Review: "Star Wars Episode I - The Phantom Menace"

This is often one of the most hated Star Wars films. In fact, the whole prequel trilogy hasn't been the best received. But aside from some wonky characters and a boring plot, The Phantom Menace is a visual spectacle with some acceptable performances.

Who wants to listen to a plot about trade federation issues? Not me, but the film at least tries to keep things interesting, and luckily the trading dilemma is not the core of the film. The main story is Qui-Gon Jinn (performed by action hero Liam Neeson), who stumbles upon a slave boy named Anakin and helps him get freed and train to be a Jedi. Unfortunately, Qui-Gon Jinn doesn't make it to the end of the film, but the character is still very mature and is nicely acted.

The main problem with this film is the characters in general. Jar Jar Binks is too goofy to be funny, although he does have some laughable moments, and Sabe is probably the blandest character I have seen yet. She doesn't show expression, resorting to a stone face for the entire film. Obi-Wan Kenobi isn't the greatest, either, but at least he can show emotion and pull off some sweet moves. Anakin and Padme are also pretty cool in general.

Special effects is this film's best part, with amazing (albeit boring) racing sequences and battles that combine bad-a** stunts with some bad-a** action for the highlights of this film. The real standouts are the first-person perspectives of the race and the special effects in those.

The Phantom Menace is monotonous and unfunny, but the visuals and fight sequences may be enough to keep you awake.

RATING: 6/10