Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace (1999)

Genre: Action/Adventure/Science-fiction/Fantasy

Starring: Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Jake Lloyd, Kenny Baker, Ahmed Best (voice)

After 16 years, the ever famous Star Wars series of movies is back. The story goes back in time and shows young Obi-Wan Kenobi (McGregor) and the very young Anakin Skywalker (Lloyd) undergoing their Jedi training. There is an intergalactic trade dispute and the Trade Federation has established a trade blockade on the peaceful planet of Naboo. Two Jedi's, Qui-Gon Jinn (Neeson) and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi are sent to resolve the dispute with the Trade Federation. Unkown to them, the evil Sith Lord Darth Sidious is controlling the Federation and launches an attack on Naboo. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan escape to Naboo and come across an outcast local Gungun named Jar Jar Binks (Best) who helps them get to Queen Amidala of Naboo. On learning about the Federations plans to attack Naboo, the Queen decides to make a trip to the Galactic Republic capital and seek help from the Senate. En-route they are attacked by Federation drones that damage their star ship and are forced to land on a remote and uncivilised planet of Tatooine. Qui-Gon comes across a talented young human slave boy, Anakin Skywalker and senses a strong presence of the Force within him. Qui-Gon believes that Anakin is 'The Chosen One' who would one day bring about balance in the universe and must be trained to become a Jedi. The movie has a lot of classic touches from the previous movie. Sadly, instead of working in its favour, it has given the movie a bad name since the audience who loved the original Star Wars is not the same 16 years later. The action has vastly improved but the basic plot outline is poor. The movie has some highly engaging moments and plays the role of a good entertainer, but fails to live up to the name of its predecessor. Not for the Star Wars fanatic but a decent entertainer nonetheless.

Thumbs up: Great entertainer, good actions bits
Thumbs down: Plot lacks twists

Rating: 7.4/10