Watch out fanboys, “Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace” is making its way back into theaters and this time, “Star Wars” fans will get to experience the film in 3D.

“Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace,” directed by George Lucas, was originally released in 1999 and is the first of a three-part prequel to the original trilogy.

In the film, Jedi master Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) go on a mission to stop the Trade Federation’s boycott on planet Naboo. Once they arrive, they find an invasion has occurred and they attempt to save Naboo’s Queen Amidala (Natalie Portman).

Along the way, they meet some familiar characters: R2D2, Yoda, C3PO and Jabba the Hutt. The most important character they meet is young Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd), whom the Jedi take under their wings during the mission. The duo also encounter the new Jedi foe, Darth Maul (Ray Park), a Sith lord who carries a double-sided light saber.

The visuals and special effects were the best parts about the film back then but the film looks absolutely amazing in 3D. The pod race and battle scenes benefit the most from the 3D enhancement because the action is intensified. 

Overall, this film is not terrible, but it is not great either. The problem is it can be somewhat boring to certain audiences, including “Star Wars” fans. It was somewhat boring because of the poor script, dull dialogue and disappointing acting. The 3D can only improve the visuals of the action sequences.

While this is great for some audiences, this film seemed to be geared toward older “Star Wars” fans who experienced the films when they were children. Older fans will likely feel this is a disappointment because it is not as good as the previous films.

The movie focuses more on action and visuals rather than the acting from the cast. The three stars of the film – Neeson, McGregor and Portman – are all excellent actors, but this was not their best work. They all seemed very mechanical, just regurgitating lines rather than expressing themselves.

The character everyone loves or hates, Jar Jar Binks, is mostly hated because he is annoying and not necessary.

The worst acting from the cast, by far, is from Lloyd as young Skywalker. His lack of experience was evident as he was struggling in scenes, such as the pod race scene where his excitement seemed forced and not real.

Out of the characters in the film, Darth Maul is the most iconic. He makes for the one of the greatest villains in film history, simply because of his quiet demeanor and fighting skills make him a deadly foe for the Jedi.

The film does have some great moments making up for some of the bad sequences.

One of most memorable scenes from the film is the final battle scene between Darth Maul, Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi. The fight choreography is well done, and the scene is intense because it makes fans feel as if they are in the scene. When Darth Maul reveals his double-sided light saber, he makes it known that the fight is about to get crazy.

When the movie was first released, the visual effects were revolutionary to audiences. With 3D effects added, the result is a visually stunning film.

“Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace” is far from ‘Star Wars” best, but it is still somewhat entertaining and the 3D experience is unforgettable. 

Brittany Lambert can be reached at [email protected]