Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (3D)

The plot, if you hadn`t caught the movie in its original run more than a decade ago, revolves around the discovery of a young Anakin Skywalker – the prepubescent, still innocent Darth Vader – who is discovered by a Jedi while escaping the invasion of the planet of Naboo, a war masterminded by the evil Sith lord. If you have to ask what a `Jedi` or a `Sith` is, we recommend you give this movie a miss.

That being said, little else has changed about this solid- albeit unspectacular- add-on to George Lucas`s epic space opera trilogy. Liam Neeson as Qui-Gon Jin is still sage-like, Ewan Mcgregor as a young Obi-Wan Kenobi is still laconic, and Jar Jar Binks still makes yousa want to eviscerate him with his annoying antics. The visuals – spectacular when the film was first released – now seem slightly dated, but charming nonetheless.

Sadly, Star Wars Episode I in 3D is a bit of a misnomer, because the only thing the 3D glasses seem to do is to darken the visual experience considerably. I`m tempted to inject a pun on how this brings the film closer to The Dark Side, but on a serious note, those moviegoers who`re hoping for a revamped 3D experience are well advised to rein in their expectations or face some serious disappointment.

While the film is unlikely to make any new converts to the series, it still gets the job done in offering over-the-top, sci-fi themed action, and grown up Star Wars fans may fancy bringing their 12 year-old kids in for the ride, just for nostalgia`s sake. However, the lack of prominence of the 3D effects makes one wonder if said families would be better served just renting the DVD.

Summary: Like stepping into a time machineâ€