Spectacular!

Rating: 9/10 (19 May 1999)

When I first saw The Phantom Menace, I felt like I was four years old again, and seeing Star Wars for the first time. Some critics and naysayers will pick apart the plot and eventually point out holes, and others will complain about the acting. But for amazing visuals, great special effects and the beginning story of the Star Wars saga, you can't go wrong. Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor are great in the roles of Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Natalie Portman brings a solid determination to the character of Queen Amidala that is seen in Princess Leia in the current trilogy. Jake Lloyd is not as bad as some have said he is. He's a kid, playing a kid. He enjoys pod racing, which is quite exciting, and he is completely unaware of the fate that awaits him. The duel between Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan and the very sinister Darth Maul outdoes the duels from The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi combined. Watching these three Jedi duel was quite amazing. The sound and flashes of color as the sabers collied was quite exhilarating. Even though Darth Maul wasn't in the film much, he makes a lasting impression that. That's pretty much how Boba Fett's popularity got started. So, take the kids, skip work, and become a child again, ready to be amazed at the wonders that George Lucas has presented for our viewing pleasure. The saga begins, again.