Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation | Release Date: May 19, 1999
6.2
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 2088 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
1,020
Mixed:
751
Negative:
317
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
3
VincentV.Sep 28, 2008
Dear George, the story was okay, just okay, but the very boring race, jar jar binks and the failed tries to be funny just made it a long annoying movie...
16 of 21 users found this helpful
10
MovieLonely94Nov 1, 2010
George Lucas's epic masterpiece before the dark times.
51 of 124 users found this helpful5173
All this user's reviews
7
tripleKDec 21, 2019
Both the best and the worst of all Star Wars movies. That's because it has a completely different and unique tone from all the other episodes, and you will either love it or hate it. To alot of people it's too boring and childish, but IBoth the best and the worst of all Star Wars movies. That's because it has a completely different and unique tone from all the other episodes, and you will either love it or hate it. To alot of people it's too boring and childish, but I think it's good for what it is - an adventure movie for kids with deeper themes that adults and star wars nerds can ejoy too. My only real complaint is there's too much Jar Jar and not enough Darth Maul, if you swapped their screentime the movie would've been perfect.… Expand
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
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9
DavidLammyDec 20, 2019
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Complex plot, the characters were sublime and full of personality and character, there was loads of backstory and lore added to the SW franchise with this film. Darth Maul looked so cool. The best thing about this film was how the Jedi Order took Anakin away from his sexy Mother, as a black man who adopted a white son, this film truly showed that diversity is a strength when a group of strangers took a boy away from his genetically close Mother for the greater good, the diversity is strong with this one.… Expand
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
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8
HeliotaySep 26, 2021
Pros: Good characters, Amazing effects, Cool fight scenes

Cons: Jar Jar, a bit to much talking
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
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4
kman5473Feb 25, 2019
What happens when you take one of the biggest franchises of all time, its creator and his never-revised first draft script for a prequel, and then surround him by enablers? Nothing good. The aesthetics of the characters is there, certainly,What happens when you take one of the biggest franchises of all time, its creator and his never-revised first draft script for a prequel, and then surround him by enablers? Nothing good. The aesthetics of the characters is there, certainly, but every decision made is lacking precision and second, third, and fourth thoughts in its execution. Jar Jar Binks is supposed to appeal to the younger audiences, but was taken too far and became a caricature that only annoyed most. Darth Maul is a villain with with a ton of potential...but then is killed off without any further character development. These decisions, clearly, were based on merchandising statistics vs great storytelling motivations. A kid-friendly character sells better as a stuffed animal/pillow case than a villain, right? Add to this dialogue that is incredibly difficult to penetrate and understand for an audience member that is supposed to be driving the plot forward. Add to this dialogue that is really cliche and dumb that is supposed to entertain the kids. Total loss of tone in the story.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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4
Richmond95Oct 5, 2019
How do I review The Phantom Menace? I'd say it's one of those so bad its good kind of films, but the film has plenty of boring elements that really drag things down. Darth Maul is cool no doubt, but his now iconic battle with that great musicHow do I review The Phantom Menace? I'd say it's one of those so bad its good kind of films, but the film has plenty of boring elements that really drag things down. Darth Maul is cool no doubt, but his now iconic battle with that great music score, is not gripping since nothing is going on besides the fight. No drama, no character connections, just there for the spectacle. Just like the speeder race, which made a decent video game, but very dull to watch. Jar Jar Binks is yes beyond annoying, Natalie Portman's weird voice in this is well just weird. The story makes no sense and is not engaging at all. Nowadays your better off watching the Darth Maul battle clips, other than that I can't recommend you take the time to watch this film beginning to end.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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8
BobB.Sep 27, 2006
Okay, it wasn't the best, but it did include lots of things which were absent in Episode 3. The droids didn't run away from battle like un-trained civilians, they marched steadily forward, like a droid is supposed to. Also, the pod Okay, it wasn't the best, but it did include lots of things which were absent in Episode 3. The droids didn't run away from battle like un-trained civilians, they marched steadily forward, like a droid is supposed to. Also, the pod racing scene wasn't too shabby, either. All of this included with the best lightsaber duel in the series makes this movie very much worth watching.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
8
PaulF.Apr 27, 2007
When I first watched this I was about 16 and I have to admit that it blew me away at the time. It was a completely fresh aproach to the saga with cool enemies and set pieces. Who could forget the pod race, the first time you see the When I first watched this I was about 16 and I have to admit that it blew me away at the time. It was a completely fresh aproach to the saga with cool enemies and set pieces. Who could forget the pod race, the first time you see the destroyer droids rolling into action and the Darth Maul battle at the end? Yes it isn't as good as the originals but IMO it's more than good enough to sit alongside them.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
9
TelimaktarMay 23, 2008
Till today I can watch this movie over and over again just like the rest of its family. Thank you George Lucas for this works of art.
1 of 1 users found this helpful
8
YashSMar 17, 2009
Darth Maul and Qui-Gon-Jinn are the BEST Obi-Wan went crazy at the final battle scene That was the best battle scene of the series I hate that Darth Maul died He is so cool Same with Qui-Gon Everything else was okay
1 of 1 users found this helpful
8
mikekMay 27, 2009
I remember the hype for this movie right after the special editions the new amazing character jar jar binks whom ended up hated by fans but whom i liked over the films anakin...other than that the movie was great....way better than attack of I remember the hype for this movie right after the special editions the new amazing character jar jar binks whom ended up hated by fans but whom i liked over the films anakin...other than that the movie was great....way better than attack of the clones..the darth maul is one of the best lightsaber duels in all the movies it was a sin the amount of time he got in the film after all the publicity it was an upset but what we get is great and qui gon was quite possibly the best performance in the whoel prequal trilogy.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
6
KipJun 14, 2009
By far the weakest of the Star Wars episodes. It only gets a 6 because it is Star Wars. Jar Jar Binks is perhaps the most annoying character ever created. Remove him and cut 80% of that damn pod race and I'd give it 7.5, maybe even an 8.
1 of 1 users found this helpful
6
CriticMLTJun 5, 2016
This is probably the least pleasant star wars film. The story was quite ok but the acting in it is very bad compared to the other films. I am quite disappointed.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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4
hassallNov 27, 2016
Honesty when i saw this movie i was very disappointing. the story was okay, just okay, but the very boring race, jar jar binks and the failed tries to be funny just made it a long annoying movie.Im going to give it a 4 because the lightsaberHonesty when i saw this movie i was very disappointing. the story was okay, just okay, but the very boring race, jar jar binks and the failed tries to be funny just made it a long annoying movie.Im going to give it a 4 because the lightsaber duel was good.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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4
Bugger217Sep 9, 2017
George Lucas helped usher in a new era in filmmaking with The Phantom Menace, but he also lost track of what made Star Wars special to millions of people around the world. Make no mistake, the visual effects here were mind-blowing at the timeGeorge Lucas helped usher in a new era in filmmaking with The Phantom Menace, but he also lost track of what made Star Wars special to millions of people around the world. Make no mistake, the visual effects here were mind-blowing at the time of release, but there are so many issues plaguing the film. Empty dialogue and stilted direction lead to bad performances from actors who are typically very good, and heavy use of CGI in its infancy has result in the film aging poorly. The production design is great, and a few action sequences thrill, but everything else is either shockingly misguided or downright boring.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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4
Miles_SDec 9, 2017
When it's not grating and incredibly annoying, it's banal. There are somewhat positive aspects, to an extent at least. But there outweighed by all the just below mediocre aspects.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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5
mecheng03Mar 9, 2019
Pretty bad but if you watch the fan edited version with Jar Jar having an alien language and no pod racing makes it actually about a 6-7.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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4
NGJ747Mar 19, 2019
The phantom menace uses potty humor annoying characters and weak acting it brings shame to the franchise.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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6
MarinadeJul 28, 2019
The first episode in the prequel trilogy came with a lot of high expectations, unfortunately it failed to meet those expectations. The first 3/4 of this movie is not that great, the introduction of Jar Jar Binks is not well received. TheThe first episode in the prequel trilogy came with a lot of high expectations, unfortunately it failed to meet those expectations. The first 3/4 of this movie is not that great, the introduction of Jar Jar Binks is not well received. The gungan city underwater scenes are strange and lets the story get carried away. The pod racing scene is alright, is exciting but it is just okay. What saved this movie for me is the Obi-Wan & Qui-Gon vs Darth Maul battle, this was amazing, so well done. Duel of the Fates music to go along with it was the icing on the cake.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
Cabras1Dec 21, 2019
A worthy start to a great trilogy. well done,with an exiting plot and an interpretation worthy of the series
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
Onlyclassicvg1Mar 23, 2023
Stranded on the desert planet Tatooine after rescuing young Queen Amidala from the impending invasion of Naboo, Jedi apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn discover nine-year-old Anakin Skywalker, a young slave unusuallyStranded on the desert planet Tatooine after rescuing young Queen Amidala from the impending invasion of Naboo, Jedi apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn discover nine-year-old Anakin Skywalker, a young slave unusually strong in the Force. Anakin wins a thrilling Podrace and with it his freedom as he leaves his home t… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
liamexeSep 20, 2022
This film may have been a terrific beginning to a trilogy with a few tweaks, but Jar Jar just killed it. Give the movie a chance if you haven't; it's not the worst in the franchise, but it's dangerously close. The movie begins off OK but thenThis film may have been a terrific beginning to a trilogy with a few tweaks, but Jar Jar just killed it. Give the movie a chance if you haven't; it's not the worst in the franchise, but it's dangerously close. The movie begins off OK but then gets monotonous in the third act. Thankfully, Darth Maul prevented it from being dreadful.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
fefekoMay 28, 2023
tripleKDec 21, 2019
Both the best and the worst of all Star Wars movies. That's because it has a completely different and unique tone from all the other episodes, and you will either love it or hate it. To alot of people it's too boring andtripleKDec 21, 2019
Both the best and the worst of all Star Wars movies. That's because it has a completely different and unique tone from all the other episodes, and you will either love it or hate it. To alot of people it's too boring and childish, but I think it's good for what it is - an adventure movie for kids with deeper themes that adults and star wars nerds can ejoy too. My only real complaint is there's too much Jar Jar and not enough Darth Maul, if you swapped their screentime the movie would've been perfect.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
8
GiugiOct 2, 2022
This film as a child had excited me like little else and entertained me a lot. Once grown up I can say that the film has aged badly and that it is very slow and in particular a character is hateful beyond all limits. But it is entertainingThis film as a child had excited me like little else and entertained me a lot. Once grown up I can say that the film has aged badly and that it is very slow and in particular a character is hateful beyond all limits. But it is entertaining and beautiful and the main enemy is charming though little exploited.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
alerikandersonApr 25, 2023
Why all the hate, despite Jar Jar Binks in this film and the story, it was fun.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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9
JimshakesAug 8, 2023
Could have done with slightly less CGI but a fun ride and brilliant set up to the prequel trilogy!
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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9
GlennL.Nov 11, 2009
Excellent film which starts the prequel series of the Star Wars Trilogy.
4 of 5 users found this helpful
1
seventhbeaconDec 30, 2015
The only positive thing I can say about this movie is that it's better than "Attack of the Clones". Faint praise, I know, but apart from the terrible writing, ridiculous plot, and failed execution of filmmaking, there are still some amazingThe only positive thing I can say about this movie is that it's better than "Attack of the Clones". Faint praise, I know, but apart from the terrible writing, ridiculous plot, and failed execution of filmmaking, there are still some amazing musical and visual cues to be had. If only there was a way to mute the dialogue.… Expand
4 of 5 users found this helpful41
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10
jeffsmith247Feb 24, 2020
I hope to be anakin skywalker when i become 8 years old like him :D he seems so cool
4 of 5 users found this helpful41
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7
leofromthedarkDec 27, 2016
To this day still of the more beautiful movies I've watched, a true escape from reality. I've always viewed this as the Renaissance of Star Wars. People have often criticised the dialogue as 'wooden' but I think George did a great jobTo this day still of the more beautiful movies I've watched, a true escape from reality. I've always viewed this as the Renaissance of Star Wars. People have often criticised the dialogue as 'wooden' but I think George did a great job extinguishing it from the previous entries. Boasting an excellent soundtrack and iconic battle between Darth Maul, Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Only cons I can say about this movie would the heavy feature of Jar-Jar in it, though I don't mind the character, felt a bit too much at times. The podrace always dragged on a bit and was a bit of bore. Despite that, Phantom Menace will always remain a classic and mainstay on my shelf as the years go by.… Expand
12 of 16 users found this helpful124
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8
RalfbergsFeb 29, 2020
I really liked this when I was a kid, of course it has silly acting from kid playing Anakin and everyone hates Jar Jar, but as a kid I really enjoyed it, maybe made more as movie for kids than adults, but still.
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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5
DanBurritoMar 24, 2016
With unimpressive acting, a poor script and an over-reliance on cgi, The Phantom Menace is a less-than-satisfying start to the infamous prequel trilogy. The pacing was painfully slow, and even Liam Neeson seems bored. Then of course, there'sWith unimpressive acting, a poor script and an over-reliance on cgi, The Phantom Menace is a less-than-satisfying start to the infamous prequel trilogy. The pacing was painfully slow, and even Liam Neeson seems bored. Then of course, there's the character of Jar Jar Binks, one of the most annoying characters in the history of cinema. Seriously, who thought HE was a good idea? Darth Maul was a cool villain, but he's barely even in it! The character development is practically non-existent, and much of the film is just a bunch of Jedi sitting around talking about taxation. The special effects were great, but the filmmakers seem to value them over story and characters. And just so you know, I am a HUGE Star Wars nerd. That's why this movie feels like a punch to the gut. FINAL VERDICT: This is a disappointing addition to a great franchise, and lacks the depth of previous instalments. 4.5/10.… Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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10
oxward321May 10, 2011
The Phantom Menace is an UNDERRATED MASTERPIECE!!!!!

"The Phantom Menace" WOW! The audience went ape s-(well you know the rest) every time I saw it. I couldn't get it out of my head, I read the novel 3 times (after I seen the film) thatThe Phantom Menace is an UNDERRATED MASTERPIECE!!!!!


"The Phantom Menace" WOW! The audience went ape s-(well you know the rest) every time I saw it. I couldn't get it out of my head, I read the novel 3 times (after I seen the film) that summer, as well as the screenplay. Man I love this film, and the more I see it the more I love it. Qui-Gon, Darth Maul and Watto three of my top ten favorite characters. 8 times between May and Dec. of '99, and every time I seen it the crowd cheered, and at the end erupted in applauds. It was cool, very cool. For me I didn't want to see a rehash of ANH, and what I got was a new twist to and old universe. I was pleasantly surprised by the out come, of all three prequels.

To this day I still LOVE this movie. It's just gets better and better!… Expand
13 of 19 users found this helpful136
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10
KyleM.Dec 22, 2005
This is the best star wars ever. a terrifc beginning to the saga. a little predictable but u dont even notice it.
2 of 3 users found this helpful
5
TrilobiteGNov 7, 2015
An candy shop of visuals and lightsaber fights which is too easily consumed leaving a sick feeling of dry characters and the most tedious dialogue known to man. Jar Jar Binks you worthless excuse for comic relief. But, the visuals of battleAn candy shop of visuals and lightsaber fights which is too easily consumed leaving a sick feeling of dry characters and the most tedious dialogue known to man. Jar Jar Binks you worthless excuse for comic relief. But, the visuals of battle are always nice to see and the pod race was surprisingly intense...and you can appreciate how cheesy it is for that extra burst that doesn't make this movie complete garbage along with some added nostalgia.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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1
Prequelhater878May 19, 2015
One of the worst movies I have ever seen. With dull writing, dull characters, and a dull plot this movie makes starring at a wall more fun and exciting
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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4
FilmMasterEdJan 5, 2016
The actors are wallpaper, the jokes are juvenile, there's no romance, and the dialogue lands with the thud of a computer-instruction manual. But it's useless to criticize the visual astonishment that is Star Wars – Episode I: The PhantomThe actors are wallpaper, the jokes are juvenile, there's no romance, and the dialogue lands with the thud of a computer-instruction manual. But it's useless to criticize the visual astonishment that is Star Wars – Episode I: The Phantom Menace. With this epic and the trilogy that preceded it, George Lucas has built a pop-culture monument that packs all of history – war, religion, myth, art, science and those old reliables, good and evil – into a mystical grab bag that plays like a kiddie cartoon. There's a less fancy explanation for why Phantom Menace will inspire fetishistic worship: It's loaded with cool stuff. And reasonable facsimiles thereof are on sale at your local Force emporium.

Episode I is set thirty years earlier than the original saga, Episode IV: A New Hope, but some things never change. A royal babe is in trouble. Not Princess Leia; this time it's Queen Amidala (Natalie Portman). The Trade Federation sends battleships to her planet, Naboo, to persuade her to sign a dodgy treaty. To her rescue come two Jedi knights: old pro Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and his apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor). You'll recall that Alec Guinness played Obi-Wan the first time, and McGregor does a deft job of matching up with him vocally. ^Vhen Federation types send in droids for the kill, the Jedis link up with Anakin Sky walker (Jake Lloyd), a nine-year-old slave who will grow up to marry the queen, father the twins Luke and Leia, and turn from the Jedi cause to the dark side as Darth Vader. Got that?

Good; here's what else you should know: Phantom Menace, which cost $115 million, lacks the crude freshness that Lucas lavished on the low-budget ($10 million) original in 1977 and the fluid storytelling that director Irvin Kershner brought to The Empire Strikes Back in 1980 – still the best in the series. But Menace is light-years ahead of the uneasy mix of furry Ewoks and Freudian psychology in Richard Marquand's 1983 Return of the Jedi. As for Lucas' directing skills, his work with actors still belongs to the "Don't emote, just stand there" school. But in terms of visual sophistication, already discernible in 1973's American Graffiti, Lucas ranks with the masters. He has always been more articulate with images than with words. Harrison Ford, who played Han Solo in the original, has famously chided Lucas, "You can type this **** George, but you sure can't say it."

McGregor is saddled with lines like, "I have a bad feeling about this." And Neeson must answer, "Be mindful of the living Force, my young Padawan." Ouch! Is it a coincidence that Phantom Menace and James Cameron's Titanic – whose box-office record ($1.8 billion worldwide) Lucas is chasing – were made by men with a poet's eyes and tin ears?

Comic relief – and, boy, does this movie need it – arrives with scene-stealer Jar Jar Binks, a gangly, floppy-eared Gungan, voiced hilariously by Ahmed Best but otherwise a fully digital creation. Jar Jar is an alien amphibian who lives in an underwater city and speaks in a pidgin English that still gets the point across. "Mesa in bombad troubles," says Jar Jar as he nabs food off plates with his long tongue and guides the Jedis in a submarine that gets chewed by a killer fish. Digital marvels abound, along with appearances by old favorites such as Jabba the Hutt and Yoda, who leads the Jedi Council on the planet Cor-uscant, along with Mace Windu (Samuel L. Jackson). Lucas surpasses himself in the creature department. Jar Jar's nemesis, Boss Nass, is a wonderfully odious menace. And Watto, the slave driver, is a fat-slob fly who manages to levitate on tiny hummingbird wings.

The human element is hard put to keep up. Neeson has a natural warmth but too few opportunities for humor. Portman, a beauty and a gifted actress at eighteen, is stuck with an underwritten character – at least Carrie Fisher was allowed to bring her verbal snap to Princess Leia. And McGregor, a live wire in Trainspotting and Velvet Goldmine, spends the film's first half trailing Qui-Gon like a lap dog. Happily, McGregor comes into his own in the final scenes, suggesting that the next two episodes, due in 2002 and 2005, will let him cut loose.

For now, the human focus is on Anakin, and the demands of the role – a messiah and an anti-Christ – put undue pressure on Lloyd, who was eight at the time of filming. You will search Lloyd's face in vain for the Darth Vader to come or for the agony of a boy forced to leave behind his slave mother, Shmi (Pernilla August), to begin his Jedi training. Lloyd shines in the lighter scenes, especially when Anakin enters a Podrace so perilous that ordinary humans can't tolerate the speed. The race is pure exhilaration. "Whoopee!" yells Anakin. Indeed. In this virtual universe – the video game supreme – Lucas is the king.

Still remains the most disappointing films of all time. It's rubbish.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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5
AdrenelineboyJun 25, 2018
George Lucas, the once masterful director, has lost his way, and there is no-where that this is more prominent than in Star Wars: Episode I- The Phantom Menace. Coherent storytelling, memorable dialogue and technological brilliance isGeorge Lucas, the once masterful director, has lost his way, and there is no-where that this is more prominent than in Star Wars: Episode I- The Phantom Menace. Coherent storytelling, memorable dialogue and technological brilliance is replaced by a disorientating CGI whirlwind of effects driven action and wooden dialog. Great, snarky, laugh-out-loud humour, is replaced by a computer designed, rabbit eared lump of flesh that steps in a pile of poop.
And an engaging plot is replaced by tedious, boring, Government committees that no adult or child has ever shown the least bit of interest in. The few redeeming factors that stops this film from being absolutely terrible are Liam Neeson and Ewen Mcgregor's characters, Darth Maul (obviously), and the fact that John Williams made the soundtrack. Because who doesn't want to hear another score from Williams?… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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6
DaddySakuOct 22, 2018
Although this movie gets a lot of negative response, I found there are a lot of things to love here. Even though the story is fairly boring and some of the characters are badly written, George Lucas succeded in the most important aspect ofAlthough this movie gets a lot of negative response, I found there are a lot of things to love here. Even though the story is fairly boring and some of the characters are badly written, George Lucas succeded in the most important aspect of this movie. He managed to create an original and exciting universe set before the rise of the empire in episode IV. Apart from this the movie manages to impress with, for its time, outstanding visuals. The movie may not be a masterpiece, but it held my attention to the end. It does an ok job as a standalone movie, but it excells in universe building.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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3
Jailhouse_McGeeJan 8, 2013
Okay, let's face it: If episode I would have been the first star wars movie, there would not have been a episode II. If the only (good) thing everybody remembers about a movie are some eye-candy scenes (and I am talking of course about theOkay, let's face it: If episode I would have been the first star wars movie, there would not have been a episode II. If the only (good) thing everybody remembers about a movie are some eye-candy scenes (and I am talking of course about the pod race and the double light sabre duel), you know your movie is in trouble, because it fails on all other levels: storytelling, character development, acting, pacing and tone. This movie feels like a well-calculated commercial product that should deliver to all audiences, but it's all about a shiny surface and nothing beyond that. And let's not forget about Jarjar, the most annoying character ever to be put in a movie.… Expand
13 of 20 users found this helpful137
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4
cowbell31Feb 5, 2012
When people say this movie is good, they can't back themselves up with the story, only with the effects. The movie continuously adds on to the characters character, we always question their decisions, and don't understand why anyone doesn'tWhen people say this movie is good, they can't back themselves up with the story, only with the effects. The movie continuously adds on to the characters character, we always question their decisions, and don't understand why anyone doesn't act like a normal person.… Expand
10 of 16 users found this helpful106
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7
gdiego135Dec 5, 2015
I know a lot of people hated the star wars prequels, because of overuse of cgi, But i still love them as equally as the the originals. this movie does have it's flaws but it's not a horrible movie actually i find more interesting than theI know a lot of people hated the star wars prequels, because of overuse of cgi, But i still love them as equally as the the originals. this movie does have it's flaws but it's not a horrible movie actually i find more interesting than the original because there's more color, in "a new hope" it was mostly in spaceships or tatooine so it's either all grey or orange, this movie makes star wars a lot more colorful, and the lightsaber battles are way better then they were in the originals, in the older films it looked friggin ridiculous in the prequels they made them badass. This movie is not horrible, but's not a masterpiece either, some of the acting is wooden but still worth watching because it's STAR WARS for crying out loud.… Expand
8 of 13 users found this helpful85
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10
smashbro1999Mar 19, 2013
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The locations and scenery are beautiful and exotic; the extremely well-done overall design of each planet and the specific places we are taken to is proof of that. From the lush and delectable beauty of Naboo to the vast and overwhelming city-planet of Coruscant, the environments are simply wonderful to behold. I simply don't understand why the use of CGI in the film is ridiculed as it is-CGI is something created by humans, just like animatronics-I don't believe CGI is "less human" than animatronics. The CGI enhances the visual quality of the environment and the characters that are CGI; this was what CGI was created to do, after all. The action sequences are amazing to behold, especially in the film's 20-minute climax; the pacing was perfect-the quick cuts between the three major conflicts matched the intense, fast-paced style of the battle-George Lucas' mastery in the visual arts was evident in the film. The symbolism and mythology-a Star Wars hallmark-is still a force to be reckoned with. Darth Maul's image, the duality in characters like Palpatine, and the symbiosis between prevalent organizations are all compelling, as well as the character types. Speaking of characters, I enjoyed Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, Padmé, and Anakin. I was interested by each of their journeys, and where they began and ended. I cared about them, as well; they weren't "wooden" and "boring," and nor were the performances behind them. The writing was good-not written by a 5-year-old-Lucas kept me interested in the characters and the story. I liked the politics involved in the story, as I am very interested in politics. The pacing for the story was good, as well. The supposed "plot-holes" are easily explained and/or easily ignored, and are more like nit-picks than actual criticism. I realize the problems both certain fans and critics alike have with this film-I understand their criticisms, but, to me, they either hold no water, or aren't significant enough to undermine the film, as I see it. I thought at least some of Jar-Jar Binks' antics were funny; he didn't annoy me, and I'm willing to bet he didn't annoy most of the kids who watched the film. Not only was Jar-Jar a character for kids, but he represents a "wise fool" in the film. Additionally, I hope people realize that this film isn't "universally hated;" look at this site-62% of fans gave this film a 3.5/5, and 57% of critics, just 3 points under "fresh" status, gave the film a positive review. All in all, Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace is an excellent film, and a more than worthy beginning to the saga; if you haven't seen it already, it is at least worth watching once.… Expand
9 of 15 users found this helpful96
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7
UrbanlistenerJan 12, 2016
While not being a terrible film, the first installment in Lucas' prequels just leaves audiences with an empty stomach. There is a lot to love in the film, cool characters, Darth Maul, good action sequences and a lot of eye candy (for 1999).While not being a terrible film, the first installment in Lucas' prequels just leaves audiences with an empty stomach. There is a lot to love in the film, cool characters, Darth Maul, good action sequences and a lot of eye candy (for 1999). But there is also a lot to hate, not a lot of substance, some bad acting (Anakin), some bad and awkward dialogue, terrible characters like Jar Jar Binks and effects while ok for 1999 that look extremely bad today. But if you love Star Wars, it is definitely watchable and enjoyable, most of the time.… Expand
9 of 15 users found this helpful96
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3
Jack97Jan 1, 2014
Yes it does have impressive action and visual effects to spare, but Star Wars: The Phantom Menace fails to match the original trilogy's unique blend of characters, moments and scale.
6 of 10 users found this helpful64
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8
OnAnarchyAug 18, 2012
Holds a special place in my list as the first movie I can remember seeing in a theatre with my father. It's a good movie, but the prequel trilogy is no comparison to the original films.
7 of 12 users found this helpful75
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9
Ryzoft_StipeJan 4, 2017
A great movie, not much else to say. It's sad how some people prefer hypocriticy over bias. Sure, you were born 100 years ago and that gives you the right to bash on the prequels because you saw the original trilogy first? That is hypocrisy.
7 of 12 users found this helpful75
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5
imthenoobFeb 16, 2015
Phantom Menace could have been so much better. What ruined it was the needless long pod race, the Gungans, and the laughable kid actor who played Anakin. It's one of those films I'd love to see remade because it truly could have been a masterpiece.
4 of 7 users found this helpful43
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2
CiaranBohanApr 21, 2014
While living up to the brilliance of the revolutionary original trilogy could not be expected. The first instalment of Lucas's 'Prequel Trilogy' really sets the tone for how low star wars would sink. This tale, unlike the first three,While living up to the brilliance of the revolutionary original trilogy could not be expected. The first instalment of Lucas's 'Prequel Trilogy' really sets the tone for how low star wars would sink. This tale, unlike the first three, contains a story no human could understand and fails at its job to keep even the hardest of fans from shedding a tear at what star wars has become. The only reason I have rated the movie above 1/10 is simply due to John Williams once again incredible score, with 'Dual of the Fates' being a soundtrack masterpiece.… Expand
4 of 7 users found this helpful43
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0
TJAWNov 18, 2018
A catastrophe in almost every imaginable way, The Phantom Menace is a near-unwatchable fiasco of a Star Wars movie, filled with god-awful performances, laughable dialogue, some of the messiest and most dated-looking CGI action sequences everA catastrophe in almost every imaginable way, The Phantom Menace is a near-unwatchable fiasco of a Star Wars movie, filled with god-awful performances, laughable dialogue, some of the messiest and most dated-looking CGI action sequences ever put to film, a needlessly complicated, cliché-ridden story that still doesn't make a lick of sense almost 20 years since the film's release, disgraceful racial stereotypes and intolerable, insomnia-curing pacing that stretches out the jumble of failed political plot threads to form an unforgivably long runtime.… Expand
4 of 7 users found this helpful43
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7
DukeJonApr 7, 2016
Yes, this film had Jar Jar Binks and annoying little Anakin. But look again; it also had Darth Maul, Qui Go Jin, an epic pod race, a huge land and space battle, epic light-sabre combat, a great score, and lots of original ideas (unlike theYes, this film had Jar Jar Binks and annoying little Anakin. But look again; it also had Darth Maul, Qui Go Jin, an epic pod race, a huge land and space battle, epic light-sabre combat, a great score, and lots of original ideas (unlike the recent "Force Awakens", which was just a rehash of bits of the original trilogy). For me this is a much better film than people give it credit for, and was unfortunately very much a victim of its own hype when it was released.… Expand
10 of 18 users found this helpful108
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3
MoviebuffreviewJun 19, 2011
The reboot or return to the widely successful and acclaimed Star Wars saga was disappointing in just about every way. With the exception of the Ewan McGregor and Liam Nesson, the acting was underwhelming, the dialogue made me barf in myThe reboot or return to the widely successful and acclaimed Star Wars saga was disappointing in just about every way. With the exception of the Ewan McGregor and Liam Nesson, the acting was underwhelming, the dialogue made me barf in my mouth, the pacing was awkward and often slow, and the villains were not only unclear and underdeveloped, but lacked the threat and power that Darth Vader and the emperor had in the original trilogy. The ending was a little better, with some solid action, and throughout there were some decent effects, but many of the actions scenes had no real weight to them and felt like they were there just for the sake of being there. Episode I is disappointing, boring, and not worth your time if you are a Star Wars fan.… Expand
5 of 9 users found this helpful54
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8
VulcanDec 24, 2017
I didnt like this movie much before, but compared to the roaring dumpster fire that is Episode 8, I think this movie was just miles better.
5 of 9 users found this helpful54
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5
WhiteTalpaDec 6, 2012
Problems: Death mauls death (should have kept him alive.), Jar Jar Binks (awful character), two pointless battles. Bad attempt at trying to funny.
5 of 9 users found this helpful54
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8
PrincessZenaJan 10, 2016
I liked this movie, even though the acting could have been better. Darth Maul is a real badass, loved the Duel of the Fates. Compared to TFA it's a masterpiece.
6 of 11 users found this helpful65
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10
RETROBOTERDec 18, 2016
Star Wars Episode 1 gives a blast of a comeback to the former Movies after a break for more than 15 years.

The movie is great to watch, the world and the environments are well designed. The races living on the different planets looksStar Wars Episode 1 gives a blast of a comeback to the former Movies after a break for more than 15 years.

The movie is great to watch, the world and the environments are well designed. The races living on the different planets looks awesome, like the special effects using in this +2 hours long masterpiece. One of the biggest wow moments is the pod race and the animated space, it feels so great. The new characters works perfect and the sound fx is eargasm like with Dolby 5.1 etc. nice job!
Well, if you are a Star Wars fan from begin, don´t vote bad , it´s unfair to give Episode 1 such a bad score, it´s a new kind of Star Wars (Anakin, Sith) with a lot good ideas that makes the movies unique, great comeback for fans, well done.… Expand
6 of 11 users found this helpful65
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10
darthsoloDec 15, 2017
Compared to the piece of crap TLJ is, going back to real star wars feel so damn nice. TLJ may have very well ruined the SW ST. Only lucas films are cannon for me.
6 of 11 users found this helpful65
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10
Movie-BuffDec 29, 2017
Easily my favorite Star Wars film. George Lucas' personal masterpiece that was everything a Star Wars film should be. Brilliant & emotional. Bombastic & subtle. Deep & Shining. While Revenge of the Sith may be a better film, this one shinesEasily my favorite Star Wars film. George Lucas' personal masterpiece that was everything a Star Wars film should be. Brilliant & emotional. Bombastic & subtle. Deep & Shining. While Revenge of the Sith may be a better film, this one shines to me personally.… Expand
6 of 11 users found this helpful65
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10
FormicSapienApr 6, 2012
Alongside seething anticipation and mountains of specific expectations for something this movie absolutely wasn't, people hated it. Lucas' problem was in make a movie in a franchise that wasn't comprised of 95% material presented in previousAlongside seething anticipation and mountains of specific expectations for something this movie absolutely wasn't, people hated it. Lucas' problem was in make a movie in a franchise that wasn't comprised of 95% material presented in previous films. Lucas wanted to go beyond what he did before, when people were expecting the same. People wanted a movie that had some happy character development that reinforced their happy little lives, but they got way more than that, and all it did was piss them all off.

Episode I has high political commentary including the nature of politics and warfare, nearly unmatched special effects, depth of world and lore that only great sci-fi's have, and much more. Next time you want to not like this movie, really consider if it's based on what your friends say or how you felt while watching the movie.… Expand
7 of 13 users found this helpful76
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1
LaGuertaFeb 26, 2013
Jar Jar, midi-chlorians, droids, The Trade Federation, C3PO built by Darth Vader are just a few reasons why I have a mirror shatteringly bad feeling about this.
8 of 16 users found this helpful88
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3
Longbottom94Apr 27, 2013
The Phantom Menace may be one of the biggest cinematic disappointments of all time. Although it would have been almost impossible for this film to live up to the ridiculously high expectations that the fanboy's had but upon it, the finalThe Phantom Menace may be one of the biggest cinematic disappointments of all time. Although it would have been almost impossible for this film to live up to the ridiculously high expectations that the fanboy's had but upon it, the final product is so monstrously dull it has unearned the dubious honor of one of the worsts films I have seen. Although the pod race and final duel scenes were quite enjoyable, I can't shake the feeling that the only reason they stand out is because of the awfulness that surrounds the picture.… Expand
7 of 14 users found this helpful77
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2
ReviewerMan44Jul 1, 2011
The Phantom Menace takes away from everything the original Star Wars films were all about. A good story, likable and relatable characters, a universe that drawed you in, and good acting. The Phantom Menace (one of the most hyped andThe Phantom Menace takes away from everything the original Star Wars films were all about. A good story, likable and relatable characters, a universe that drawed you in, and good acting. The Phantom Menace (one of the most hyped and anticipated films of all time) manages to do almost none of these, trying to please our minds with childish humor, bright colors, and silly, ridiculous characters. *Hint* Jar-Jar Binks is one of the worst characters ever created in any movie...ever. The other problems arise with some utterly horrible character development and acting in general. Liam Neeson leads the cast as the strongest but still stumbles and falls here and there. Natalie Portman comes over as likable, but we never get to know her character enough to even care. The same goes for the new villain, Darth Maul, who would have been better if we had learned a bit of his backstory. Obi-Wan is played by Ewan McGregor, who fails on all fronts and just gives a bland impression. Lastly Anakin Skywalker just...well he's a kid, and he's an actor with a decent future but just comes across as though he is reading the script in front of him. Overall Phatnom Menace is a disaster and the worst Star Wars yet.… Expand
6 of 12 users found this helpful66
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7
Jollyjoe1000Dec 16, 2017
It is very forgettable and it is not fun for the most part. Especially Jar Jar Binks, but it is somewhat forgivable with the amazing darth maul battle and the pod racing, while everything else is forgettable.
6 of 12 users found this helpful66
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5
JawsPapi87Aug 9, 2011
Jar-Jar Binks didn't bother me that much. The attempts at comedy were pretty rough though as was the rest of the script. But this movie had some incredible moments. The bad acting couldn't destroy all the genius battles and other entertainingJar-Jar Binks didn't bother me that much. The attempts at comedy were pretty rough though as was the rest of the script. But this movie had some incredible moments. The bad acting couldn't destroy all the genius battles and other entertaining sequences such as the podrace… Expand
5 of 10 users found this helpful55
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2
CyberPunkFeb 13, 2012
Why George Lucas? Why? Way to completely ruin the backstory to Star Wars with these awful prequel films. Yes, every single one is bad. Each film lacks a decent plot, lacks good characters, and lacks any emotional involvement that made theWhy George Lucas? Why? Way to completely ruin the backstory to Star Wars with these awful prequel films. Yes, every single one is bad. Each film lacks a decent plot, lacks good characters, and lacks any emotional involvement that made the original films so great. If you think these movies are good, then I suggest you go on to Youtube and type in "Red Letter Media" and watch their in depth reviews of these terrible films.… Expand
5 of 10 users found this helpful55
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0
AkashVijayJan 19, 2015
Star Wars I: the Phantom Menace is abysmally structured. I'm honestly having a very very hard time figuring out where all three Acts begin and end. Perhaps, it was meant to be that way. One can ask, is that ambitious or flawed? I vote forStar Wars I: the Phantom Menace is abysmally structured. I'm honestly having a very very hard time figuring out where all three Acts begin and end. Perhaps, it was meant to be that way. One can ask, is that ambitious or flawed? I vote for flawed. Not simply because I feel Lucas severely lacks the writing capabilities to write an abstract narrative but also because it's nothing like an abstract narrative. The problems start right from the opening shots and this is a problem in all the Star Wars movies. It starts off with backstory, with lines of narrative, scrolling up as John Williams' soundtrack plays along, serving as exposition for the upcoming events. Why couldn't they create a quick montage - a series of rapidly edited shots or just a basic sequence of still photos or simply start off before that. The entire purpose of film is to convey a story through the wonderful language of images. And when Lucas throws narrative at us, just as it appears in the script, let's just say it's a very underwhelming opening. Terrence Malick was able to briefly portray evolutionary progression and natural selection from the most elementary to the most multiplex of creatures, all in about 20 minutes in the Tree of Life. Lucas was asked to carry no such burden.Ewan McGregor is a decent actor but his role is so poorly written in the movie. For the most part, his job consists of 3 basic exercises. He walks alongside Liam Neeson stating the obvious, he looks up when he enters rooms and he keeps questioning Liam Neeson's "high intellectual Jedi converse" so that Liam Neeson can start explaining the plot. The entire Jedi counsel exists so that Lucas' characters can sit around and explain the plot to the audience. Jar Jar Binks may be the most annoying character I've ever had to witness on screen. But there are so many versions of him in this movie. It's intolerable.
Since, all of us have already seen Lucas' pantomime 1977 original, we should all agree that he's the master of oversimplification. The characters are all so black and white. There's not a single character even remotely leaning towards the second dimension. And in fact, this is a problem with all the Star Wars movies. They all show us distinctly, which characters are good and which characters are evil but none of them tell us why. In fact several movies like Apocalypse Now, Rashomon, Taxi Driver and in more recent years, Pans Labyrinth and the Dark Knight, have explored this idea of the relativity of morality so brilliantly. But of course Lucas doesn't bother with interesting objectives of that sort. The entire "dark side of the force should rule the galaxy" is as cliched as it gets. How many movies have been made where the bad guys want to take over the world? Too many to count.
But the part where I began to despise it, was the last 45 mins, which was literally jam-packed with mind-numbing CGI action. I found it amusing that Lucas thought he had the ability to juggle multiple story lines (rather I should just use action sequences instead of storyline) from the "epic" battle between the droids and Jar Jar's, to Anakin's random "attempts" to destroy the "what-ever the hell that was" all accompanied by a triumvirate lightsaber dual between Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor with the man with the double ended light sabre. And then on top of all that, we have the dialogue. Now this is something that I am infuriated by. Lucas' writing skills are pre-school. A 10 year old could write better lines of dialogue and convey more emotion. Greeting Cards have exuded more passion than Lucas' raw use of words. It's as bad as I've ever seen (and that's not in any way an exaggerated statement).
The Phantom Menace is a disgrace to everything that contributed to the world of cinema and it opened the door for several other mindless action movies. It's over-filled with computer imagery and is completely hollow within. There's no psychology, no philosophy, basically no ideas in it whatsoever. It's the work of a machine rather than an artist and it was as entertaining as filling out your Income Tax forms. It may be appealing to adolescent boys who grew up with those characters but to me this is just a sad money making practice targeted at a series run out of control.… Expand
5 of 10 users found this helpful55
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0
JurassicWookieNov 7, 2016
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. as Mr. Plinkett says "This Movie SUUUCKS!" Special Effects look up Jar Jar Binks Then you can talk to me about BAD Special Effects..............Spoilers IT SUCKS!… Expand
5 of 10 users found this helpful55
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3
ArkonBladeMar 13, 2011
i loved the original trilogy and was so excited to see the new trilogy. it opens pretty good and i had a good feeling ... and then jar jar binks shows up and the horror starts . he can only be found humorous by 5 year olds any one older theni loved the original trilogy and was so excited to see the new trilogy. it opens pretty good and i had a good feeling ... and then jar jar binks shows up and the horror starts . he can only be found humorous by 5 year olds any one older then that will be preying dath maul takes his head off ASAP. it only keeps heading down hill after that. then we get to meet a young anikin skywalker and who ever this kid is who did his acting was horrendous and i dont put it all on this kid i give most of the blame to lucas who directed this mess. lucas pretty much abandoned one of the key features that made most of us love star wars so much . that being charicters we liked and rooted for . in this one there is no one outside of maybe obi wan and qui gon who i remotly thought where ok. lucus focases all his energy on special effects and nothing els . which yes do look good when i am not cursing jar jar and aniken.… Expand
4 of 8 users found this helpful44
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8
SalmonpieSep 29, 2011
I just watched this for the first time since the theatre in 1999 and have to admit to rather enjoying. Back when it was released, I felt the same as nearly everyone else did but now, with 12 years and not a lot of thought about the Star WarsI just watched this for the first time since the theatre in 1999 and have to admit to rather enjoying. Back when it was released, I felt the same as nearly everyone else did but now, with 12 years and not a lot of thought about the Star Wars universe until the Bluray edition came out. I can say, this isn't as bad as I remember or as most people say. Its a children's film that a lot of adults spent way to much time getting upset about, take it for what it is and you can enjoy it.… Expand
4 of 8 users found this helpful44
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8
ZilcellNov 16, 2011
It may feel stretched out too long and the story may not be too powerful compared to episodes IV, V, and VI, but it still does have a strong tale to tell.
4 of 8 users found this helpful44
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3
NecromusDec 4, 2012
I absolutely loved the original trilogy as a kid. 17 years waiting in anticipation for the prequels (since Star Wars: A New Hope in 1977 stated it was "Chapter 4") raised expectations very high that almost no movie could live up to it. But II absolutely loved the original trilogy as a kid. 17 years waiting in anticipation for the prequels (since Star Wars: A New Hope in 1977 stated it was "Chapter 4") raised expectations very high that almost no movie could live up to it. But I didn't expect something as horrible as Episode I. A poorly rendered and annoying Jar Jar Binks ruins almost every scene with his clumsy antics bordering on racist (he behaves the way African-Americans were portrayed in old racist shows in the past and he's based on a Jamaican Rasta-man type character too!). The acting by Anakin was boring too, but it might not be his fault, after-all George Lucus somehow manages to take amazing actors like Ewen McGregor and Samuel L. Jackson and make them look mediocre. I saw this movie once in the theater and never wanted to see it again. Once it was on TV and I muted it while talking on the phone and noticed the visuals are absolutely beautiful, it is too bad the story and directing sucks so bad. However, there is a version of this movie out there called "The Phantom Edit 1.11" which is an edit of the movie by a Star Wars fan that cuts most of Jar Jar's annoying antics out of the movie along with all of the redundant scenes where the characters are explaining to other characters what you have just witnessed happening in the scene before. The Phantom Edit 1.11 is much more watchable and enjoyable, do yourself a favor and watch that one instead, it is way better than the official version.… Expand
4 of 8 users found this helpful44
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3
jfrotylpe532Dec 4, 2012
And so begins the terror of the prequels. Poorly made, not to mention some of the worst acting on the planet. Lucas could do way better than that. Sadly we need the prequels to know the beloved Star Wars began. Until next time Lucas you suck
4 of 8 users found this helpful44
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0
BenHazeldenJan 23, 2015
This is a fantastic thriller fantasy action adventure! Please watch, much good. Experience incredibly developed characters - like Jar Jar Binks (my favourite). A cold hearted thriller.
0/10 - Ben Hazelden
4 of 8 users found this helpful44
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9
DatBoiSloth69Dec 14, 2017
It can be slow at times, with too much politics to be the best star wars, but it has one of the best duels in the series, and the climatic battle certainly lives up to expectations
4 of 8 users found this helpful44
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2
LarsC.Dec 8, 2003
I loved the original Star Wars movies the moment I saw them. As I grew older, I learned to analyze movies for myself and found that they still held up (although Return of the Jedi was a slight letdown) to my good image of them. Since I had I loved the original Star Wars movies the moment I saw them. As I grew older, I learned to analyze movies for myself and found that they still held up (although Return of the Jedi was a slight letdown) to my good image of them. Since I had heard some bad buzz about the film before I saw it, I tried to keep my expectations at a rational level. Unfortunately, it sill managed to disappoint terribly. The effects, while good in theory, had no life to them, and many looked less real than even the corniest rubber puppet in the Mos Eisley cantina. I really tried to like this movie, I tried to convince myself that I had just bought into the hype machine. However, no matter how I analyzed it, I found it to be a colossal train wreck that shames the good name of Star Wars.… Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful
0
NeilSApr 7, 2006
This film is what Lord of the Rings would have been if it had been filmed in a parking lot rather than New Zealand.
2 of 4 users found this helpful
0
KatherineFeb 25, 2007
Horrible. It was hard enough to get through the Jar Jar Binks crap. And the kid is the worst actor I have ever seen. George could have done waaaaay better then this.
2 of 4 users found this helpful
3
JacobNov 28, 2015
The Phantom Menace is a great tech demo for what CGI and ILM can accomplish. Some of the worlds created with CGI are stunning. The vehicles all look and sound great. The moments where the visuals and sound take over like in the Podrace andThe Phantom Menace is a great tech demo for what CGI and ILM can accomplish. Some of the worlds created with CGI are stunning. The vehicles all look and sound great. The moments where the visuals and sound take over like in the Podrace and final dull are when the movie is fun and Podrace feels like Star Wars. Unfortunately, once the characters start talking the movie is terrible. The story is weak with poor pacing, low stakes, and no clear threat. None of the characters are interesting ranging from dull to annoying and all of which are underdeveloped given dull/cheesy dialogue. In short the movie is either dull or boring and for the most part doesn’t feel like Star Wars. I loved this film a lot as a kid but that time is long gone. Regardless of how bad The Force Awakens may end up being it can’t be any worse than this.… Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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3
flamed_steakFeb 22, 2011
The film represents a story that didn't need to be told. He could have started the prequel trilogy at Attack of the Clones, given himself greater room to breathe and left this story to the novelists. Unfortunately George Lucas didn't thinkThe film represents a story that didn't need to be told. He could have started the prequel trilogy at Attack of the Clones, given himself greater room to breathe and left this story to the novelists. Unfortunately George Lucas didn't think his charachters needed to develop as long as he sent the audience on a ride, which was something that worked in the 80's but didn't cut the mustard in '99.… Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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6
davenbettridgeOct 14, 2011
Metachlorines, Jar Jar Binks, Jake Lloyd, under developed characters, over reliance on special effects, awkward story pacing and weak acting - there will never be another movie more anticipated to then be so disappointing. Critics who claimMetachlorines, Jar Jar Binks, Jake Lloyd, under developed characters, over reliance on special effects, awkward story pacing and weak acting - there will never be another movie more anticipated to then be so disappointing. Critics who claim that there isnt some 'entertainment value' in this movie are not being honest but the Phantom Menace is mediocre, is the biggest missed opportunity in movie history, and people who think its a good movie are uncritically minded fan boys. With the privilege of making a movie comes the responsibility of making a good one, a responsibility to which has George failed.… Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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4
ZegilgameshDec 29, 2012
Although it's certainly accomplished from a technical level, the characters, dialogue, and story are certainly lacking, and this is a major fall in quality for a Star Wars movie.
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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3
PatrykGJun 9, 2016
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. People say that the only way you can hate this movie is if you grew up with the originals and was hyped for The Phantom Menace in 1999...well let me tell you something. I was not even around when that film came out, I watched it for the first time in 2006, a day after seeing the original trilogy for the first time. Then I found out there was three more films, I thought that was weird, like they could have ended the series with three films but they made three more that were prequels. So before seeing Episode 1 for the first time I said to myself "Well this could go either way", so I watched it, with no knowledge of what the movie looks like, I only had a disc without a box, haven't seen any trailer or anything like that. So I'm watching this movie and I swear that I didn't understand a goddamn thing in it. Something about a senator (didn't know what that was) and a taxation (didn't know what that was), basically the only word I recognised from the opening crawl was "Jedi". Then stuff happens...blah blah blah...the Viceroy guy was like "This is impossible" when Qui Gon is cutting through the door (couldn't remember Qui Gon's name until years later) more political talk later, something about some treaty uh signing it will legalise THE INVASION OF AN ENTIRE PLANET?!! Whatever. They meet Jar Jar, who honestly I didn't find that annoying or funny I was just struggling to understand a single word he said...then after like 3 days the Trade Federation finally invade the Naboo...the jedi rescue the Queen, they go to tatooine, i was hoping that this would save the movie and it turns out that Tatooine is the worst part of this movie...nothing happens in it...Anakin was the most annoying character in the movie, and him building C3PO made turn off the movie and leave...but then I came back I had to finish this crap...stupid bet was made between Qui Gon and Watto (I still don't understand it) then the 10 minute race that felt like an hour, it's easily the most boring part of the movie it's not like Anakin used the force for the first time and won the race or anything like when Luke was the last one left to destroy the death star in the first film he was using the force for the first time, it wasn't trivial to the whole movie like the podrace scene was...then the mother just lets her son go just like that with some strangers they just met and yeah...but that's ok because he's eight years old and you don't make any mistakes at that age...then Coruscant...oh god...i can't continue but i will...some senate meeting about something, really do you think i cared anymore at this point? i gave up a long time ago...uh then the queen is like "I move for a vote of no confidence in Chancellor Valorum's leadership", and everyone's like "VOTE NOW VOTE NOW VOTE NOW" even though I was 7 then, I still knew that you can't get rid of someone with just one vote, how does this senate even work? That means anyone can just say this vote of no confidence and then they'll elect another one and that will happen to him and again a new guy and so on...Oh god the jedi scenes where they don't do anything but sit in chairs...whatever, SKIP!!! So then they go back to naboo, something uh happens blah blah then that devil guy shows up, yeah I'm sure he has a name, I'm just calling him devil guy, with the double bladed lightsaber, which i guess is supposed to compensate for his lack of character? So they fight him while like 3 other things are happening...BOOOOOOOOOOOOORIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING!!! Some other things happen, Anakin blows up the ship by accident when all the naboo pilots couldn't do it...Qui Gon dies because Obi Wan keep up with the fight because some stupid red force shields were closing at any time Lucas wanted them to...uh yeah then Obi Wan kills devil guy and whatever, they burn his body, a parade happens and it's over...I honestly don't know what that was, but it wasn't a Star Wars film!!! I mean holy f*ck how do you not get more than one thing right about this series, it wasn't that difficult...the one good thing was the soundtrack, THAT'S IT!!! 3/10 Awful crap...… Expand
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3
Sergio2008Jan 3, 2016
This movie is the worst of the Stars Wars franchise. Poor acting, saturation of CGI, lack of character chemistry, and just flat-out boring at times. Phantom Menace was the first Star Wars film I saw, and even as a kid, the movie felt like aThis movie is the worst of the Stars Wars franchise. Poor acting, saturation of CGI, lack of character chemistry, and just flat-out boring at times. Phantom Menace was the first Star Wars film I saw, and even as a kid, the movie felt like a chore to watch.… Expand
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1
MichaelBagamerySep 5, 2014
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I should probably have broken my promise to myself and gotten **** after watching this tripe. 'The Phantom Menace' is easily the worst 'Star Wars' movie, and a terrible film in general. Some lowlights:

Jar Jar. Just the most obvious of this movie's myriad artistic miscalculations, he's unfunny and stupid.

Acting. Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor are the only two actors in this movie who actually seem to be trying to rise above the material.

Pointless call-forwards. Actually, 'Attack of the Clones' is worst with this, but they're there and visible in 'The Phantom Menace' too.

Characterization. Whiny little Anakin is very true to how most little kids are; I should know, as, to my eternal chagrin, I used to be one. But this movie seems to be promulgating the notion that youthful pettiness makes one evil. No, no, it doesn't. Hopefully, once you turn fifteen or sixteen, you realize 'God, what an **** I've been' and resolve to be better than that.

Pod racing. Um...scratch that, counterproductive padding! From a narrative standpoint, it's obvious Anakin is supposed to win that race and win his freedom from...Watto (is that his name? I don't remember it being mentioned during the movie). From a logical standpoint, however, he should NOT win that race, since he's young and green as a conifer.

Midichlorians. Yes, I gathered from the original trilogy that the Force was an invisible forcefield which Jedi could manipulate to their own ends, but which bound every organism in the GFFA. So they have something in their blood which makes them one with the Force or something? That has either unfortunate implications or it's just an outright contradiction in the plot.

Action. As in, there's not nearly enough of it until the last fifteen minutes or so, and while it is exciting when we get it, by then it's too little too late.

Overall, this is easily the lamest Star Wars movie, never thought-provoking or even accidentally funny, though I will give a point for Darth Maul's double lightsaber. That was literally the only memorable part of the film that was thus for a good reason.… Expand
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2
epiclucaSep 4, 2014
This film is a travesty. The first Star Wars release for over a decade and after the epic trilogy that is A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of The Jedi, you would expect this movie to be much better. In the age of advancedThis film is a travesty. The first Star Wars release for over a decade and after the epic trilogy that is A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of The Jedi, you would expect this movie to be much better. In the age of advanced special effects and storytelling, it's a shame that this movie turned out how it did. A mixture of bad CGI and unrealistic story points (Such as an 8 year old winning a pod race, after he breaks down and takes about 30 seconds to start up again) just to explain how he can get out of slavery. The writing is lazy, and it comes off more as a childs fantasy film, rife with happy colours and the awful mess that is Jar Jar Binks, a character who mispronounces words and is really the jester of the movie, less funny more sad. Sad that in this age of cinema, a film series as epic as Star Wars has to stoop down and dumb down to appeal to children.… Expand
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1
BrakkenApr 28, 2014
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The Phantom Plot!
What was the point? I was concerned about who would slap Ani's face the soonest, but as he turns into Vader anyway, I'm not sure how to care about a loud-mouthed, impudent child that is supposedly a slave. Mitochloreans (sp - I don't give a hoot enough to even check) are not a force, but are cells now: this destroys the whole point of faith and super-human justice: only those with enough correct cells are good enough Jedi. The first three movies established that faith - yeah, FAITH - prooves one's mettle. Oh well.

CGI swamped the movie and were accompanied by cardboard performances. The notion that any of this movie as being part of reality 'long, long ago' evaporated with GPUs. The first three movies still engage me, but this one was devoid of reason and extremely irritating. Ja-Ja say no more. I'm begging you.

Final Verdict: Eiw.… Expand
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3
YorkManJan 2, 2016
TPM is George Lucas' imagination gone into CGI overdrive. With every single whim unquestioned we get the first part of the original Six episodes of Star Wars delivered to us 16 years after RotJ, and what did we get...?

We got a bloated,TPM is George Lucas' imagination gone into CGI overdrive. With every single whim unquestioned we get the first part of the original Six episodes of Star Wars delivered to us 16 years after RotJ, and what did we get...?

We got a bloated, borderline nonsensical tale of how a Jedi Master, his apprentice, a 14 year old Queen and some obnoxious, CGI abomination of a sentient, bidepal creature end up accidentally finding the one who will bring balance to the Force. The one being a 9 year old kid who has absolutely no charisma.

Political machinations fly left and right as the villain of the piece (who we all know is the dastardly political leader of the planet on which the Queen is the ruler) begins to move his pieces on Lucas' chessboard, culminating in a three-way battle between some fighter craft in space, a CGI robot army vs a CGI bipedal creature army, and the two Jedi squaring off against a nasty Sith Lord.

At the time of the film's release it was praised by audiences (check out the video clips of people coming out of the cinema in 1999!!!), and even most contemporary critics were blown away. It was only in retrospect, relatively quickly afterwards it has to be said, that people began to actually think about the film and what it was about, and the hate and anger lead many to the Dark Side of the Force!!

As a popcorn movie, it's fine. As a piece of pop-culture, it's referenced as the point where George Lucas stopped being revered as the creator of one of cinemas most enduring masterpieces. As the start of a new 'prequel' trilogy, it's piss-poor.

Unfortunately, however bad this film was/is...... Worse was to come.… Expand
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1
mrdr4gonDec 15, 2017
One of the greatest cinematic blunders of all time. The fact nobody thought to put a stop to this is baffling. Resembles the original films of its parent franchise in name only.
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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3
Tcurran2Dec 23, 2017
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The film that is now synonymous with abject failure, Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, is a monumental misstep from writer/director George Lucas. Though it possesses a great deal of visual imagination, Lucas's once epic space opera franchise is reduced to a complicated mess of a plot of taxation and trade federations. Devoid of any interesting characters, the only respite from this plodding affair comes in a final battle sequence between the horned villain Darth Maul (Ray Park), and our protagonists; Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson). This sequence is also muddled, as Lucas cuts to three other events happening simultaneously, creating a tonally jarring climax whose execution even if perfect, could not have saved this film.… Expand
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3
notheguyOct 18, 2018
Sort of disappointing, I understand that this was targeted towards kids, but I cannot give it higher than a 4. Definitely by least favorite in the series.
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7
MarkKJan 9, 2009
A good story told at a slow pace. The stereotypical characters and boring fights don't help it either. Still good fun though.
1 of 2 users found this helpful
7
AlexG.Apr 15, 2008
Not bad, quite enjoyable, and actually quite a humorous and light movie.
1 of 2 users found this helpful
9
kittyJul 8, 2008
This is how I rate the new Star Wars movies; The Phantom Menace- I can live with background, overall entertaining. Attack of the clones- still entertaining, starting to go down a little here. Revenge of the Sith- People, what happened! Wake This is how I rate the new Star Wars movies; The Phantom Menace- I can live with background, overall entertaining. Attack of the clones- still entertaining, starting to go down a little here. Revenge of the Sith- People, what happened! Wake up and start being creative here! And while you're at it re-write the script!… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful
4
GamingSoldierNov 23, 2014
Phantom Menace isn't as bad as some people make it out to be and it has some really good ideas. Unfortunetely, it fails to live up to it liscense

Pros -Music by John Williams is at best -Despite a weak script, Liam Neeson and NataliePhantom Menace isn't as bad as some people make it out to be and it has some really good ideas. Unfortunetely, it fails to live up to it liscense

Pros
-Music by John Williams is at best
-Despite a weak script, Liam Neeson and Natalie Portman do well with their material
-The pod race is exciting
-Darth Maul leaves the biggest impact a supporting character has left since Boba Fett
-The fight choreography, especially the duel between Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, and Darth Maul near the end
-Interesting World
-Special effects are well done for the most part

Cons
-Jar Jar Binks
-Any villains that aren't Darth Maul
-Jar Jar Binks
-The Tatooine section drags on forever
-Jar Jar Binks
-Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan is wasted
-Jar Jar Binks
-Anakin Skywalker is useless to the plot and shouldn't even be a child. Jake Llyod didn't do very well with the material
-DID I MENTION JAR JAR… Expand
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5
Red-Opposom-098Oct 7, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Star Wars TPM is directed by George Lucas (American Graffiti) and stars Ewan McGregor (Trainspotting) Liam Neeson (Taken) Natalie Portman (Black Swan) Ian McDiarmid (Restoration) and Ray Parks (Xmen)
I remember watching this as a kid and liking it but then time went by and I started to enjoy it less and less and then I didn't like it. The pod race scene is alright I guess. Okay now I realized why Ray Parks' (Darth Maul) voice was dubbed but why was Natalie Portman dubbed I mean was it necessary, no! The very end lightsaber fight kicks ass though, the duel of fates in the back makes it perfect. The acting isn't that great I mean you see some actors are trying to work around Lucas' writing but it just doesn't work, Liam Neeson accepted his role without reading one word of the script. I'm not eve going to anything about Jake Lloyd's performance or jar jar because everything that can be said has been said. It's a shame Maul was killed, he could of made a great prequel villain, now yes I'm aware they brought him back in clone wars. There was actually a pretty good fight somewhere in the middle of the film where Qui Gon gets attacked by Maul. One thing that's always bugged me is when Anakin and Obi Wan meet, it's nothing that kills the movie but it should of been done better. All in all this movie is a very mixed bag for me. This movie can be very boring at times but it still has a few moments that make some parts good.… Expand
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6
JB562Jan 23, 2016
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Although the movie does have its cool moments, particularly the lightsaber duel of Darth Maul VS Qui-Gon Jinn & Obi-Wan Kenobi, the majority of the film is filled with boring details and conversations. Also, Jar Jar Bins and the Gungans are unnecessary stereotypes to be in this movie.… Expand
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4
Termin8terMar 4, 2016
It's finally here! The follow-up to Return of the Jedi! It's here, ready to blow everything else out of the water....... Just kidding, this movie is a massive flop. The acting is bad, there is far too much CGI, and Jar Jar Binks is the mostIt's finally here! The follow-up to Return of the Jedi! It's here, ready to blow everything else out of the water....... Just kidding, this movie is a massive flop. The acting is bad, there is far too much CGI, and Jar Jar Binks is the most annoying character in any movie of all time. The one redeeming quality is the awesome lightsabre battles, but they don't last that long. *sigh* Don't bother forcing yourself through this mess.… Expand
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5
EdwardGregoryApr 19, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Things get off to a cold start with the much parodied credit crawl. Where Episode IV goes for the in media res jugular – “It is a time of civil war!” - problems in Episode I are not quite so pressing. Events are “alarming” perhaps, there’s certainly plenty of “turmoil” and we all know “taxation” is a thorny issue but the context is clear: like Anakin, this conflict still has some growing up to do. The menace is still phantom.

An inexcusably lazy establishing shot - the Jedi shuttle cruises past the camera - and lethargic opening sequence hardly help pick up the pace. In A New Hope’s famous opening salvo the bad guys fire first and ask questions later, in The Phantom Menace the Jedi are ushered into a meeting room while the semi-bad guys go into video conference with Darth Sidious about whether an invasion of Naboo is legal or not.

Critics complained that Lucas had got yet worse at writing for humans in the twenty-two years since Star Wars, in fact it is simply that, beyond Alec Guinness talking about the force, the plot of A New Hope requires no exposition - The Phantom Menace on the other hand is all explanation, much of it, like the midichlorians, unwanted and unnecessary. (To be fair, Lucas waited a generation before spoiling his enigmatic myth with background material, the Wachowski’s jumped that particular shark in film two.)

nd yet there is still much pleasure to be had watching our full-blown Jedi guides in action. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan quickly discover that things are mercifully worse than the credit crawl predicted, a robot invasion force is being unpacked, Naboo is under actual threat. Sadly, we never actually see any of the massacres that are apparently taking place, instead we land somewhere that looks suspiciously like the woods near Leavesden and meet one of the galaxy’s more annoying comedy sidekicks (although not as annoying as fans frantically searching for a scapegoat would have you believe). After all, this film has at its hero a small boy – it cannot visit the dark 12A places.

Tatooine turns out to be a total bust. They leave Obi-Wan behind, Amidala pretends to be Padme for no good reason, Anakin whines a lot, there’s some mumbo jumbo about a mystical birth and at absolutely no point does Han Solo turn up. Bastard. This is a section so flabby that even the electrifying pod race goes on for one lap too long.

But hell, we meet Vader Jnr. and he says goodbye to his mother, which is the only essential action of the movie, so it’s almost worth the trip.

Despite the unspeakable Yoda puppet, more endless politicking and some iffy CGI, the arrival on Coruscant and the subsequent battle of Naboo provide most of the lasting excuses for forgiving The Phantom Menace. At last there are new worlds to explore, new creatures to encounter and new wrinkles to the Star Wars myth. On Coruscant we are free to marvel at the work of Doug Chiang’s design department - every bit the equal of the original trilogy. And during the saga’s very best lightsaber battle John Williams adds another classic theme (Duel Of The Fates) to his masterpiece. The final act is a mess of conflicting ideas and we are forced to root for a tweenage space pilot but you certainly can’t fault it for pace.

Perhaps best of all, we have the death of Qui-Gon. Liam Neeson has manfully carried the action on his shoulders throughout (the subsequent prequels desperately miss him) and his final words – “Obi-Wan, promise... Promise me you will train the boy” - provide the movie with its only real weight.

Lucas probably imagined that Anakin’s goodbye would be the real heartbreaker but he couldn’t write it and Jake Lloyd couldn’t act it. The irony is, we don’t need it. Given where he is destined to end up, Anakin doesn’t need to be innocence personified when we meet him. Indeed, we are told that the kid is too old to be trained and that the Jedi council fear him, facts that are utterly lost on an audience who see only a bowl-headed brat.

One of the most disappointing film of all time it remains, but with the galaxy of hype now far, far away Menace seems much less of a public menace than it did in the summer of 1999.… Expand
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5
TheDude-Jun 13, 2015
The phantom menace is said to be the most disappointing film of all time which is true poor character development, bad dialogue and jar jar binks made that happen a true fall from grace
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