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STAR WARS: THE PHANTOM MENACE Don't worry, we won't give away the plot! No real explanation for this one is needed - This movie was probably the most hyped up movie of all time. Naturally, everyone expects nothing less than the best movie in the world.
I went to the theater and surprisingly, didn't even have to wait in line. We walked right in. This is the first myth of this movie. People were not camped out and no one had gotten their tickets weeks in advance. I guess it's playing on so many screens, it's meeting the demands of the public.
Although I was very eagerly anticipating this movie, I was somehow expecting to be disappointed. Every critic was ripping it, and I heard mutters that this was a poor movie with great special effects. I figured that at the very least, I'll decide for myself.
The critics were right about the special effects - they were awesome. However, this was also an incredible movie. The movie flowed very well, and answered a lot of questions about Episodes 4, 5, and 6. I really liked it because at the end of it, you felt it was 'complete', yet unsatisfying. Already I am pissed that I'll have to wait 3 years until we see the next one!
The movie was great. My girlfriend and I couldn't stop talking about it when we left - when that happens, you know the movie was good. It was stunning to watch, and the more you think about the movie, the more questions and answers arise from the other 3 movies. You start to understand a few of the characters a lot better from the other 3 - most notably, the Emperor (the really old guy that was Darth Vader's commander in the other movies). Some familiar faces are great, too, such as Yoda, Jabba the Hut, C-3PO and R2-D2.
The action scenes were not the highlight of this movie, although the light saber duel between Darth Maul and the 2 Jedi Knights was jaw-dropping. The highlight was the story itself. I really don't know what the critics were talking about. The plot made total sense, and you start to understand more things like why the 2 sides started fighting, as well as 'the force' itself. When you leave, you already have an idea of things to come.
I have to admit, I am a Star Wars fan to begin with, but I'm not a Star Wars geek! It only goes as far as owning the trilogy on video. I never camped out in line or anything to see the movie - I just enjoyed growing up on these movies and seeing them again on the big screen when they were re-released. I've seen these movies maybe 3 times in my life, so I don't think it's necessary to be a total Star Wars nerd to appreciate it. This movie was every bit as entertaining as the other 3, maybe even more. I already plan on seeing it again, but only after watching the others again, so I can figure a few things out. So if you're looking for my opinion, watch it and see for yourself. Personally, I loved it.
- REPORT CARD:
- Action: A-
- Humor: B+
- Plot: A
- Suspense: A
- Overall: A
- Conclusion: See it on the big screen, then watch it again!
also see: Star Wars: The Phantom Menace Reviews By: Roger Ebert Newsweek Entertainment Weekly
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