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 Star Wars: Episode I
The Phantom Menace
Box Office Stats:
Opened May 19, 1999
$925.6 million worldwide (3rd biggest ever)
$431,088,297 domestic (4th biggest ever)
The basic premise is this: the Trade Federation has blockaded
the peaceful planet Naboo in opposition of the new taxation of trade routes.
Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn and his Padawan learner Obi-Wan Kenobi are secretly
dispatched by Supreme Chancellor Valorum - basically Galactic President - to try
and negotiate with the Trade Federation. However, upon their arrival the
Nemoidians (members of the Trade Federation) turn hostile, blowing up the
Republic Cruiser on which the duo arrived and dispersing poison gas in the room
where the Jedi were staying. A small squad of computer-controlled Battle Droids
are sent to finish them off, but Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan easily escape, eventually
stowing aboard transport ships going down to Naboo and carrying thousands of
Battle Droids and tanks (MTTs and ATTs).
After they rescue the Queen, they flee towards Coruscant,
capital of the galaxy. On the way, they encounter a detour and pick up young
Anakin Skywalker from Tatooine, freeing him from slavery in a dramatic "podrace"
- a dozen or so hovering podracers flying at hundreds of miles per hour across
the Tatooine desert.
On Coruscant, Valorum is impeached and Senator Palpatine of
Naboo elected new Supreme Chancellor. The film concludes in a large,
four-pronged battle. On the plains of Naboo, the Federation armies face off
against the Gungans, and in the capital Theed, the Queen leads a handful of
soldiers to capture the leaders of the Federation. The two Jedi face off against
Darth Maul, and little Ani joins Bravo Flight in the assault on the Droid
Control Ship.
Overall, lots of action and cool special effects make this quite
a good movie. You might be a little confused by the plot at first, but
eventually you'll figure it out. That's why you go see it 6 times. :-) Many say
Jar Jar Binks ruined Star Wars, and I can see why they say that, but really he's
not that bad.
The music is another high point. My personal favorites are the
music playing during the first stages of the invasion and Duel of the Fates,
which plays during the excellent lightsaber fight. John Williams has done it
again.
Some have said that you appreciate this movie more once you see
Episode II, and I think that's true. As George Lucas has said many times, this
is really just one chapter in a giant, 12-hour saga.
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