Let's start at the very beginning.....................

Rating: 10/10 (12 February 2007)

Having wowed the world with his stunning trilogy charting the adventures of young Luke Skywalker and the fearsome Darth Vadar some 20 years ago the genius that is George Lucas has once again traveled back to that Galaxy far far away and taken us back in time to see how it all began. Because ultimately, as the man himself says, the Saga is not Luke's tale but that of his father.It is the tale of an idealistic, talented young boy was manipulated by and succumbed to forces much stronger than himself and was lead down a path that would ultimately lead to his own destruction.
However all that seems(but only seems) a lifetime away as The Phantom Menace opens. At the time in question the biggest worry for the Galactic Republic is the Trade Federation's boycott of the small planet of Naboo. The story begins as Chancellor Valoreum, leader of the Senate, sends two Jedi Knights, the wise if a little rebellious Master Qui-Gon Jin ( the incredible Liam Neeson) and his young Apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi(a wonderful performance by Ewan McGregor) to try and negotiate with Viceroy Nute Gunray of the Trade Federation on behalf on the Naboo and their leader the young Queen Amidala ( the beautiful and talented Natalie Portman) However the Viceroy has no intentions of negotiating and is in fact in the process of sending an Invasion Army to Naboo. As a result of this our two Jedi, after a daring escape from Gunray's ship and rescuing the now imprisoned Queen, find themselves on the run with Her Majesty, her servants and rather clumsy Gungan ( something between a lizard and a fish) called Jar-Jar Binks whom they rescued and by gungan law now own as a result.
It is as they attempt to transport the Queen to the city planet of Corscant to plead with the Senate for help, the ship gets damaged. Whether by a twist of Fate or destiny they land on a remote planet by the name of Tatooine and Master Qui-Gon goes in search of spares parts in the Space Port town of Mos Eisely accompanied by the Queen's young maid ( or is she?) by the name of Padme. They end up the shop of the Toydarian(almost like a large blue bee) scrap metal dealer Waldo. And it is here that somethings happens that will change all their lives forever. Because it is in Waldo's dingy store that they first meet the idealistic young slave boy Anakin Skywalker in whom Qui-Gon senses a Force stronger than any other.
After events ensue that result in Anakin being set free to train as a Jedi our weary travelers continue on to Corscant to rendezvous with Naboo Senator Palpadine(who may be more than meets the eye) but not before a mysterious being all in black attacks Qui-Gon and duels with him using, worryingly, a Lightsaber. Events have taken a more sinister turn because apart from the Jedi the only ones fight that way are the Sith, sort of the Anti-Jedi. But as far as the Jedi had been concerned the Sith had long since vanished.Could this have anything to do with the sudden invasion of Naboo? And which attacked Qui-Gon, the Apprentice or the Master? And most importantly who is the Master?
Although this film is not as a dark or as sinister as some of the others it is nonetheless a masterpiece. For where it lacks the sinister feel of the next few films it makes up for it in adventure and excitement. There is also a sense of anticipation as we meet characters who will play pivotal roles in the next two films. I particularly urge you to pay attention to Padme, Palpetine and of course young Anakin, who as we know is destined for greater powers than anyone in the period of the film could have imagined.
An all-star cast including new faces like Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman and young Jake Lloyd as Anakin join familiar faces like Anthony Daniels and Ian McDiarmuid to bring beautifully to life the many different and colorful inhabitants of George Lucas's Galaxy. The special effects are as always incredible from stunning space battles above the planet of Corscant ( an entire city covers the surface) to the beautiful haunting underwater Gungan city and the majestic senate house. John Williams fantastic scores captures the atmosphere perfectly.
This film is the beginning of the greatest Saga ever created and as such is a fitting start to a thrilling captivating tale. Like always George Lucas continues to surpass himself and others in his creative genius and incredible vision.