It seems weird to me to be doing this but so many have asked, and it is MY forum, and I AM a huge Star Wars fan, so I'm gonna throw in my two Imperial credits on The Phantom Menace.

I liked it. I enjoyed it more the second time since the "first Star Wars movie in 16 years" buzz was damped down.

Sure, there were problems with it. I've had problems with all but Empire. Making the "Kessel Run in under 12 parsecs." Those damn Ewoks. Stuff like that. And there were things in Episode 1 that bugged. The whole midichlorians rap is bogus. The kid playing Anakin wasn't convincing. The politics were a bit strained (the Naboo were willing to die to pay higher taxes?). But what other movie this Summer is gonna give you that pod race? Or the light saber duel at the end of the flick? Name another movie in recent memory you've been more anxious to see the sequel to?

I'll give you that Lucas is lacking in the story department and he can't direct actors worth a darn. But he's a master showman and he took us to places we've never been before for two hours plus.

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These movies were never meant to be more than grand and glorious popcorn entertainment. And on that level they succeed where others fail. You think this kind of movie is easy? Apparently it's not. Just look at how as formulaic a film staple as the "Jaws" movie is screwed up in LAKE PLACID. Or so simple and elegant an idea as THE WILD WILD WEST is turned into a turgid mess. Or look at ANY Batman movie. The kind of entertainment that Hollywood took for granted in its heyday seems to be beyond the grasp of the morons in the film business these days. They couldn't make a decent Godzilla movie, for God's sake!

If this review seems defensive I'm sorry. But as one of the posters said, the folks that are grousing about Episode 1 are the "too cool for school" variety. Lighten up. I hated Jar-Jar too until I saw it with my seven year old who laughed at everything the big gorp said.

Actually, I can't wait to see it again.

And will somebody sign up Irving Kerschner for Episode 2?

Chuck

(STAR WARS: Episode I The Phantom Menace Copyright 1999 Lucasfilm Ltd.)