By Martin J. Kidston
by Martin J. Kidston
Thursday, May 20
The Federation arrived in Havre on Wednesday to the fanfare of hundreds, although the Galactic Republic wasnt too pleased. It seems trade routes in the outlying star system are in, well are in turmoil, and political unrest is beginning to brew.
The Havre cinema had sold 135 tickets an hour before the opening matinee of Star Wars: Episode One; The Phantom Menace. By showtime, though the theater hadnt sold out, enough fanatics were on hand (175), lending a hush of anticipation when the lights went low and the show began.
Lightsabers red and green clashing; pod races speeding; lightning quick galactic battles, raging around outlying star bases; digital mastery at its best, tossing explosive debris with an in-your-face ferocity. Patrons loved it, and when the best man was left standing, and when the cheers rang out for the republic, movie-goers expressed their pleasure with the ways of the force.
It was great excellent, said Ryan Shaffer after the show.
Visually stimulating, Jeremy Borst said.
But it left a lot of questions to be answered, James Hayward added. It answered a lot of questions, but created new ones, too.
His pals agreed.
Questions were answered, indeed; questions about the mystery of the force, the early days of good Anakin Skywalker and the strength of the Jedi Knight. But as to the future of the Federation the foundation was set, not answered. The crumble of the Jedi Council to be determined. The future affair that will spawn Luke and Princess Leia suggested but not complete. Galactic life goes on.
Star Wars: Episode One; The Phantom Menace will show three times a day at the Havre Cinema through June. Showtimes are set at 4, 6:50 and 9:30 p.m.
