A Lot of Fun

Rating: 8/10 (21 December 2015)

"THX 1138" director George Lucas' "Stars Wars" prequel "Star Wars: Episode One: The Phantom Menace" accomplishes four crucial objectives in the franchise. First, it presents the origins of Luke's father Anakin Skywalker, who will eventually deviate to the dark side as Darth Vader. Second, it introduces Queen Amidala who will be Anakin's bride in later episodes, and give birth to Luke. Third, it shows us Obi-Wan Kenobi during his youth as a Jedi. Finally, it let us meet Palpatine later mutates into the dreaded Emperor. Everybody loves to trash this exotic looking piece of space opera, but it provides solid entertainment even if it takes most of its cues from Lucas' original. Liam Neeson gives the film its sense of gravitas, and he serves the same purpose for Ewan McGregor's young Obi-Wan that the elder Obi-Wan gave Luke Skywalker in "Star Wars." Of course, everybody complained about comic relief character Jar Jar Binks. He isn't as obnoxious if you watch the film enough. Eventually, the Fanboys may rehabilitate the prequel trilogy. Mind you, as with all prequels, you know in advance who is going to make the cut, so suspense is compromised from the outset. The special effects are trippy as usual, and John Williams' orchestral score is fantastic. Like "Star Wars," "The Phantom Menace" conjures up all manner of creatures. Eventually, the inhabitants of one planet must set aside their differences and join together to whip the outsiders. Apart from stalwarts like Neeson and McGregor, Natalie Portman makes a strong impression as a take-charge kind of gal. "Star Wars: Episode One: The Phantom Menace" is entertaining enough to keep you distracted throughout its running time.