My Strategic Star Wars Initiative

Darth Vader, the tragic hero of the saga, feels the winds of his fate stir.

I will admit that perhaps I like "Star Wars" too much, but there are worse vices in the world. Sorry, my Web site does not provide any of them.

Check out my review of "The Phantom Menace" and if you crave more, the images link to some fun "Star Wars" sites.

Queen Amidala prepares to plead her cause to the Senate.

Episode Won Me Over

by Tracy Irwin

I must admit that Jar Jar Binks had me distressed at first, but I have passed this trial by annoyance. After viewing the movie five times, I have decided that I like it better each time, which really is the test of a "Star Wars" movie after all.

This visually beautiful film thrived on marvelous little details like Jabba the Hutt flicking small animals over a ledge. And the Sand People taking pot shots at the pod racers was brilliant. It was just like back home!

The action never disappointed as it charged through an underwater world, a stodgy Jedi Council, a corrupt Senate, and climaxed with a Jedi battle. The lightsaber fight was so awesome that it made me wish the movie was two hours of that.

I liked the characters Queen Amidala and Senator Palpatine the most. The Senator was warm and fuzzy yet delightfully manipulative. And of course, I adored young Anakin. I anticipate eagerly the downfall of the precious and cute child. Ah, innocence corrupted. Now there is a theme that does not get old.