  Star Wars: Episode I—The Phantom MenaceRated
 for sci-fi action/violence.Reviewed by: Kyle Suggs (guest reviewer)
(Starring: Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Jake Lloyd, Pernilla August, Frank Oz, Ian McDiarmid, Oliver Ford Davies, Hugh Quarshie / Director: George Lucas)
Once or twice in every generation there is, in the entertainment world, an event of such magnitude, publicity, and popularity that seemingly every man, woman, and child in the known universe is aware and tied in. When George Lucas released “Star Wars” in 1977, he catalyzed the birth of a pop culture phenomenon that would eventually affect and change the entire movie industry forever. To say that the hype leading up to this film far exceeded anyone's expectations would be the understatement of the century. So with all of the massive expectations from the movie industry, today's cynical media, and the rabid Star Wars fans across this planet bearing down heavily on this two-hour science fiction hunk of a movie, how would it fare? Well, like the columns of the Parthenon, I must say very well indeed. “TPM” is the first movie in a three-part trilogy, which predates the first “Star Wars” series by roughly 30 years and evolves around the 10-year-boy, Anakin Skywalker. Anakin will eventually (though not in this movie) become the infamous lord of the sith, Darth Vader. The planet Naboo, headed by Queen Amidala (Portman) is under attack by the Republic Trade Federation. This act of aggression is part of a larger conspiracy which her Jedi Knight protectors Qui-Gon Jinn (Neeson) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (McGregor) attempt to unravel. Along the way they meet up with young Skywalker (as well as some familiar characters) and race to free the planet from the grips of the unknown aggressor. The movie picks up steam quickly and brings itself to a boiling yet brilliant three tier climax. All of the technical aspects of the movie are literally breath taking. The special effects are the best that have ever been seen on film, period. John William's score, the editing, color, art direction, costumes, and sets are all top notch. Neeson and Pernilla August (Anakin's mother) all add adequate performances. Jar Jar Binks is the comedy side kick and is someone that the kids will simply love. Just as in 1977, Lucas has raised the bar and set the standard that all movie-makers of this genre will attempt to match. There is no foul language or sexual innuendoes of any kind which will be refreshing to a lot of parents. However, there are a few intense scenes (any scene with villain Darth Maul) that will frighten small or sensitive children. The violence overall is kept to a minimum. Instead of humans, battle droids (robots) are what bite the dust in destruction. For the most part, this is a film that the whole family can enjoy. As in all of the “Star Wars” films, the Force is an essential theme in the movie. The Force is an all powerful influence that surrounds everything and keeps all things together. By tapping into the Force, certain people are capable of extraordinary super human powers. Once one reaches a certain point in his/her knowledge of the force, he/she can be elevated to Jedi knight status. On the flip side, there is also a “dark side” which is easier to tap into because anger, fear, and aggression all lead to it. Only by staying calm, patient and passive can one avoid turning to the dark side. Obviously we need to teach our kids what the Bible has to say about all of this. We need to teach them that there is a real force and His name is Jesus Christ and in fact all things were created by Him (John 1:3; John 1:10) and through Him all things truly consist (Colossians 1:17)! Furthermore, they need to know that sin, which we have all committed, (Romans 3:23) leads to the “dark side” and we must accept Christ as Lord of ours lives to get us into heaven (Romans 6:23). It should be understood that “TPM” is not your average movie and it should not be critiqued as such. It is, in fact, one third of one. Just as in the first series, Lucas gives us bits and pieces of the overall story and plot and in doing leaves us craving and waiting impatiently for the next installment. With this in mind, any plot or story lapses, perceived or actual, should be taken under the premise that there is more to come. Lucas has once again shown himself to be not only a master story teller and fine director but also one who is willing to produce an action-packed epic suitable for the entire family and to take all the necessary risks and the negative attacks to get that accomplished. Year of Release—1999 [ If our reviews have been helpful to you, please prayerfully consider a donation to help pay the expenses for making this service available to you and your family! Donations are tax-deductible. ] 
The chosen one?… …All in all, pluses and minuses. The virgin birth of Anakin bothers me, but it could be taken as an analogy of Christ taking on himself all of our sins. After all, Vader is redeemed in the end. One has to see the entire series to get the entirety of Lucas' spiritual message. If he points people toward God, great. Some people will misuse or misunderstand (the same is true of Christianity; many people have done great evils in the name of Christ). Naturally, the pieces of the puzzle don't fit entirely; neither does any other analogy (Aslan is both lion and Christ figure; he exists in Narnia on his own terms). Give Lucas his due: he's pointing to a need for people to find God: that is often the first step on the road back home to the Father and Maker of all things.
The church should use this as a springboard… Disappointing… A further look at Biblical comparisons… a letdown… George Lucas pointing people toward God?… A deeper look at the Force… Star Wars has again blown the envelope with incredible visuals and sound effects. An A+ for that. However, I did find the dialogue a bit weak. Some of the actors sounded like they were reading cue cards. Also, some of the humor felt forced and out of place in a Star Wars film. The characters were not well-developed, even for a sci-fi film. Still, well worth seeing and fun. Spiritually, just remember this is a FANTASY film, test all things against God's word and be thankful that there are film's who still champion good over evil. Only mild, sci-fi violence, okay for all but very young children. An exhortation to seek God's heart… Should we lighten up on Star Wars?… In “Episode I,” I didn't like the idea of “Metaclorians”, microscopic force bugs which inhabit your body cells, and the idea that without them, there is no life. It sounds like the “Metaclorians” are God (Which of course, they are not). I like the older “Force” better, which was just an energy field which could be used for justice and good but, was not a God substitute. The only other down side is Darth Maul who looks like a devil though he doesn't bother me as much as the 'Metaclorians.” On the 'plus side,” the special effects are great! The Plot is a little thin but, does that matter? NO!! This is after all, Star Wars! Jar-Jar Bink's computer movements are awesome! One scene I particularly liked was the underwater scene. There is no underwater scene in the other Star Wars movies, which makes this one even cooler! There is no sexual stuff, no bad language, and the majority of the violence is directed toward the “Battle Droids.” Overall, it was a great movie. Look for the good in Star Wars… Obvious parallel between The Force and Christianity, even a Virgin Birth?… The Phantom Menance is a very exciting, long awaited film. It lives up to the hype of great special effects and new stories to add to the Star Wars mythology. I enjoyed it very much. But care must be taken when considering this film for your family. Although there is no sex or overt violence it does mix dangerous ideas (reliance on a force that is in all living things, being able to bring this force into “balance,” violence to achieve an end is ok, etc) that are all the more dangerous because they are melded with the ideas we do want our children to learn. Remember that the most effective lie is one that is almost 100% true. The whole movie lacked any emotional feelings, I did not get to “know” any of the characters, therefore I did not care what happened to them. It was all like a big rush: here are the people, this is Vadeer as a boy, this is conflict, quick resolution. I was so busy trying to figure out what was going on and then realized, I didn't much care. Jar Jar was horribly annoying. Queen Amadala kept changing her clothes and switching with her maid to confuse kidnappers? And when she was kidnapped it was almost a non-event. No emotional intensity and I don't even remember the soundtrack. I don't feel its worth getting into the religious message to the movie. It was a made up story!! As a fan of the previous movies I was greatly let down by Lucas' over-concentration on computer graphics and not a lot of time on developing characters. My kids thought it was great… so who knows, maybe I'm too old! “Faster! More Intense!” This has been George Lucas's motto in directing, evident ever since the stylish car chase that punctuated the end of THX-1138. Unfortunately, in many cases in The Phantom Menace, it becomes so fast, that much of the intensity is lost. I expected much more from this movie, and while I really enjoyed it, it was a disappointment. …there is way less emotional impact in many scenes than I'm sure Lucas intended. In many ways, I feel this movie should have been at least a half hour longer, and more consistently paced. The other problem is many of the actors seem to lack a certain spark that infused those in the original trilogy. Lucas often gets better performances from his CG aliens. …This really is one of the best family blockbusters I have seen in the past couple of years. While it has significant flaws that prevent it from being a great film, it is still well worth it for all those looking for excellent entertainment. It is a rushed, ambitious introduction of the galaxy far away; a lot of fun, but it seems like just a teaser for the hopefully much meatier fare coming in Episodes 2 and 3. …the true success of the “Star Wars” films have always been the ability to tap into the mythological and religious backgrounds to present a modern-day fable of good versus evil. The mythological elements are present—a Jedi Council seeking to test the abilities of young Anakin are taken from a page or two from “Le Morte D'Arthur.” The final light saber battle appears lifted from the Malory original as well. The religious undertones are still present as ever, in Lucas' perception of the Jedi Knights and the Force. It is an amalgam of both Christian and man-made religious perceptions. Lucas does not talk against spirituality; rather he addresses it in the fictional context of his universe. Still, some elements have not changed in this fourth film—good is good, evil is evil. There is no sex, nudity, or language in the film, and only a hinted romance between Qui-Gon Jinn and Anakin's mother Shmi (Pernilla August) that is more romantic and noble befitting a Jedi Knight and a gentleman of the first order. The violence is kept mainly to machines vs. machines, though the final light saber duel may be a bit intense for younger children… The long awaited first episode brings us back to a place a “long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.” George Lucas again has amazed audiences with wonderful special effects and the ability to give us heroes to cheer for. …The plot is good but many of the scenes at the end are identical to scenes in the original trilogy which disappointed me and left me with the impression that Lucas is running out of new ideas. …George Lucas wants this movie to cause people to be more interested in spirituality which could be used by Christians to talk to non-Christian Star Wars fans. A conversation at the end between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin describes a relationship to the force similar to how Christians listen to the Holy Spirit and seek to do God's will. On the other hand there are ideas from eastern religions. Restoring a balance to the force is a theme in this movie that probably has Taoism as a root. In this movie the force has a will which the Jedi knights learn by clearing their mind (as eastern mystics do) which disagrees with the Christian concept of meditating on God's truths… “May God be with you,” not “the force”… |
