Another generation of Star Wars (Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (DVD))

Member Name: donruk

Product:	Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (DVD)
Date:	07/05/02 (45 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great special-effects, Nice aliens and robots, Great Sound-effects

Disadvantages: Jar Jar Binks will offend some, Drags in a few parts, Weaker story than the original

In the 1970's, the talented writer/director
invented the greatest three fantasy movies of all time, known as the Star Wars trilogy. Star Wars instantly became a classic.

Brief Star Wars History

An evil and oppressive empire ruled the known galaxy with an iron hand. This empire was virtualy invincible, and had enough power to destroy any planet. The Emperor
Paltipine was a ruthless ruler, and his right-hand man, the feared Darth Vadar, crushed all those who opposed the dark ruler and his empire. The only ones who were brave enough to stand up to this mighty empire were a small military force known has the rebelion. Luke Skywalker, a simple farmboy on the remote planet of tatoine is called by a divine force to join the rebelion. Obi Won Kenobi teaches Luke about the secrets of the mysterious Force. With the help of the Force, and a few friends, he rescues his sister from the imperial flag ship, the Death Star. During this time Obi Won is killed in a one-on-one battle with Darth Vadar. After regrouping on the rebel HQ, they find a weakness in the Death Star.
After a decisive space battle, the rebels win, and the planet destroyer is destroyed

After that the Empire mounts a counter-attack against the rebellion and takes the rebel planet of Hoth. Luke and his friends flee to a gas planet, which is a haven for smugglers. Lukes friend Han Solo has an old buddy there, and is granted refuge. Han's friend betrays him and hands him over to Darth Vadar and his army. Luke then Faces Vadar in battle and loses his right hand. During this time he learns that Vadar is his father. Luke comes to terms with this revelation and tries to convert his father from the dark side. A huge battle is fought over the moon of Endor, while Luke confronts his father on the Empire's new flag ship. The trilogy ends with Darth Vader seeing the light, and killing his own master, the Emperor Paltipine, thus saving his son from death. The
rebels defeat the Empire, and destroy their new Death Star. The Empire is gone, Luke and his father made amends,Vadar then dies after removing his life support system, The republic is born, the galaxy lives happely ever after.


Episode 1 Of a New Trilogy

After the original trilogy ended, there were a few things left unanswered, like how did Luke's father Aniken turn to evil? Who is Emperor Paltipine? How was the Empire born? What are the Clone Wars? What was Obi Won's relation with Aniken skywalker? What happend to Aniken that he had to go on life support? All these questions, George Lucas seeks to answer in this new trilogy.

Episode 1 Story

The planet Naboo is under blockade by the greedy trade federation. Two Jedi are sent to resolve this conflict, but to no avail. The Trade Federation invades Naboo and takes the Queen hostage. The Jedi must fight the Trade Federation and their powerfull army and take back Naboo, but the Jedi are greatly out-numbered. During this time the young Obi Won meets the little boy Aniken on Tatoine. Aniken is found to have a great gift in the Force. Obi Wons mentor, Qui Gon Jim seeks to free Aniken of enslavement by a greedy under world dealer, who has the boy and his mother in a virtual prison. After freeing him Qui Gon wants to take Aniken under his wings and to teach the boy the ways of the Force, hoping someday that Aniken will be a great Jedi knight. Thus the story of Aniken(Darth Vadar)in his early years, before he turned to evil.

Special Affects

Episode 1 sported some of the best special effects, and sound effects of 1999. From the underwater city to the Nabbo palace, this movie had some breath- taking locals.

Execution and presentation

Episode 1 is more of a light hearted attempt at Star Wars, with less action than the original trilogy. This fact dissapointed many Star Wars fans because of the
movies high expectations set for itself. One of the most unpopular aspects of the movie was the introtuction of the hated Jar Jar Binks. Jar Jar is a clumsy, cartoonish alien that seemed to ruin the movie for many people. The young Aniken was a little too cute for many Star Wars fans also. In it's own light Episode 1 is a great movie, but if you try to compare it to the original Star Wars you might be dissapointed. Episode 1 does not have has much action as the original, but the action scenes are of good quality. You will also enjoy the various creatures and robots that Lucas has thought up. This movie drags in some parts, but there are some truly great scenes in Episode 1, like the underwater city, the pod racing, and the Light Saber duel near the end. All in all Episode 1 is a fun movie, with plenty of eye candy, and a decent story.

Acting

The acting in Episode 1 is not bad. With high profile actors like Liam Neeson(Qui Gon Jim) and Ewan Mcgregor(Obi Won), Episode 1 won't disapoint in the acting department.

Conclusion

Episode 1, is a fun, and enjoyable addition to the Star Wars universe. Just don't get your expectations too high, and you should enjoy this movie. Remember, Episode 1 is only the first chapter in a three part trilogy, so wait for the big picture to be revealed, so you can see how Episode 1 fits in the puzzle of this new Star Wars trilogy.

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