) will find them; and force her to sign the treaty.
When Anakin wins the pod-race, he is freed and begins his journey with Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. They return to Corusant were Anakin is to be tested to become a Jedi. The Council finds conflict within the boy and says no. Qui-Gon is determined to get his way by training Anakin as a Jedi. The council reminds him that the code forbid the taking of 2 apprentices. Qui-Gon tells Anakin 2 watch him. In the meantime Senator Palpatine ( Ian McDiarmid) calls for a vote of No-Confidence in Chancellor Vallorm . This will temporally put Palpatine in charge until the election.
When Padme returns to Naboo, she revels her true identity surprising all as the Queen. There she begs the GunGun's for help in ending the invasion. The battle continues and Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon come face to face with Darth Maul. A Light-saber duel ensues between the three, and Qui-Gon is killed. In the end peace is declared. Yoda grants Obi-wan the right to take on Anakin as his apprentice, and Senator Palpatine becomes Chancellor. The Chancellor then holds great interest in watching Anakin's progress as an apprentice