TV watcher

Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace

review by Orlando C. Fernando

May 23, 1999

Storyline: 10 (0=worst, 10=best)
Originality: 8
Acting: 8.5
Special Effects: 10
Overall: B+/A- (F=worst, A=best)

Many have waited several months for George Lucas's next masterpiece, including an early promise of a release on March '99. Well, it finally came in mid-May and it delivers to our promises. Episode I has the same action, story, and dazzling quality of the last 3 episodes ("A New Hope", "The Empire Strikes Back", and "Return of the Jedi"). The period in time is when Anakin Skywalker, the jedi knight to become Darth Vader, was just a young boy (Jake Lloyd). Obi Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) was being trained by another master Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson of "Schindler's List" fame), who would eventually befriend young Anakin as well.

T he queen of a friendly planet (Natalie Portman) struggles to maintain peace as a taxation is placed upon her kingdom. To stop the and eventual bloodshed of her people, she is asked to sign a treaty. Obi Wan and Qui-Gon Jinn are called forth to assist her in fighting back and regaining her kingdom. Now, this was the impression of the story that I understood, and I'm sure I did not get this completely correct and welcome corrections. In any case, the film wastes no time in getting to the action and generally keeps a good pace throughout the movie. We quickly see the fluidity and ease of Obi Wan and Qui-Gon Jinn's jedi lightsabre skills. Obi Wan has been taught well. :) In fact, the action scenes are aplenty and well done in the film to Star Wars caliber. The storyline gets very involving on two fronts, the battle for control on the queen's planet (the plot portion that I had some trouble following) and taking young Anakin as a jedi.

T he only real disappointments I have with the film do not really bring down the film. George seems to be going for the humor factor more in the action scenes than before, to a somewhat implausible level on occasion. The Jar Jar Binks character is annoying at first but then becomes likable later. Some of the action scenes seem to end too soon. Drama in a few spots, such as between Anakin and his mother, tends to run longer than necessary. Young Anakin in a fully functional ship takes the "fighting bad guys" high too frivolously, considering he is fighting for his life. However at other times, his childish mannerisms fall perfectly in character. You may also find the political aspects of the storyline (especially dealing with the councils) confusing at times, but most of its understanding impacts more what happens after this episode than during it.

T he film's good points are plenty, however. The appearances of some of our lovable (and not so lovable) ones from the last 3 episodes appear here, including R2-D2, C3P0, Yoda, the Emperor, and Jabba the Hutt (in his Episode IV Special Edition form). But Yoda looks older than he does in "Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi" for some reason! All the lightsabre fights are masterful, and often times aren't mere one-on-one matches. The space fights and pod racing are superb! The three main adult characters, Obi Wan, Qui-Gon Jim, and the queen exhibit strong leadership qualities and acting ability typical of Star Wars quality. Also, well done is the preservation of the Star Wars "aura", though made with 90's technology, it feels for the most part like the fantasy, dialogue, and music (thanks to John Williams the composer) of the early 80's ("Return of the Jedi"'s release). Kept thankfully with a US PG rating, no profanities, gore, one-liner catchphrases, rap, or alternative themes or tracks to ruin the mood. Special kudos to the voice-overs of the Emperor, C3P0, and Yoda, which have been well preserved over the years. It truly does feel like a prequel.

It is still the lovable Star Wars that a whole family, a Star Wars junkie, or anyone can enjoy. A must see at full movie price with THX sound. It certainly makes you hungry for the next 2 episodes. The force is indeed very strong in this film and will be a deserved part of George Lucas's classics.