Stargazing in 3D at Star Wars event

MANILA, Philippines - 20th Century Fox recently held a special invitational screening of Star Wars Episode 1 The Phantom Menace at SM Megamall where groups of fans of the epic franchise gamely came in wearing costumes of their favorite character from the movie.

Seen at the well-attended screening posing with cosplayers and fans are from Star Magic talents Maliksi and Marikit Morales, Ann Sy, Janine Berdine, Kyline Alcantara, Queenie and newcomer Lerrick Serrano.

Star Wars Episode 1 The Phantom Menace in 3D is the first widely phenomenal saga from George Lucas to be converted to 3D.  Other Star Wars episodes are in the process of 3D conversion that will also be released in theaters soon.

Episode 1’s framing plot line involves Senator Palpatine (played by Natalie Portman), an influential politician quietly making moves to consolidate his power in a time of unrest throughout the Republic, during which the government has been weakened and turned into a bureaucratic quagmire.

A specific incident within this framework places Palpatine at the center of a conflict between the gigantic, commercial Trade Federation and the small, peaceful planet Naboo.  Naboo is threatened by the might of the wealthy corporate powers, which begin to disregard the constraints of the weak galactic government.

From left: Maliksi Morales and sister Marikit and Ann Sy

The young queen of Naboo finds herself faced with difficult decisions. Committed to peace, she must choose whether to sacrifice her ideals when war descends upon her people. Sent into this crisis to negotiate a settlement are two Jedi Knights, the guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy. Prepared for a political dispute, the Jedi Master, Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) discover that the Trade Federation is about to unleash its mighty forces in open combat against Naboo.  Unless the two Jedi can succeed, the planet’s fate is grim.

In the course of their adventure, Qui-Gon discovers a young boy, Anakin (Jake Lloyd), who is a slave on the desert planet Tatooine. Qui-Gon senses that Anakin is the individual destined to bring balance to the Force, and makes a fateful decision to train Anakin as a Jedi Knight. At the same time, Anakin begins a friendship with the Queen of Naboo.

Star Wars Episode 1 The Phantom Menace in 3D opens in cinemas on Feb. 9.