In 1977, George Lucas released what some people think of as the original Star Wars film, A New Hope. Thinking it may not succeed, it was not even titled A New Hope at that time, as George Lucas expected it to fail. When it succeeded, everything changed, and one of the most popular movie series was born. 

     Star Wars – The Phantom Menace, is the first film in the Star Wars saga. It was released in 1999 which was almost sixteen years after the third Star Wars film (Return of the Jedi) was released in movie theaters. Return of the Jedi is actually the sixth film in Star Wars Chronological order. Confusing, I know! The Phantom Menace begins with two Jedi Heroes, Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice, a very young Obi-Wan Kenobi being sent to negotiate with the evil Trade Federation, Which is being controlled by evil Darth Sidious, a Sith Lord. As expected, things go wrong and the two Jedi escape to Naboo to find the clumsy, yet likeable Jar Jar Binks who is from the underwater city called Gunga City. On their Journey they also rescue the young Queen Amidala, the 14 year old leader of the Naboo people. Then they escape, but are forced to land on Tatooine. Queen Amidala asks the two Jedi to take her handmaiden Padme (who is someone in disguise) so she can learn more about the planet. They also meet the very young Anakin Skywalker a slave to Watto, a junk dealer. 

     There is a prophecy in the ancient Jedi Legacy, that a young child will bring balance to the force. Anakin is young, but very smart and brave, and eventually wins a pod race that allows them to buy parts for their broken ship. They head to Coruscant, after a narrow escape from Darth Sidious’s apprentice, Darth Maul. After some maneuvering by Senator Palpatine, who’s also…(will not say if you haven’t seen the movie) and really cool battle between Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi vs, Darth Maul, the movie has a few more interesting parts that sets up the plots for the entire rest of the Star Wars films. I really like the movie and would recommend it because it tells you the backstories of some of the characters. However, some may find (like myself) a really cool, evil character who was killed off way too quickly and could have been brought into the other movies. Otherwise, I would give the Phantom Menace four and a half out of five lightsabers.