MY REVIEW - STAR WARS EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE

I have just witnessed another one of Lucasfilms great achievements in filmaking. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace is truly breathtaking and spectacular. (Natalie Portman is just stunning in this film!) Set against awesome and magnificent backdrops like the Nabooian city with its waterfalls falling into infinity, the skyscrapers of Coruscant, the senate chamber stories and stories high with floating pods holding the senators, the underwater city holding amphibious creatures like Jar Jar Binks in transparent membranes, and of course the rolling green hills and landscape where the war with the Federation forces take place are all sights for your eyes to feast upon and stare in wonder at.

Special effects are dazzling especially the pod race on Tatooine in which young Anakin Skywalker takes part. The race scene my friends is nothing short of an adrenaline rush for you the viewer. It is so intense that you are literally grabbing your seathandles and gritting your teeth! Also, the wonders of computer animation present itself with the thousands of droids, ships, and lifelike creatures that are a crucial part of the film and its authentic Star Wars "feel" Especially amusing is Jar Jar Binks, the cute amphibious creature with long floppy ears who stars alongside Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn in the film.

The fighting scenes are also classic, this time between the Jedi Knights and Darth Maul the Sith. The Jedis are more athletic performing some flying ninja-like moves along with some "force throwing" to defeat their enemies.

Although this film may seem typical to the average knowledgeable Star Wars viewer, it must be remembered that this is the first in the prequel series, so some of the characters and most of the continuing storyline are being gradually developed, to lead audiences into the next release, as such there is no need for the feeling of dissatisfaction due to the rather incomplete story. Indeed if this was the first in the Star Wars episodes to be released, it would be hailed as revolutionary filmaking, but the fact is that it still is! (Especially on the grand scale that this movie was done) So do yourself a favor and watch this soon to be classic, titanic sinker of a movie, you'll be so absorbed you'll think the screen sucked you in! I personally guarantee it :-)