Star Wars Episode 1:

The Phantom Menace

Starring: Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman and Jake Lloyd. 130 min., PG

In a time when we all search for a hero to call our own, George Lucas attempts to create two more for us to take a glance at. In 1977, he gave us Luke Skywalker, the ultimate "force of good", but how could he not be the pinnacle the good when foiled with the ultimate bad of Darth Vader. However, with the lack of a convincing enemy The Phantom Menace, fails to "use the force" that the original films did.

Throughout the entire film, you get a sense that you are in a video game rather than watching a movie. Many of the scenes are extremely short and fast paced with Lucas attempting to stuff each one with too much action and too much over or under acting, depending on which characters are on screen. You are given too much to handle in too little of a time. The only aspect of the film that gives it pace and a sense of togetherness, is Qui-Gon Jinn (Neeson). He is the only actor who truely seems to understand what to do with his role. He is the calming factor, surrounded by a bunch of humans and aliens running all around him.

The story confusing follows Qui-Gon and a young Obi-Wan Kenobi (McGregor) as they help Queen Amidala (Portman) pertect her home planet of Naboo. Through their escapades Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan meet up with a young boy, Anakin Skywalker (Lloyd) a slave who they believe could be "the chosen one". Qui-Jon must take Anakin from his mother and bring him in front of the Jedi Council, headed by Yoda, whose dialogue I suppose got better in his old age. However, after a while we lose any interest there was in Anakin, as he becomes as boring as the rest of the characters and quickly blends into the lavish backgrounds.

Don't get me wrong, The Phantom Menace is a marvel to watch, for the graphics. The final battle scene is, in my opinion, the greatest achievement in computer graphics to date. But the exciting action is not enough to keep you interested in the film. The most disappointing part of the film is Darth Maul, the character Lucas would like us to believe is the equivilent of Darth Vader. A look is not everything. Despite his devil like face, Maul has no devilish dialogue or scary actions. He is just a ever present thorn in the side of our wannabe heroes.

Despite the poor PR handling (the May 3rd release of the soundtrack revealing the death of a main character, those God forasken commercials) this film will be the biggest film ever, and rightfully show. The 90's film goer likes to be impressed with bright lights and loud noises and The Phantom Menace with definetly take you to the next level in lights and sound. However, it lacks the interest that Star Wars created for us in science fiction. We do not get that epic feel that Lucas was able to create the first three times around. It as almost as if these film were made for the audience and not for himself. An idea he should think about before he begins filming Episode 2. Rating: C

Don't agree with my review, e-mail me at [email protected].

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