Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace

In the long awaited Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace the Jedi knights Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi come to the assistence of the good Queen Amidala who resides on the planet of Naboo. Her kingdom is invaded by the Trade Federation, but the one that pulls the strings is the mysterious Sith knight.

The visuals of The Phantom Menace are astounding, and the story is entertaining from start to finish, but where is the magic and the charm? Ewan McGregor and Liam Neeson appear depressingly world-weary as the Jedis compared to Harrison Ford's vital Han Solo in Episode 4, 5 and 6. And why this division between comedy (Jar Jar Binks) and seriousness (eg. the Jedi knights)? Still, Episode I is a must-see for all fans of George Lucas' Galactic universe.