Thirteen years after its release in 1999, The Phanton Menace, episode one of the Star Wars saga has been released in 3D. However, the disappointing original film is not improved much by being in 3D.
The film is about a blockade of the small planet of Naboo by the evil Trade Federation; the Federation wants to force Naboo into signing a treaty in order to resolve a tax dispute. In response, the Supreme Chancellor sends two Jedi Knights, Qui Gon Jin (Liam Neeson) and Obi Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) to resolve the conflict. The negotiations however never take place due to an assassination attempt on the two Jedi. However, the Jedi are able to stow aboard a ship to Naboo, where they are guided to the Queen (Natalie Portman) by the gungan Jar Jar Binks (voice of Ahmed Best). They escape from Naboo to Coruscant to persuade the Senate to intervene in their favour. However, before they can arrive at Coruscant, they are stranded on the remote planet of Tatooine where they encounter the young Anakin Sywalker (Jake Lloyd), the future Darth Vader. With Anakin on board they arrive at Coruscant. However, due to the Senate’s failure to act, the Queen and the Jedi return to Naboo to fight for their cause, resulting in a massive battle.
The film is flawed. Although George Lucas said that “Moving from 2D to 3D is like the difference between watching a film in black and white and watching a film in color”, the transition to 3D fails to significantly enhance the big events of the film. Also, there are some flaws with the charectarisation in the film. For example, Lloyd’s performance as Anakin Sywalker is poor and the fact that he ends up saving the day accidentally is a major problem within the story. Jar Jar Binks, of course, is immensley irritating. It is no wonder therefore that The Phantom Menace has received poor reviews from critics.
However, despite these flaws the film did provide some great action. The exhilarating podrace was a superb display of visual effects. Also, the lightsaber dual at the end featuring Qui Gon Jin, Obi Wan Kenobi and Darth Maul (Ray Park) was one of the most thrilling lightsaber duals of the Star Wars saga, enhanced by the epic “Dual of the Fates” soundtrack. Also, many fans will relish the opportunity to re-experience the saga on the big screen.
The Phanton Meance will never be remebered as a great film and 3D does little to enhance it. Although it has some exciting moments, it is fundamentally flawed. However, the original Star Wars films are also scheduled to be released in 3D. Unlike The Phantom Meance, this classic saga in 3D is a must see for all die-hard Star Wars fans.
4/10
Related posts: