Star Wars - Episode I, The Phantom Menace (Widescreen Edition)

Star Wars - Episode I, The Phantom Menace (Widescreen Edition) | Pernilla August, Kenny Baker | Aimed more towards kids than the originals...

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Star Wars - Episod...

	Star Wars - Episode I, The Phantom Menace (Widescreen Edition) Pernilla August, Kenny Baker 20th Century Fox, 2005 average customer review:based on 2695 reviews view larger image
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Crazy Pod Race Scene

The movie The Phantom Menace was fantastic especially the pod race. Annakin Skywalker's pod racer had a critical stall at the beginning of the race, and after what seemed to be a long time, he found the thrusters and pushed, causing the engines to come to life. Then, when one of the other pod racers tried to hit Annakin, Annakin did a flip over the other pod racer. Later one of his lines that powers the engine separated from the pod; he started to spin out of control, but he reconnected his engine by using a magnet to pull the cord to him. He attached it to his pod again which stabilized his pod. During the second lap he flew off course, when Sebulba pushed him onto the service ramp. It was amazing to see him get ahead of Sebulba, and get back on course at the same time. During the final lap he has a power problem, one of his engine's had caught fire so he was forced to turn off the engine which was slowing him down. He pressed on the yellow button, and it jump started the engine. Next, he caught up to Selbulba and they started ramming each other with their pods. When Ani moved away from Selbulba because a rock was in their path, Selbulba lost control of his pod and crashed his engine causing a explosive blast. Then with no one in front of Ani, Ani put on full speed and won the race.

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Aimed more towards kids than the originals...

but still good. I actually liked this one more than "A New Hope". One of the best things is that there's no Hayden Christensen like the other 2 prequels. It's interesting to compare and contrast Anakin and Darth Vader. It almost seems impossible that this noble young boy will become such a monster, but then you look at certain details and it makes sense.
In my opinion, the pod race was one of the best scenes of any Star Wars film. It's even better if you have a home theater. Jar Jar is a little annoying, but so is/was C-3PO. They're supposed to be annoying, so it doesn't bother me. It ends very similar to the original... In fact, the whole series seems like its the same formula with a different outcome in the end.

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"Feel, Don't Think, Use Your Instincts"

Ok, so now the three part saga has become a six part extravaganza with the '99 release of `Star Wars - The Phantom Menace'. And just when I was about to forgive George Lucas for inventing those ridiculous Ewoks in `Return of the Jedi' he goes even further into the realm of the absurd with the creation of Jar-Jar Binks (You're not a Jedi George, you've already shown us you can't trust your instincts so think before you create).

The special effects definitely continue to improve with each new adventure and getting the Jedi more involved is a big plus. The sinister looking Sith Darth Maul is also a wonderful addition to the 'Star Wars' mythos. Though initially pleased to see the Order of the Jedi play a much larger role in the storyline, unfortunately the "words of wisdom" dispensed by the members of this Order of mystical warriors now comes across as shallow and pretentious, not profound as it had in the earlier films. Yes even with the return of a younger Yoda (since the new films chronologically pre-date the original trilogy) the lessons of the Jedi have lost their potency.

When all is said and done the big question that still puzzles me is why does Lucas continue to populate the screen with so many cartoon looking characters that ruin the Star Wars experience for any fan above the age of twelve? Evidently he's seeking an ever younger audience.

My Rating: -3 1/2 Stars-.

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