It’s quite a letdown compared to the initial three films, though I don't dislike it. I have mixed emotions concerning *‘Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace’*. A definite strength is the casting; they made good selections. Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor were excellent additions to the series, and I found both performances enjoyable. Jake Lloyd performed adequately in his part, with Terence Stamp, Samuel L. …

It’s hard to overstate how bad this film truly is. I find it astonishing that Lucas would release something of this quality, especially considering the high regard in which the series was held, and equally surprising that the franchise has managed to maintain its popularity despite this installment's existence. It did, however, bring Maul into being, who happens to be my favorite character from _Star Wars_. That’s ce…

It's good to see the franchise back after sixteen years, and Liam Neeson is a definite highlight. A Jedi Knight and his apprentice—played by Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor—along with a new Gungan acquaintance, Jar Jar Binks, and Queen Amidala’s handmaiden (Natalie Portman), manage to escape from an encirclement. After their ship sustains damage, they find refuge on a planet where they encounter a young slave who is…

This film is really bad; it seems like those responsible were counting on nostalgia for the first Star Wars to carry it, and they clearly didn’t put any effort into developing a worthwhile plot. What goes wrong? Let me explain -- First off, the supposedly noble Obiwan Kenobi encourages a young boy to enter a risky competition so he can gamble on him and get the money he requires for his own goals. It's reminisc…

If "The Phantom Menace" had arrived as the first installment of the “Star Wars” series, it might be considered a groundbreaking innovation. However, given its position as the fourth film, and with early reviews questioning character development despite acknowledging impressive visuals, one begins to take these wonders for granted. It's reminiscent of Isaac Asimov’s "Nightfall," about a planet where stars are rarely s…