Nearly fifteen years have passed since we last visited that "galaxy far far away'', and the build-up and hype surrounding the release of the new Star Wars prequel -- "The Phantom Menace'' -- has worked in it's favour. It's a truly enjoyable, visually-stunning movie.

The impact of the Star Wars trilogy has left most movie fans wanting more. And "The Phantom Menace'' delivers, offering excitement, humour and action all against the background of that endless battle between good and evil.

George Lucas, the father of Star Wars, deserves credit for making great movie fun, despite knowing how it all will end.

And the movie has a cast of characters that stand out, in particular the computer generated image character of Jar Jar Binks (Ahmed Best), who promises to be a favourite for many. He truly adds humour to serious situations and, without this character, the movie would have suffered.

Queen Amidala, played by the youthful Natalie Portman, offers a wisdom and confidence to stand her ground.

As for Anakin Skywalker (Jake Loyd), we see a young boy ready to see the universe but hounded by fear.

The Jedi Master Qui-Gin Jinn (Liam Neeson) and his apprentice Obi- Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) are simply that -- master and apprentice.

While we didn't see much of him, Mace Windu (Samuel L. Jackson) and Yoda are guaranteed to be around for the next installment.

While the special effects space visuals have a lot to offer, the true gems of the movie are its locales.

They are not only fascinating, but are visually captivating.

The planet of Naboo is the most beautiful place we have yet to see in a film.

Lucas' vision for the planet present two of the most amazing visuals, The Theed Palace and the Gungun hidden city, and are worth the price of admission.

Spectacular images of the metropolis planet of Coruscant are also awe-inspiring: the vision for this city is something which Lucas must be given credit for. It is clear that time went into creating these scenes as each detail compliments the other, especially the Spire of the Jedi Temple and the Senate.

I was captivated not only by the movie but by the fact that there were a number of elements at play.

Scenes in which Anakin is `pod racing' are something to which movies will now be determined. Watching this, I found myself holding my breath at times.

Another interesting point was the relationship between Anakin and his mother.

While it could have been more fully developed, the relationship presented a boy who was afraid to leave and a mother who knew that one day he would have to.

While Anakin's father may remain a mystery to some, his existence is the spiritual basis for the Force.

What was disappointing is the fact that there were so many computerised characters, meaning the main characters are not given the space to develop.

We should have see more of the Darth Maul and his master Lord Cidius; their significance to the story appeared to be simply seek and destroy.

If you're a fan of sci-fi this is the movie for you.

It has the perfect blend of escapism, fantasy and is awe inspiring. Through Lucas's vast imagination I credit the thought that has gone into "The Phantom Menace''.

If this movie would have been done earlier -- before the technology was available -- the story would have been lost.

It is assured that Lucas has only piqued the imagination of the fans with "The Phantom Menace'' and that two future installments will surely lead us to the Dark Side.

Keith Caesar Forceful fans: Sporting a "light sabre'', Star Wars fans Dan Cenker and Amos Victor of Lyndhurst, N.J., settle in for a screening of the long-awaited prequel to the Star Wars trilogy. Like theatres across North America, it was standing room only in Bermuda for those hoping to see the first chapter of the Star Wars Series.