There’s mostly good news to report about Star Wars: Episode I--The Phantom Menace. Despite less than stellar advance reviews, seeing the movie on the big screen is a lot of fun. When compared to The Mummy, another special effects movie playing at the same theater, well, there is no comparison. George Lucas, the writer and director, is a creative genius who spares no expense (a $100 million plus budget) to entertain you and your family.

The bad news about the movie comes from those who think the newest installment lacks the pizzazz of the first three "Star Wars" movies. They may have something there, what with no Harrison Ford and all. Even the villain, Darth Maul, with his satanic facial image, isn’t that frightening. I’ve seen scarier mugs on hockey goalies’ masks. I guess it’s just me, but I miss Darth Vader’s wheezing. But we’ll see him again in the next movie due in three years.

There are also complaints about the script and acting performances. True, the movie had me yawning at several points. That, plus the fact that most of us know what happens to the characters in this episode because we have already seen them in the fourth, fifth, and sixth installments. And Liam Neeson’s Jedi Knight character, Qui-Gon Jinn, is so wooden, he merits a termite inspection...or a charisma lesson from Al Gore.

But I don’t go to "Star Wars" movies in anticipation of seeing the same high drama of an Ingmar Bergman film, or worse, from one of those "Star Trek" flicks.

I go to see the special effects. On that criterion alone, The Phantom Menace hits one right out of the park with men on base.

Movies are supposed to take you to places you’ve never been before or ever imagine existed. The visuals and action scenes of The Phantom Menace are spectacular, placing the picture in a league of its own. Director Lucas gives great attention to detail and it shows all throughout the film. To remind us that this is a kid’s film, however, there’s a computer-generated character named Jar Jar Binks that will have you longing to watch "Barney" instead.

I have fond memories of my father taking me to see The Bridge on the River Kwai at the theater when I was twelve. Someday, your children or grandchildren might look back and remember the time you took them to see Star Wars: Episode I--The Phantom Menace. May the Force be with you!