Movie Gazette

Liam Neeson is Qui-Gon Jinn, a Jedi Knight who travels to the planet of Naboo to help Queen Amidala (Natalie Portman) negotiate a treaty to prevent the imminent conflict between the powerful Trade Federation and her peaceful planet. Accompanying Qui-Gon is his padawan learner or apprentice, the young Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor). While they are on Naboo, the planet is invaded and they are forced to evacuate the Queen and her court, with the help of an outcast Gungan – another native race of Naboo – called Jar Jar Binks (Ahmed Best). They set out for Coruscant, the planet where the senate meets, but are intercepted by the Federation and must escape.

In a damaged ship, they head for the desert planet of Tatooine to make repairs, where they meet a slave boy called Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd). The boy immediately catches their attention, as he is unusually strong in the force. To win his freedom, and the parts to make the ship repairs, Anakin will have to win a dangerous pod race. Unfortunately, even if the Jedi succeed in leaving with Anakin, they will have to deal with the mysterious Darth Sidious, Sith Lord and leader of the Trade Federation, and his apprentice Darth Maul (Ray Park) – unstoppably capable with a lightsaber.

Not terribly well-received by many old Star Wars fans, this movie had a hill to climb and at the time of release it only just succeeded. In many ways, it could never have lived up to all the expectations fans had of it. In particular, there were many negative comments about the character of Jar Jar Binks, who was unfortunately too irritating to be easily tolerated by anyone over the age of 12. Interestingly though, his image became one of the top-selling Star Wars toys, so it would appear that Lucas succeeded in his goal of making it a movie to draw new youngsters to the franchise. Otherwise, Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor turn in convincing performances as the two Jedi, and we get to see a younger Yoda (Frank Oz – voice). Production values are high with the costume people going crazy with Queen Amidala and the special effects of the pod race providing a highlight.