George Lucas' Star Wars prequel, going back to when Darth Vader was a nice little boy who loved his mum.
On the planet of Naboo, peace is under threat from the manipulating forces of evil within the Trade Federation. Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) attempt to safely escort Queen Amidala (Natalie Portman) from Naboo, but are attacked and forced to land on the planet Tatooine. There, they discover a young Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd) - a slave boy with the powers of The Force. Together they face Darth Sidious, leader of the Trade Federation, and his dark apprentice, Darth Maul.
I apologise, we feel bad, but there's no trailer available. ~Ed.
I've always felt at odds with everyone who ever called The Phantom Menace a disappointment. The breakneck pod-race across the desert dunes was as thrilling as cinema ever got in the late 90s. The final lightsabre battle with Darth Maul (pictured) was the best use of a double-bladed lightsabre ever. And it was an interesting addition to the existing Star Wars universe, suggesting that the great villain Darth Vader was once a good-hearted slaveboy who loved his mum. Jar Jar Binks was a comic-relief alien that made most people sick, but come on, it's only a movie.
By Andrew Hedley, Flicks.co.nz
As a great fan with collectors items and such I had high hopes for this movie and a long time coming only to have my hopes dashed by the annoying cartoon style storyline sub plots with the horrible and stupid Jar Jar the special effects were brilliant expected nothing less but this by far the sillest of all the films
An often deliriously exciting adventure, hitting the target audience of 10-year olds and satisfying long-time fans.
There is a sense of discovery in scene after scene of The Phantom Menace.
The most disappointing film of all time it remains, but with the galaxy of hype now far, far away Menace seems much less of a public menace than it did in the summer of 1999.
Nothing has the right to bore and disappoint us this much.
Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace seems designed more as a promotion for Lucasfilm's billion-dollar merchandising concerns than a meaningful chapter in the Star Wars canon.
We've been told the NZ release date for this flick is Friday, 1st Jan 1999.
Release date: January 1st 1999.
We haven't received times for this movie in this location yet. However these are updated as cinemas announce them, so check back soon. Hopefully the lovely cinemas in your location will choose to play it shortly. ~Ed.
