Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Written and Directed by George Lucas
Starring Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Jake Lloyd, Natalie Portman, Ahmed Best, Ray Parks, and Ian McDiarmand
The most anticipated movie of all time, and I was third in line for tickets! This was like the grad party for all of my college friends, as we all got together 3 days after grad to go see this. Not only was it a film, it was a communal experience. Third in line for tickets, second for seats. Just getting to the theater was a blast!
Since there are like three people on Earth who haven’t seen it, I will try to keep this spoiler-free. Obi-Wan Kenobi and his mentor Qui-Gon Jinn (McGregor and Neeson) are sent to settle a dispute when the Trade Federation invades the peaceful planet of Naboo. Before long, all hell breaks loose, and our intrepid Jedis meet up with Gungan outcast Jar Jar Binks (Ahmed Best). Soon, they escape from the planet with its ruler, Queen Amidala (Portman), but they are forced to set down and make repairs on the planet of Tatooine. Here, they meet a child with whom the Force is stong, young Anakin Skywalker (Lloyd). After rescuing the child from bondage, they continue on their way to free Naboo. But, they are pursued by the true evil of the Trade Federation, a Sith Lord by the name of Darth Maul (Parks).
In my mind, there are 2 kinds of Star Wars fans: those who like the Ewoks, and those who didn’t. If you liked the Ewoks, then you will be more receptive to Jar Jar, and thus the film as a whole. I liked the Ewoks. I LOVED Jar Jar! He was just so silly! I think deep down inside, we are all a little Jar Jar. But enough about JJ! Coming back from a 22 year break from making films, George Lucas shows he’s still got it. McGregor pulled off a great young Obi-Wan, and Neeson was a wonderful mentor. Why couldn’t I have had more professors like that? The lightsabre battles were beyond belief! And who doesn’t love Natalie Portman? There are just so many good things about this film, I can’t say them all. Just go see it for yourself! Me, I hope to be seeing it again soon.