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Star Wars Episode I - A Phantom Menace |
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I am a Star Wars fan. I was six years old when my father took me to the drive-in to see Star Wars in 1977. That Halloween I was dressed as Luke Skywalker, and my sister (ironic isn't it) was dressed as Princess Leia. Empire followed in 1980 when I lived in snowy Maine, perfect for make-believe action figure battles on Hoth. When Return of the Jedi was released in 1983, I was still young enough to fall for the Ewoks and yet old enough to see the magic in Leia's slave girl costume. Now, sixteen years later, a new Star Wars is upon us. I am ready. In what is sure to be the biggest movie ever, George Lucas presents audiences with the first of three new movies, Episode I - The Phantom Menace. A trade war as erupted over the planet Naboo. An alien race has blockaded the planet and tries to force the young Naboo Queen (Natalie Portman) to sign a treaty. Two Jedi Knights are dispatched to help settle the conflict (Qui-Gon Jinn - Liam Neeson and Obi-Wan Kenobi - Ewan McGregor). However, negotiations do not take place, Naboo is invaded, and the Jedis must rescue the Queen and help her save the planet. They are joined later by Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd), the young boy who later becomes Darth Vader, and Jar Jar Binks, a reptilian underwater creature. Other characters familiar to Star Wars fans make appearances as well. So is the movie any good? Does it even matter what I say? Let's just say the expectations were enormous for me despite trying to lower them to avoid disappointment. As soon as the screen went black and "A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away..." appeared, I was moved to tears. I was a kid again -- well, almost. I still felt like I somehow had a stake in how the movie turned out. I was a bit tense as the movie unfolded, nervous that it wouldn't be a success. This prevented me from fully enjoying it. I think a second viewing will cure this. My advice is don't let the reviews get in the way of the experience. Free your mind! |
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