| Product: |
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (DVD) |
| Date: |
04/07/08 (53 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: It's Star Wars!
Disadvantages: Jar Jar Bin, some overly long scenes, some FX
So, this is where it all begins! In 1999, twenty years after Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope was first released at the cinema amidst a wave of fanatical behaviour, followed by episodes V and VI, George Lucas' considerable enterprise starts off the prequel trilogy with Episode I: A Phantom Menace. The film was eagerly anticipated for so long, with die hard Star Wars fans queuing, sometimes for days, to be one of the first to get a glimpse of the new film. This was to set the scene for the following two films, and the episodes, all 6 of them, would tell a chronological tale. Phantom Menace was met with much excitement, and raving reviews. It also met with criticism, and there was disappointment amidst all the eagerness.
The Plot
A dispute between the Trade Federation and the Galactic Republic has led to a blockade on the planet Naboo. Two Jedi, Master Qui-Gon Jin and his fully trained apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi, are attempting to resolve the dispute with Viceroy Nate Gunroy of the Federation. The Jedi team up with native Jar Jar Binks in rescuing Queen Padme Amidala from the Federation's clutches, and ask for help from the senate.
They meet a young Anakin Skywalker, whom members of the Jedi council think may prove to be a great Jedi if controlled, and together, the two Jedi take Anakin on as a Jedi apprentice. The tale heads towards a battle between the Federation and the Republic, and as the main battle commences, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan have Darth Sidious' apprentice to deal with, the mysterious and dangerous tattooed Darth Maul.
The Cast and Performances
Liam Neeson takes the role of Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jin. He does well in the role, but I did not feel that he was as effective as he possibly should have been.This may be a reflection on the script more than his performance. Ewan McGregor takes on the role of Obi-Wan Kenobi. In Episodes IV, V and VI, this role was performed marvellously by Sir Alec Guinness, so big boots to fill, and I feel McGregor does very well. Natalie Portman made a name for herself in the role as Amidala. Her performance as a young queen is commendable, and this was to improve as the tale unfolded in the further two episodes. Iain McDiarmid is full of screen presence and charisma in his role as Senator Palpatine, as is Terence Stamp as Chancellor Valorum. Keira Knightley has a brief supporting role as one of Amidala's maidens.
The combination of Pernilla August as Shmi Skywalker and Jake Lloyd as her son Anakin is very good. She realises she must let Anakin fulfill his destiny, and the young actor brings a certain mature innocence to the role. Samuel L Jackson is one of those actors who doesn't stop. Here, he plays Mace Windu, a member of the Jedi Council. Reportedly, he was unsure about the role until he was told he'd be sitting next to Yoda, then he jumped at the chance! Obviously a big fan! Frank Oz lends his voice to the character Yoda, as does Brian Blessed in a supporting role.
Ahmed Best gives a strange take on the humanoid Jar Jar Binks, a character I was a little confused about. Perhaps Lucas wanted a little comic element in the film to increasethe enjoyment factor. Comedy he got, although I'm not sure it added to the film. Ray Park is outstandingly menacing as Darth Maul, with the red and black tattoos covering him and his double-edged lightsaber, the actor is known for playing acrobatic roles, and has also played Toad in the X-Men films. The actor is very good here. A nthony Daniels and Kenny Baker are in their fourth film as C3P0 and R2D2 respectively, reprising their roles from nearly 20 years previous. The remainder of the cast support well.
My Opinion
In terms of enjoyment, I was so keen to watch this that there was nothing I criticised at the time. I went with a bunch of mates from work to the cinema, and we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Hindsight, however, is a different and wonderful thing. I have since watched the film a number of times since its release in 1999, and I have to say I am disappointed in some ways. The special effects appear too contrived in places, and not nearly realistic enough, although quite a few are extremely effective. As I have mentioned above, the character of Jar Jar Binx is a little lost on me, and I didn't see the point, although he was comical. Sidious and Maul are very well done, and the score reflects the evil nature of their presence, and the music heightens during the fight scenes, which are choreographed very well.
There are long scenes in the film where the views are lovely and the mood I am sure is being set, but I felt that the film needed to move along a little quicker in places. Too much time was spent on the introductory scenes, and maybe the first hour or so of the film could have been edited a little heavier, but ultimately I thoroughly enjoyed the film for what it was. It made me hungry for the second in the prequel trilogy, entitled Attack of the Clones, and I still give this movie a thumbs up, despite the hangups I have about it. It is a top film, well made, and brilliantly directed and produced. I merely have a couple of gripes that I feel would have made it a more constant enjoyment without getting bored at points.
Summary: The Phantom Menace (1999) - great start to the prequel trilogy
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