Episode I: The Phantom Menace (2005, DVD)

The first of three prequels to George Lucas’s celebrated STAR WARS films, EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE is set some 30 years before the original STAR WARS EPISODE IV: A NEW HOPE in the era of the Republic. Naboo, a peaceful planet governed by the young but wise Queen Amidala (Natalie Portman), is being threatened by the corrupt Trade Federation, puppets of an evil Sith lord and his terrifying apprentice, Darth Maul (Ray Park). Jedi knights Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor, performing an amazing vocal imitation of Alec Guinness, the older Obi-Wan) are called on to intervene in the trade disputes. Along the way, they acquire an apprentice of their own in the form of young prodigy Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd), or as STAR WARS fans know him, the future Darth Vader. They also encounter Jar Jar Binks (Ahmed Best), a goofy, lizardlike creature who has been banished from his underwater world for clumsiness. When the Trade Federation launches an attack on Naboo, the queen and her allies must battle hordes of robot troopers while Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan face off against the sinister Darth Maul. One of the most anticipated films of all time, THE PHANTOM MENACE sets the stage for the tumultuous events to come. Lucas fills the screen with detailed sci-fi creatures and locations, revealing the most creative and exquisite sets, costumes, and character designs to hit the screen since the original trilogy.

Disappointed

No movie ever got so many people excited and then left them hanging more than Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Sixteen years of waiting were hard for many Star Wars fans to stomache. I will give you the Pros/Cons of several aspects of the movie.

Pros -
1) Music - John Williams once again. Duel of the Fates is one of the better chorale songs to come out in a long time!

2) Actors - Liam Niessen, Samuel L. Jackson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman. These are excellent actors and have done some other work that is exceptional.

3) Effects - The special and digital effects of the film are impressive from the opening scene. Coruscant and the Senate Chamber are stunning!

Cons -
1) Jar Jar - seriously the most annoying character in any film. C-3PO doesn't compare even at his whiniest.

2) Not enough fighting - the lightsaber duel at the end of the film was amazing. Maul and Obi-Wan seriously kick trash. There is simply not enough of it though!

3) Jake Lloyd - at least make him a little older. The kid is irritating beyond all reason!

4) George Lucas is not a good director. This could have been such an amazing movie. He is a storyteller and doesn't know how to get the best out of his actors.

Overall, a decent movie but not anywhere near as good as it could have been.

An excellent start to the series , but for kids !!

As someone who watched the prequal trilogy soon after watching the original, I feel I can give a fairer opinion on the films than certain other fans, and I have to say that The Phantom Menace was a DVD worth buying.

The Storyline, In my Opinion, was fairly good, better once you see episodes 2 and 3, with some fantastic Lightsabre Duals and action scenes. The acting by Jake Lloyd could have been better in most places, but Ray Park's portrayal of Darth Maul was brilliant, and although there has been accusations of 'wooden acting' I think all the actors played their parts fairly well.

One major reason This Film didn't get 5 from me was Jar-Jar Binks. Fair enough, it was a good Idea to feature a character like this, but the ammount of Idiocy coming from him every 15 seconds is simply too much. I don't think anyone would have minded Jar-Jar if Lucas had simply featured less scenes with him messing about (sometimes totally unnecessarily), but like I say, he was shown far too often doing something stupid, which, in some cases, ruins the films atmosphere.

All in all, I think this is a great addition to the Star Wars Saga, and an enjoyable Sci-Fi film for kids and Adults, the DVD has great special features, and is well worth the price.

Star Wars Return to Glory!!!

After so many years the world's beloved Star Wars returns for a new trilogy just so you'll have to watch it so you can find out all about young Kenobi and Vader. The Jedi are a prominent authority figure in this series and we will eventually get to see their downfall by the hands of the Sith. Darth Maul is the best part because he is one of the most awesome bad guys ever. How could the Jedi defeat him? Kind of lame to find out but you will. Not as classic as the original trilogy but still a great start to a new world of Star Wars. Must watch. 4/5

Star Wars Episode I The Phantom Menace

Star Wars Episode I Phantom Menace, was in my opinion, the best of the prequel triogy. It also had one of the best Sith Lords from the Saga, Darth Maul, with his double bladed lightsaber, he was the best. Also, you meet Jar Jar Binks, who is funny in this movie. Qui Gon Jinn, Obi Wan's master, is a cool. He is intelligent. Anyways, this is the the third best of the Saga in my opinion.