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Star Wars:Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace (1999)
Dir: George Lucas
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Main Players: Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Jake Lloyd, Ray Parks.
Story: Before Luke, Leia and Hans we know that there was Anakin, Obi-Wan and the Jedis. This movie tells you all about it.
Comment: Dare I say an ill word about this movie ? Fortunately, I don't have to. This movie, by my books, actually DOES live up to the hype. From the city planet of Coruscant, the canals of Naboo and the underwater world of the Gungans we are treated to one visual feast after another. It has been 16 years since Return of the Jedi and Lucas now has more freedom - digitally, and boy, does he use it.
Many have commented that this visual and audio overload tries to compensate for the thin story. Not true. How much more could Lucas have put in to make the story better ? Not much. As it is, he has covered the bases pretty well with the introduction of all the key players in Episodes 4-6; while adding the bonus of Jar Jar Binks. Ah ... let's talk about Binks. It seems that many have taken offence to his presence, nay, his being. They say that he is not merely the comic relief, but rather the not so subtle personification of Lucas' racism: Watoo is a Jewish slave merchant, Binks the dumb West Indian, and the scheming trade federation representatives are Chinese. Perhaps, but that, in my humble view, would be reading too much into the movie. It is still a movie for the adolescent. So maybe they won't be as sensitive as some adult reviewers. Then again, if this movie is taken for what it is, ie. a cultural mark in the world, then the message it gives must surely not be racist. Personally, I have to go with the former: Who could think of racist issues when your eyes and ears are 'assaulted' - in a very pleasant way - after every 10 minutes or so ?
To not mention the great effects would negate this review. But to tell too much would detract from its effects. Let me just say a few disjointed words instead: Light sabers - cool, final battle - 4 of them, final light saber battle - way cool, Queen Amidala - take away the tonne or so of make-up and you have a serious babe.
A note about young Lloyd's performance as the young Anakin: He is NOT wooden. If he was anymore animated, he would have been like any other child performer in a second-rate TV movie.
Conclusion: All the best elements of Episodes 4-6 are here. Sit back and enjoy the 2 hour plus ride.