A Film in which its Target Audience will Enjoy!

Rating: 7/10 (16 July 2007)

Star Wars: Episode I  The Phantom Menace (1999, Dir. George Lucas) Story The evil Trade Federation, led by Nute Gunray is planning to take over the peaceful world of Naboo. Jedi's Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi are sent to confront the leaders. But not everything goes to plan. The two Jedi's escape, and along with their new Gungan friend, Jar Jar Binks head to Naboo to warn Queen Amidala, but droids have already started to capture Naboo and the Queen is not safe there. Eventually they land on Tatooine, where they become friends with a young boy known as Anakin Skywalker. Qui-Gon is curious about the boy, and sees a bright future for him. The group must now find a way of getting to Coruscant and to finally solve this trade dispute, but there is someone else hiding in the shadows.
Actors 'Star Wars I' has a mixed bag of actors and actresses. The problem with this being a Star Wars film, is that it's so well known, that everyone seems to be eager at scoring a role in it. The other problem is the huge amount of blue screen used, which can cause a lot of problems for those stars who have very little imagination. Some of the stars are actually very good in this film and really fit in well, and some stars feel slightly off and fill uneasy with the blue screen and the dialogue. I could use this review to slag off Jake Lloyd as Anakin Skywalker, but out of all honestly, I really do not see the problem with him. He is young and do lack the experience which other actors have, but the one thing he doesn't do it ruin the movie. Everyone brings him up as ruining Star Wars, but this is untrue. If he ruined Star Wars, then how come the franchise is still as popular now as ever? Ahmed Best brings an interesting character to life. Jar Jar Binks can become slightly annoying, but is more aimed towards the children audience, which this film is actually aimed towards. Also, Ray Park was magnificent as Darth Maul, and there was not enough of him in the film.
Music As always John Williams brings an amazing score to the film. It's wonderful that John Williams was back creating the music for this universe. There are some nice action tunes played and some lovely little sections of familiar themes we've heard before. The 'Dual of the Fates' theme was amazing and so majestically played during the final fight. To put it simpler, John Williams has created a beautiful soundtrack for this movie.
Special Effects The one thing you can guarantee when you enter a Star Wars film is amazing special effects. It's so obvious viewing them, that a lot of time and hard work has been put into them. There are a view exceptions though, especially the computer generated characters of Jar Jar, Boss Nass and the pod-racers. All the vehicles are beautifully created and look as if they are actually there. The miniatures which are used fit in so well with the rest of the effects, that it really makes it hard to work out which is a model and which is CGI. It just all looks so realistic.
Conclusion If you've seen any of the other Star Wars films, then you should really enjoy this. Many people seem to dislike this as they feel it moves away from the original trilogy. Its main target is children and Star Wars fans. Children will defiantly enjoy this, and if Star Wars fans are truly Star Wars fans, then they should defiantly like this. You should decide beforehand which order you wish to watch the saga, as their will be two separate reactions to the films, but I recommend watching episodes I to VI, and you will be eager to see how it ends. Whatever your decision is, hopefully you would enjoy this film. May the Force Be With You! "Mesa said..."  Jar Jar Binks (Ahmed Best) "The ability to talk does not make you intelligent, now get out of here."  Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson)