Read User Reviews and Submit your own for Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace - Page 3

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

All this user's reviews

6

MonkiReviewsJul 12, 2017

It started out very boring, and confusing. The second half improved a lot though. It had some awesome action parts. It doesn't deserve the bad reviews, but it wasn't great either. A must watch for fans though.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

4

FuturedirectorMar 11, 2016

While Star Wars: The Phantom Menace doesn't forget any aspect of the classic trilogy, the script is a disaster; characters fail; the direction is flawed; and the conclusion, somehow, awful.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

5

SonicHD7Jun 1, 2017

Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) is a young apprentice Jedi knight under the tutelage of Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) ; Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd), who will later father Luke Skywalker and become known as Darth Vader, is just a 9-year-old boy.Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) is a young apprentice Jedi knight under the tutelage of Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) ; Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd), who will later father Luke Skywalker and become known as Darth Vader, is just a 9-year-old boy. When the Trade Federation cuts off all routes to the planet Naboo, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are assigned to settle the matter.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

6

yoshi8869May 23, 2017

I suppose I'll ostracize original trilogy fans far and wide by saying this, but I felt this film was a solid standalone flick. It was fun, adventurous, and had a great final duel, but it lacked in direction and writing. The story is promisingI suppose I'll ostracize original trilogy fans far and wide by saying this, but I felt this film was a solid standalone flick. It was fun, adventurous, and had a great final duel, but it lacked in direction and writing. The story is promising enough. The addition of the "Jesus-esque" theme is questionable but somewhat acceptable once you get into the surrounding lore. The plot is shaky and a little haphazard, but not altogether bad.

The story and plot suffer from a failure in the cinematography department. The film is gaudy and over-saturated in color and effects, little of which is practical. As a result, it loses novelty value.

The direction was abysmal. That's the root of everything wrong with the prequels and is most prevalent in the Phantom Menace. Lucas should not be allowed to direct alone and surround himself with yes-men. His arrogance and outlandish, unrelatable imagination can lead to his own downfall and does in this film.

The acting could've used some work, but the concepts and themes are sound. It really all came down to the fact that the good story was saturated with colors, flashy tech, obnoxious comedic relief, and cheesy dialogue. Also, midichlorians. Yeah, nope. 6.75/10 -JR… Expand

0 of 4 users found this helpful04

All this user's reviews

4

The_fantastic94May 3, 2017

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Star wars fans had to wait 16 years for another cinematic adventure to the galaxy far far away, unfortunately, the patience did not pay off. However just like with Darth Vader, there remains some good in it.
The predconditions could not have been better though: George Lucas, mastermind behind his big franchise, was back in the directing chair, John Williams composed the score and the cast had some pretty good names to offer.
Unfortunately, the movie is very disappointing. Bad dialogue, an overdose of CGI, a childish, whiny Anakin Skywalker who ought to be Darth Vader one day, and Jar Jar Binks, the probably worst movie character in history, make "The phantom menace" an unsatisfying and frankly rather terrible experience for moviegoers and Star wars fans. A badass Darth Maul, well portrayed Obi-wan Kenobi and the stunning lightsaber duel at the end prevent it to be a complete disaster like its successor, but cannot heal our wounds caused by the major flaws in the film. What a waste!… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

All this user's reviews

5

TiagoGM18Mar 27, 2017

I don't really think that Jar Jar Binks is the worst part of this movie, I really don't, if we were able to connect to some of the characters, Jar Jar would be easily overlooked, however, since Obi-Wan is the only charismatic character, theI don't really think that Jar Jar Binks is the worst part of this movie, I really don't, if we were able to connect to some of the characters, Jar Jar would be easily overlooked, however, since Obi-Wan is the only charismatic character, the movie gets really boring really fast but if you manage to sit through 2/3 of the movie, the last act will certainly pay off. P.S. betting on an 9 year old with little acting experience is always a risk, i'm sure Jake Lloyd performed as well as he could and I can't help but agreeing with Mark Hamill's take on the kid's critics… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

All this user's reviews

5

UNARMED_JORDFeb 26, 2017

More of a political negotiate movie than a star wars film, the phantom menace is a very disappointing start to the prequels that doesn't deliver in any way other than the bad ass Darth Maul

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

All this user's reviews

4

Jk9785Feb 23, 2017

A fun but incredibly flawed film, Lucas' first entry in the Star Wars prequel trilogy is a disappointment to say the least, with bland characters, computer generated effects that don't hold up well (with a few exceptions), and a characterA fun but incredibly flawed film, Lucas' first entry in the Star Wars prequel trilogy is a disappointment to say the least, with bland characters, computer generated effects that don't hold up well (with a few exceptions), and a character who, in my opinion, is the most annoying character in cinema history. The one, the only, Jar Jar Binks. Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor's performances remain the only bright spots in this film for me.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

All this user's reviews

9

anthonymurphy29Jan 10, 2017

Although The Phantom Menace hasn't received much praise from critics or fans alike, it nevertheless keeps alive the unique vibe or feeling of the Original trilogy while introducing new worlds and characters, as well as the neverseen beforeAlthough The Phantom Menace hasn't received much praise from critics or fans alike, it nevertheless keeps alive the unique vibe or feeling of the Original trilogy while introducing new worlds and characters, as well as the neverseen before political dynamic of the Republic.… Expand

4 of 10 users found this helpful46

All this user's reviews

3

nahtan1244Jan 7, 2017

I Love star wars. It's been a crucial part of my childhood and beyond. I fondly remember watching the prequels and thinking they were gods of a movie. It's not so much the case today. The thing about the phantom meance is Geroge lucas is aI Love star wars. It's been a crucial part of my childhood and beyond. I fondly remember watching the prequels and thinking they were gods of a movie. It's not so much the case today. The thing about the phantom meance is Geroge lucas is a great story teller. He has some excellent ideas that made the foundations of the story great but it was just executed very poorly. Too much exposition, Jar Jar, whoever thought he would make a great general? weird stereotyping in the voices, wooden acting all across the board. Seriously queen admadala barley cracks a smile and the way she delivers her lines make me want to go to sleep. The only good thing That makes this a 3 is the lifghsaber fight plus as I mentioned before the great outlying of the story. I think George lucas is a great story teller but he can't put his thoughts into action and make it a great movie. That's why the original trilogy was so good. Even though he inly made one star wars movie he wrote the story for all 3 and they were fantastic. I admire George lucas. I feel bad as he had to prepare for alot of backlash sense episode 1 and even if he is not a perfect director I thank him wholeheartedly for bringing star wars into my life and I am glad he was able to share it with his vision. all I have left to say is thank you lucas for not ruining my childhood but creating it.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

All this user's reviews

10

Voodoo123Jun 13, 2014

Best Star wars film IMO. George lucas' film making experience upto 1999 meant he was no longer restricted by the physical limitations of 80's creature effects (which I love btw) lucasfilm could now seemlessly integrate the first full screenBest Star wars film IMO. George lucas' film making experience upto 1999 meant he was no longer restricted by the physical limitations of 80's creature effects (which I love btw) lucasfilm could now seemlessly integrate the first full screen cg character jar jar. I love jar jar! I love the complex political plot this new trilogy engage with and anyone who takes issue with jar jar need only look at innumerable animated cg 'kids' films to see how forward thinking that character design was. To me this is the perfect cinematic 'ride' encapsulating exciting moments of action, political drama and universe expanding delivered at a digestable pace wrapped in high art. Tastes fresh.… Expand

5 of 12 users found this helpful57

All this user's reviews

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

All this user's reviews

4

EpicLadySpongeJan 3, 2017

For every detail that needs to be corrected in this film, it's the way how it focuses on little Anakin's trip to become a Jedi. Nevertheless, George Lucas manages to make his new start to the trilogy before the originals seem off and boring to watch.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

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

All this user's reviews

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

All this user's reviews

4

PrivataDec 16, 2016

This is a hard one.
Out of the prequels I find it to be the hardest one to watch.
However on the flip side I think it looks the most like a StarWars movie out of all the prequels. My issues with the movie is mostly the acting and jarjar (IThis is a hard one.
Out of the prequels I find it to be the hardest one to watch.

However on the flip side I think it looks the most like a StarWars movie out of all the prequels.

My issues with the movie is mostly the acting and jarjar (I mean fart jokes , walking in crap and his voice being set 300% louder than anyone else and the fact he acts dumber than anything from the SW universe)
But I like a lot of the visuals (yes the effects can be bad , but the art its self is very nice)

The plot is clever as well , but its told in a very clumsy way.
And the ''romance'' is a bit on the creepy side to me. Anyway , I dont hate it. I dont love it. I dont think I like it , but I do enjoy what it added to the StarWars lore.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

All this user's reviews

3

Thatonenerd2187Dec 11, 2016

Star wars the phantom menace is the worst star wars movie by far in the franchise. With it's boring characters, terrible acting, terrible cgi that does not hold up well, and the fact that is completely boring makes this unwatchable.

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

All this user's reviews

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

All this user's reviews

10

cforthewinNov 13, 2016

I nice movie to stat with with good action, a good story, and mostly good characters. It is not a perfect movie but it is definitely a good movie and a great way to introduce kids to star wars.

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

All this user's reviews

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

All this user's reviews

9

AndanteOct 31, 2016

A great movie, just the perfect start to introduce us to the prequel trilogy. Evan McGregor and Liam Neeson deliver world class acting, story has a very good flow and the final battle scene is magnificent. Comical additions with Jar Jar areA great movie, just the perfect start to introduce us to the prequel trilogy. Evan McGregor and Liam Neeson deliver world class acting, story has a very good flow and the final battle scene is magnificent. Comical additions with Jar Jar are very good and I cant understand why people are complaining. Music is as always genius and astonishing. I dare to say that this movie and the prequel trilogy as a whole is better than the original movie.… Expand

4 of 11 users found this helpful47

All this user's reviews

8

mm007Oct 13, 2016

[8/10]
-------------
PROS: 1.Liam Neeson, Ewan Mcgregor, and Natalie Portman did good jobs. 2.The cute little boy anakin skywalker. Watching him was a charm. 3.Super action packed climax.Though Qui-Gon (Liam Neeson) dies. 4.After[8/10]
-------------
PROS:
1.Liam Neeson, Ewan Mcgregor, and Natalie Portman did good jobs.
2.The cute little boy anakin skywalker. Watching him was a charm.
3.Super action packed climax.Though Qui-Gon (Liam Neeson) dies.
4.After watching the sequel triology, really wanted to know the back story (How and why Anakin Skywalker becomes Derth Vader).Back story started really beautifully.

CONS:
1. Boring race in the middle.
2. jar jar binks failed to be funny and just made it a long annoying movie.
3.Too much characters.… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

All this user's reviews

7

bfoore90Sep 11, 2016

Phantom Menace gets alot of flack for being bad or the worst of the prequels, I'm here to tell you that its not. Phantom has its flaws but the acting from Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor and Natalie Portman carry the movie and its a decent originPhantom Menace gets alot of flack for being bad or the worst of the prequels, I'm here to tell you that its not. Phantom has its flaws but the acting from Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor and Natalie Portman carry the movie and its a decent origin story for Anakin on Tattooine. Not to mention, Phantom Meance gave us a truly awesome character in Darth Maul. Again, Phantom has its flaws like the fact that the CGI is still a bit much, Jar Jar is still a horrible character and Jake Lloyd couldn't act.… Expand

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

All this user's reviews

6

MasterRileyJul 20, 2016

While its got some great sequences; such as the pod race and the light saber duel, it falls far from the acclaimed original trilogy. Cheesy dialogue, poor acting, a sloppy script, poorly executed and downright awful characters (I'm looking atWhile its got some great sequences; such as the pod race and the light saber duel, it falls far from the acclaimed original trilogy. Cheesy dialogue, poor acting, a sloppy script, poorly executed and downright awful characters (I'm looking at you Jar Jar) cause The Phantom Menace to be mediocre. Not good, but not completely awful either.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

3

BananaCinemaJul 15, 2016

Three words: Jar Jar Binks, he flushed star wars down the drain and ruined both the movie and the prequel trilogy, HE'S JUST SOOOO ANNOYING, he's only there for comic relief, it feels like the movie was made for kids, the movie lacked drama,Three words: Jar Jar Binks, he flushed star wars down the drain and ruined both the movie and the prequel trilogy, HE'S JUST SOOOO ANNOYING, he's only there for comic relief, it feels like the movie was made for kids, the movie lacked drama, suspense and action, characters talked too much and politics, which no one cares about, especially the kids, the pod racing scene SUCKED (though i will admit, it generated an awesome video game), and it RUINED my all time favorite star wars character: darth vader, cause now, i'm supposed to accept the fact that Vader used to be some Blondie kid with a squeaky voice and bowl haircut, and who's so whiny (though the whiny part is only show in the later movies) and only joined the dark side because he didn't get what he wanted.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

All this user's reviews

5

TheMovieMan28Jul 12, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The trailer is better than the movie,better edited and better music the movie is boring with only ONE good fight with darth maul.The movie is filled with bad CGI and cringy acting.It kind of medeokre.The last 40 minutes is the better than the other parts of the movie and the fight with Darth Maul is badass.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

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

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

All this user's reviews

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

All this user's reviews

6

Muskrat147May 31, 2016

The largely anticipated prequel of the epic saga, The Phantom Menace is definitely not what many fans expected. Though many could argue that the effects were decent, and that the Saber fights were well choreographed, the poorly writtenThe largely anticipated prequel of the epic saga, The Phantom Menace is definitely not what many fans expected. Though many could argue that the effects were decent, and that the Saber fights were well choreographed, the poorly written dialogue and heavy use of political talk made the film particularly boring. And, not to mention, Jar Jar Binks.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

4

Aaron_WassermanMay 30, 2016

I don't flat out hate this movie entirely, it does have some awesome stuff to it. The pod race, the saber duel, the score, the planet designs, and the designs in general. But what makes this film weak is its bland one dimensial characters andI don't flat out hate this movie entirely, it does have some awesome stuff to it. The pod race, the saber duel, the score, the planet designs, and the designs in general. But what makes this film weak is its bland one dimensial characters and poorly acted and directed feel to this film. A far cry from the original trilogy.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

6

CineAutoctonoMay 9, 2016

"Star Wars: Episode 1: The Phantom Meneace " was a movie like this say, disappointing, precisely because of the very little action, and by no taste that left me, and that also left me if emotions, but it was good after completely.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

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

All this user's reviews

4

MovieMasterEddyApr 3, 2016

The lure of "Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace" cannot be explained without cross-referential flow charts establishing connections among bison stampedes, impulse buying, the power of myth and humankind's pathological willingness toThe lure of "Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace" cannot be explained without cross-referential flow charts establishing connections among bison stampedes, impulse buying, the power of myth and humankind's pathological willingness to pitch tents at the slightest hint of hot tickets.
Put more simply: The joy of "Star Wars" is going to see "Star Wars." Which is why no one will – or should – listen to the early buzz that "Phantom Menace" does not illuminate the heavens, eclipse its predecessors or affect global weather patterns as promised.

Moviegoers need to discover for themselves that the film, starring Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman and about 15 quadrillion computer creations, is anything but the Second Coming. I'm not saying it's "Ishtar Wars," but it is likely to disappoint more people than creator George Lucas would have liked.

The story line – in which the treacherous Trade Federation's evil agenda becomes increasingly clear – is too complicated to outline. But the overall purpose of "Phantom" is to foreshadow the life of Darth Vader. The heavy breather, we discover, starts off as a sweet 9-year-old boy called Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd), born into slavery on the planet Tatooine.

It is the destiny of Jedi Knights Obi-Wan Kenobi (McGregor) and Qui-Gon Jinn (Neeson), accompanying Queen Amidala (Portman), to discover this space-age Christopher Robin, who will eventually father Luke, Leia and a whole line of armor-plated fashion wear.

Unfortunately, it is also destined that our three wayfarers must be accompanied by Jar Jar Binks, an animatronic, underwater-dwelling, floppy-eared Gungan who functions as official comic relief.

Jar Jar's "funny" business consists of bumping into things and getting caught in the thruster engine of Anakin's air racer.

Picture a computer-created mixture of Dumbo the elephant, an Egyptian Anubis and Calista Flockhart. And imagine a strangled, sputtering patois that sounds goofy and backward.

Lucas has an extremely complex undertaking before him: to show the narrative Big Bang that started Darth Vader, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke Skywalker and the whole scary, quippy, fuzzy, Muppety, warp-speeding intergalactic family.

This means much expositional roadwork, as The Creator lays down track for all the themes, plot lines and characters who will appear and reappear throughout his 12-hour symphony.

Lord Lucas has said in press notes for "The Phantom Menace" that he decided to write this movie, the first in the early trilogy, after seeing the computerized possibilities in Steven Spielberg's "Jurassic Park." That is precisely the problem. Lucas is so busy trying to digitally blow everyone's mind that he forgets about his characters. The sacrifice of humanity for special effects creates an unfortunate disturbance in the Force.

"Phantom Menace" is to the original "Star Wars" trilogy what Roger Moore's Bond films were to the Connery originals: a pale imitation loaded down with cutting-edge bells and whistles. And in this industrial glare, the actors are caught like cosmic deer in the headlights.

Jake Lloyd seems more like a directed kid than a force to reckon with. As Queen Amidala, the whiningly ineffective Portman seems to be mimicking Katharine Hepburn. And McGregor – who imitates Alec Guinness's accent to match that of the older Obi-Wan Kenobi – sounds uncomfortably forced and tentative.

As Qui-Gon, Neeson makes a nicely understated mentor, the one who will mistakenly consider Anakin worthy of Jedi training. But "Phantom Menace" gives him little opportunity to do more than interact with computer beings, chase the plot and show off his light saber against a deadly, hooded opponent whose orange-and-black horned face is hard to take seriously.

If there is any magic partnership between Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan – at least, to rival the later link between Yoda (who makes an appearance here) and Luke in "The Empire Strikes Back" – it is in a galaxy far, far away.

The overall look and feel of the picture is always powerful. And the sound effects serenade your ears with palpable crispness. The prime scene – the real thriller, for my money – is an exhilarating spacecraft land race, in which Anakin Skywalker plays a youthful Ben Hur to Sebulba, a tentacled, cheating Messala who tries to destroy his space pod. Now that's a cool scene.

But after the movie's immediate effect has worn off, the shortcomings hover in the air. Obviously, this film will touch the lives and fantasies of millions of people. But I'd be surprised if a majority of "Phantom" fans – after sober reflection in a Jedi monastery, of course – place the movie at the top of the "Star Wars" pantheon. I think even Yoda would back me up on that.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

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

All this user's reviews

4

ReelViews94Mar 23, 2016

As the most widely anticipated and heavily hyped film of modern times, “Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace” can scarcely help being a letdown on some levels, but it’s too bad that it disappoints on so many. At heart a fanciful and funAs the most widely anticipated and heavily hyped film of modern times, “Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace” can scarcely help being a letdown on some levels, but it’s too bad that it disappoints on so many. At heart a fanciful and fun movie for young boys, the first installment of George Lucas’ three-part prequel to the original “Star Wars” trilogy is always visually diverting thanks to the technical wizardry with which it creates so many imaginative creatures, spaceships and alien worlds. But it is neither captivating nor transporting, for it lacks any emotional pull, as well as the sense of wonder and awe that marks the best works of sci-fi/fantasy.

Nonetheless, even if the film lacks the magic to endear it to audiences in the manner of the first series entries a generation ago, the Force will still be with the picture at the box office; pic will probably gross in the neighborhood of its $120 million budget in its first week of release beginning May 19, and double that by early June. Thereafter, much will depend upon repeat viewing, which will no doubt be frequent among kids but much less so with adults. In other words, though it’s an automatic blockbuster, it will become neither a classic nor the biggest moneymaker of all time — only one of the biggest.

Those most looking forward to the first new “Star Wars” installment in 16 years are mostly people — now in their 30s — who were kids when episodes four through six were released. If anything, Lucas has tilted “Phantom” away from this audience and aimed it directly at a new crop of children, who are familiar with the originals via video or the recent “Special Edition” hardtop reissues. So while the new picture may not deliver everything the original fans have been fantasizing about for most of their lives, Lucas may again assert his status as the shrewdest marketeer among filmmakers, if he can capture the new generation for his fresh trilogy while still taking the old-time fans along for the ride.

The extended layover on Tatooine includes, at roughly the film’s halfway point, what is arguably its action/effects highlight, the pod race, which is the sci-fi equivalent of “Ben-Hur’s” chariot race. Launched from an arena carved out of rock, this consists of a bunch of daredevil pilots, who are suspended in virtual buckets connected to giant jet engines, careening their rickety crafts at low altitudes through craggy landscapes, canyons and narrow spaces, anything to create a powerful visual dynamic. Effect is as comparable to a video game as to a movie sequence, but provides the best ride of the picture, even if the outcome is never in doubt.

As the story, in its maze-like way, zigzags through its second hour, even more characters and creatures are introduced, notably a villain, the red-eyed, red-and-black-faced Darth Maul (Ray Park), who doesn’t say much but proves to be a particularly dexterous opponent of the Jedis with his lightsaber dueling technique. After a series of confrontations and battles, a sense of tentative peace prevails at the end, and the young Anakin, despite some misgivings on the part of Jedi Master Yoda, is accepted as a Jedi apprentice. As the Republic’s Senator Palpatine with a wry sense of portentiouness says to the boy, “We will watch your career with great interest.”

There is certainly enough incident to keep the picture and the viewer going, but the bombardment of elements, names, worlds, creatures and dilemmas may prove somewhat daunting to casual observers unsteeped in “Star Wars” lore. Beyond that, the new CGI characters are notably lacking in charm or interest other than on the design level; they bring nothing new or special to Lucas’ universe, and in a sense overpopulate it.

This is a truly a world of extraterrestrial diversity gone berserk: There are hundreds of droid warriors, all manner of animal-like creatures, and enough spaceships, fighting machines and vehicles to supply an entire toy store. Except for the desert scenes and a few other landscapes, the world of the movie is virtually entirely artificial, and some of the more obviously fake backdrops remind one that this is just a computer-generated version of the sort of ambiance habitually created some 50 to 60 years ago by most Hollywood pictures.

Lucas places no less importance on the sound elements, and his experts in this field, in particular sound designer Ben Burtt and Skywalker Sound director and mixer Gary Rydstrom, have delivered again. John Williams’ score reprises the very familiar themes of the first trilogy while adding some new and complimentary strains.

But while the film hardly lacks for visual creativity, it lacks resonance, freshness and a sense of wonder. In a way, it suffers from there having been so many knock-offs and sci-fi imitators in the intervening years.

“Phantom” is easily consumable eye candy, but it contains no nutrients for the heart or mind.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

8

JoroAMar 21, 2016

Not the best movie out there, but has an interesting story and is a fun watch. The dialogue at times is strange and characters like jar jar feel out of place. The action is great and is fun to watch and for it's time had the best cgi i haveNot the best movie out there, but has an interesting story and is a fun watch. The dialogue at times is strange and characters like jar jar feel out of place. The action is great and is fun to watch and for it's time had the best cgi i have ever seen. The movie is severely underrated and has interesting new ideas.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

All this user's reviews

6

PachekoviskMar 17, 2016

MEDIOCRE
In my opinion it's not the worst in the series.
It has a terrible acting, excessive use of CGI and a dumb story.
But is better than a lot of other movies. Including the second one...

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

4

gameguardian21Mar 6, 2016

Why did this happen. George Lucas made the best movie trilogy of all time, how could he screw this up. We had our expectations so high, we thought we were going to have the best movie experience after many years of waiting. But we were all soWhy did this happen. George Lucas made the best movie trilogy of all time, how could he screw this up. We had our expectations so high, we thought we were going to have the best movie experience after many years of waiting. But we were all so disappointed in this mess. The acting was terrible and awkward. The characters are undeveloped. The story sucks, and the cgi is way too much. At least we got on hell of a lightsaber fight, so we could calm down for a few minutes. I was very disappointed in this film.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

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

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

6

koothrappaliFeb 1, 2016

Episódio I é de longe o pior e mais desnecessário filme de toda a franquia Star Wars. E quando eu falo desnecessário, eu quero dizer que: se você pular esse filme, não vai fazer a mínima diferença no entendimento da história. A única coisaEpisódio I é de longe o pior e mais desnecessário filme de toda a franquia Star Wars. E quando eu falo desnecessário, eu quero dizer que: se você pular esse filme, não vai fazer a mínima diferença no entendimento da história. A única coisa realmente importante que acontece nesse filme é a introdução do Anakin/Darth Vader e da melhor dupla de robôs que existe na história do cinema, porque de resto, o filme é uma verdadeira desgraça. E não podemos esquecer de mencionar o personagem mais chato que eu já vi em toda a minha vida: Jar Jar Binks. C-3PO e R2-D2, esse 6 são dedicados a vocês.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

8

DarsonJan 26, 2016

I love this movie sooo much, this movie got me into the Star Wars saga and I can't thank it enough, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan were interesting characters, Darth Maul was just a straight up Bada** (and my new favorite Sith of all time) and the plotI love this movie sooo much, this movie got me into the Star Wars saga and I can't thank it enough, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan were interesting characters, Darth Maul was just a straight up Bada** (and my new favorite Sith of all time) and the plot made sense, also fight scenes were awesome, though, the negatives are Jake Lloyd's performance as Anakin, the overuse of cgi in some places and...The unholy face of all Star Wars, Jar Jar Binks, just saying the name alone makes you want to give this movie 2 points off, but all in all its not as bad as some say they are… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

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

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

6

TheMasiMan1Jan 22, 2016

Ok, it isn's nearly as good as the originals, but is it really that bad? Answer is "maybe". Its boring but they do make it up by putting in action packed battles. Battle droids? They arent a threat, NO ONE has ever died from a Battle Droid.Ok, it isn's nearly as good as the originals, but is it really that bad? Answer is "maybe". Its boring but they do make it up by putting in action packed battles. Battle droids? They arent a threat, NO ONE has ever died from a Battle Droid. Liam Neeson and Samuel L Jackson? I'll give you a few points for that, I mean come on! Liam Neeson and Samuel L Jackson! Puppet Yoda dosent look good, but they replaced him with a CGI Yoda in the 2011 Blu Ray release. Politics? No thanks. Jar Jar Binks? Annoying, he didnt ruin the movie, I mean come on! One character ruins the movie? He dosent even have that much screen time.

In conclution:
Its not a bad movie, its worth seeing, even though NOTHING happens in this movie. NOTHING. Think about it: What happens here, that impacts the storyline whatsoever? Sith return? Anakin meets Obi-Wan? Thats about it.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

All this user's reviews

10

benbuttbusterJan 22, 2016

This is objectively the only good film ever made. Jar Jar Binks is a terrific character, and I'm excited to see how they will elaborate on this character in The Force Awakens. I'm gonna give this one a 10/10.

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

All this user's reviews

8

J0eJan 15, 2016

I do not get all the hate for this movie it has an ok story it has good characters and some bad ones 2 cool bad guys and 2 bad ones has some bad acting but also good acting. Overall it is a good movie with a lot of flaws and I know it has notI do not get all the hate for this movie it has an ok story it has good characters and some bad ones 2 cool bad guys and 2 bad ones has some bad acting but also good acting. Overall it is a good movie with a lot of flaws and I know it has not aged very well but it still is cool has some awesome characters and awesome fight scenes.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

All this user's reviews

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

All this user's reviews

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

All this user's reviews

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

All this user's reviews

3

BarneyOnMTJan 5, 2016

WHAT I LIKED: A prequel to the amazing Star Wars trilogy stands out mainly for it's spectacular final action scene, aided by the new-found modern effects. 'The Phantom Menace' succeeds in the bare bones of it's plot too - and it does creditWHAT I LIKED: A prequel to the amazing Star Wars trilogy stands out mainly for it's spectacular final action scene, aided by the new-found modern effects. 'The Phantom Menace' succeeds in the bare bones of it's plot too - and it does credit the originals thanks to the score and production design.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: It was just delivered very badly: it takes ages to get going for a start, and then when you're into the meat of the story it gets bogged down with confusing politics that overwhelm any character development. This clearly isn't helped by the largely dull, monotone acting, plus some of the characters themselves are cringey and laughable too. All this means this is undoubtedly the worst Star Wars adventure of all.
VERDICT: This is a dull film throughout that only gets exciting in the last 20 minutes - sadly a poor effort from Lucas that fails to capture his success with the originals.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

6

hanneguacamoleJan 4, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. In what should have been a deliberate and riveting prequel to arguably one of the best trilogies, The Phantom Menace shows its age – in the CGI animation and the time since the last installment. The dots simply do not connect, and I'm not sure that Episode I would have any success if it were not for the beginnings of Darth Vader himself.

Darth Vader is obviously a vital character in the franchise, so the portrayal of Anakin Skywalker here is understandable, but feels forced. Because he is strong with the Force. Ha! With the introduction of many new characters, the same level of closeness were not attained with the likes of Jar Jar Binks and Qui Jon. Star Wars has always been innovative with its stories and locations, but at the same time it dwells too much on fighting with clones and the plot device of destroying the Death Star (on accident?)

As a Star Wars fan, I apprecaite seeing young Anakin Skywalker, but I am disappointed. I love seeing the similarities between father and son, Luke, yet Luke's journey can't help but cast a shadow over his father's. The Phantom Menace's enemy is not nearly as well developed as the original trilogy, and the film struggles with reconciling Anakin's journey through the ages. Obi-Wan pulls it out though. As the connective tissue between generations, it is good to see the Jedi teachings passed along, even without the blessing of Yoda. But why the CGI? The special effects may have been the most disappointing to me – I love the nostalgia.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

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

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

All this user's reviews

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

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

All this user's reviews

6

anichelsJan 1, 2016

Jar Jar is not necessary to the story,I didn't mind the politics in the film, and it revamped how we look at Jedi. Quigon and Obi-Wan were pretty cool.
Pod racing gave us an idea of what Anakin's youth was like. - Being an exceptionalJar Jar is not necessary to the story,I didn't mind the politics in the film, and it revamped how we look at Jedi. Quigon and Obi-Wan were pretty cool.
Pod racing gave us an idea of what Anakin's youth was like. - Being an exceptional force-sensitive child, it gives us a glimpse of what his hard skills are, as far-fetched as it is seeing a child pilot a fighter jet and successfully destroying a space station, at least there is some understandable precedent. (acting skills are not great, but it didn't kill the movie like JarJar did.)

Darth Maul is a fantastic and mysterious villain… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

All this user's reviews

10

JolexlarisDec 30, 2015

I've seen this movie three times this year and, guess what? I like it even more each time. The scale of the universe Lucas showed in the Original Trilogy is expanded in this movie to incomparable scales. And the politics, since I was aI've seen this movie three times this year and, guess what? I like it even more each time. The scale of the universe Lucas showed in the Original Trilogy is expanded in this movie to incomparable scales. And the politics, since I was a teenager I came to love Star Wars because it is more than just a plain good vs bad action story. And this would not had happen without episode I. Easily, at leas for me, the most important movie of all 7.… Expand

0 of 4 users found this helpful04

All this user's reviews

5

NestriReviewsDec 30, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace is a total disappointment. It's an annoying movie, seriously. The characters, at least most of them, are totally uninteresting and underdeveloped. I thought that one of the antagonists had no personality at all (the one with a black and red skin) and was just there to look cool with his double lightsaber, fighting against the Jedi. He was so underdeveloped and forgettable. The main character, Anakin, is a little bit annoying because, you know, he's a kid. But, you know what seemed odd? This kid blows up a SPACESHIP in the end of the movie!!! What the hell was the director thinking? Also, Jar Jar gets on my nerves. I'm not a fan of his design. I'm also not a fan of the battle of Jar Jars vs droids, it's just not that good because it is rather anti climatic. None of the characters have impressed me in this movie and they can be so cringe-worthy at times. But, the story however, is not bad, it's just the execution is terrible. The same can't be said about some of the battles in this film, that are mostly appealing IMO. So, basically, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace has a decent premise, but the execution of the story is poor.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

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

All this user's reviews

5

marcmyworksDec 27, 2015

When I first saw this I was impressed with the action and CGI but having Jake "Yippee" Lloyd cast as Anakin Skywalker was piss-poor. I also just don't think this film aged well. Overall not bad, but need a lot of tweeking.

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

All this user's reviews

0

igorgaviDec 27, 2015

"Star Wars: The Phantom Menace was the most disappointing thing since my son[...]And while my son eventually hanged himself in the bathroom of a gas station, the unfortunate reality of the Star Wars prequels is that they'll be around."Star Wars: The Phantom Menace was the most disappointing thing since my son[...]And while my son eventually hanged himself in the bathroom of a gas station, the unfortunate reality of the Star Wars prequels is that they'll be around. Forever." - Plinkett, Harry… Expand

5 of 11 users found this helpful56

All this user's reviews

4

MrMovieBuffDec 27, 2015

(I had to review this movie sooner or later, so here it is)

George Lucas returns in the director's chair for 'Star Wars: The Phantom Menace', the highly anticipated space opera prequel that will tell us the story of how the famous Darth(I had to review this movie sooner or later, so here it is)

George Lucas returns in the director's chair for 'Star Wars: The Phantom Menace', the highly anticipated space opera prequel that will tell us the story of how the famous Darth Vader became...Darth Vader.

The movie stars Liam Neeson as Qui Gon Jinn, a legendary Jedi warrior with his accomplice Obi Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) who travel to find a young boy they believe will bring balance to the force and will one day, become a legendary Jedi fighter.

The movie starts with promise, still giving us the iconic crawl text sequence with the iconic theme composed by the great John Williams. Some of the action sequences here do look impressive, as you would expect from a movie made in the late 1990s. We also meet the female protagonist in the movie named Padme (Natalie Portman) who gets on really well with the young Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd) and they seem to have this strange romantic infatuation with one-another. I use the word "strange" simply because Anakin appears to be an eight-year-old boy, and Padme appears as a teenage girl...somewhere along the lines of 13, 14-years-old.

Director, George Lucas, who hasn't directed a well-known feature since "A New Hope" in 1977 clearly has shown how his skills as a filmmaker has somewhat fallen for the nearly 22 years he has taken between directing features. The story is an interesting story as we (mostly "Star Wars" fans) learn how one of the most iconic villains in motion picture history becomes the person we know them to be. Unfortunately, it's the execution of the movie and how the story is being told that comes off as a disappointment, which led many fans to react with outrage and hate towards this movie.

But we need to discuss the elephant in the room, or maybe the Gungan in the room, that is the ever so hated Jar Jar Binks (Ahmed Best). This character has gained some notorious hate because of his voice and antics on screen. Lucas clearly wanted to make a comic relief character similar to that of the Genie in 'Aladdin' (1992), where the jokes and obnoxious behavior would result in laughter, instead, the jokes result in frustration from the audience as we want to know, when will Jar Jar Binks shut up?

There are many moments where we see Binks constantly falling over, screaming, becoming the victim of slapstick, physical comedy and even just getting himself in danger so we could see him do something funny. Unfortunately, he is neither funny nor helpful, the movie wouldn't be any different without him, although, it would be slightly easier to watch.

Another trouble this movie faces is the dialogue, it is very expository where characters such as the legendary Qui Gon Jinn use very long words relating to "Star Wars" things and speaking like he is reciting poetry, or verses from the Bible. There is never a moment where we see the characters speak realistically, or even times where they are not trying to drill in your heads what the movie's plot is. The story execution is so thinly written, Lucas depends on dialogue to help the audience catch up.

The CGI here is the real deal, it is a very lush looking movie, in fact, that is pretty much the reason why it got made. Throughout the 1990s, with films like 'Terminator 2: Judgement Day' (1991) and 'Jurassic Park' (1993) have broke new ground with their almost realistic looking CGI as technology improves, even four years before "The Phantom Menace", an animated film called 'Toy Story' (1995) was released becoming the first ever CG-animated feature film.

We get many scenes where characters are in certain set-pieces standing before other CGI characters in a CGI hall-like room and we get many establishing shots and wide shots to showcase what a great looking movie this is. It is gorgeous and well-made, but that isn't enough to hide a bad script.

All in all, "The Phantom Menace" is only worth watching for the final fight between Obi Wan Kenobi, Qui Gon Jinn and the main antagonist, Darth Maul...this fight scene may look more like dancing due to the unnecessary flips and twirling of the lightsabers like they are batons...but it is pure eye-candy.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

All this user's reviews

7

TheApplegnomeDec 25, 2015

The only dialogs and characters 'The Craptom Menace' successfully did manage to deliver are the droid's. The rest are awful as they are **** But this **** is what I grew up to love and still does (somewhat).

In the end of the pastThe only dialogs and characters 'The Craptom Menace' successfully did manage to deliver are the droid's. The rest are awful as they are **** But this **** is what I grew up to love and still does (somewhat).

In the end of the past millennium came several big blockbusters that eventually changed the movie industry. The CGI-era was introduced with several big blockbusters like 'Jurassic Park' and 'Independence Day'. But in 1999; 'Star Wars' was back and it arrived with glamorous effects that was way ahead of its time. But was the man named George Lucas still up for the job? Fans of the original films were disappointed and still are, even though it's been more than 15 years since. But it still managed to inspire a new generation of fans, like myself, to this universe that takes place in a galaxy far away.

Today; I'm still not sure if this is a somewhat good or a bad movie. I grew up with this space-opera and it still got a place in my heart. 'Star Wars: The Phantom Menace’ is still a movie full of stupid and hilarious flaws. The plot isn't simple, thats a big flaw right there. It's not that subtle, it keeps going, and it therefore often is very unpredictable (which is a good thing). But much of the story is vaguely written. Add a stupid amount of plot-holes and tonnes of silliness too; then you got this flick. George Lucas got a great feel for adding stupid and non-important subplots that just do more harm than good. The cool and entertaining podrace is one example. This is 'Star Wars', and I’m watching a race. Not a race to death but as in sport. Sure it’s the story of Anakin Skywalker and we see him in his younger age as a skilled and powerful pilot, but it’s still a race. Is this really a prequel to the 'Star Wars' George Lucas once invented? As mentioned; it’s a very messy and high-paced flick, which is noticeable near the third act. We see events take place on the ground, up in space and so on. The story is so spread out on different characters that no emotion nor empathy to them get’s real. Other disturbing aspects with the plot are the stupid and illogical decisions many characters keeps making over and over. It doesn't make anything better that many of the dialogs are expressed when the characters are sitting down, talking and debating; rather than during intense moments like what we saw in ’The Empire Strikes Back’.

The center of the film isn’t on one specific character and because of that; the whole movie is more of a ’previously’ than an origin story. ’The Phantom Menace’ should have been so much better if the center of the plot was on one character and one alone, and then develop and focus a great story on that specific individual. Not to add more non-important ones like Jar Jar Binks. Our main characters are on the other hand very well presented, and a very good performance from Liam Neeson! Nathalie Portman however; is very one-dimensional and dry with her dialogs. When it comes to the characters, are there not that much depth nor backstory to them. We don't really know that much about them and they don't impress that much if you must compare to the original films. The plot is as mentioned very high-paced, which I’ve grown up to love with its space-opera and action. But it might be a ”too plot centered” movie. There's no time to get to know our characters nor get to understand them. Our main protagonist Darth Maul is another example. He’s a very cool and badass villain, but how much do we know about him? How much does he say -- he’s just a baddie.

One aspect of these prequel-films are the incredibly forced moments where characters must show their emotion and what they see and think; through dialogs. Many dialogs are unnecessary, we know stuff, but they say it anyway. Look at the main protagonist and antagonists when they are confronting each other; how much interaction do they have on an emotional level? Do they really interact?

This was supposed to be the origin story of legendary characters like Darth Vader and Obi-wan Kenobi, but is it? It’s definitely a movie of many flaws, but it still got some positivity. I’ve always loved all the action, space-opera, battles, sound effects, music, cinematography and of course the overall adventures of the main antagonists. The main lead from Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are somewhat solid but of course not that deep or relatable. The CGI are on the other hand very mind-blowing for a movie that came out over 15 years ago. I’ve always loved this movie, and I still do. Yes, I'm overly entertained by a ****ty movie that shouldn't be okay to like at all. But this was my first entry to the galaxy far away, and it still got a place in my heart. But it still is a pretty awful movie from a critical viewpoint; with horrible dialogs, one-dimensional characters and a very vague story. Add childish humor with fart and poop jokes and too-many-to-mention accidental save the day-moments; welcome to ’The Craptom Menace’.

Personal rating: 78/100
Critical rating: 42/100… Expand

4 of 12 users found this helpful48

All this user's reviews

4

Movie1997Dec 22, 2015

Having not experienced Star Wars as a kid, I thought that I should watch all of them starting with "The Phantom Menace". Unfortunately, this did not kick things off to a good start. Right off the bat you get a lame and pathetic story aboutHaving not experienced Star Wars as a kid, I thought that I should watch all of them starting with "The Phantom Menace". Unfortunately, this did not kick things off to a good start. Right off the bat you get a lame and pathetic story about tax federations, weak characters and even worse performances. The visuals are completely overblown and suck you out of the movie. I don't think I need to say anymore about Jar Jar Binks. While I didn't find him to be the biggest abomination in cinema, he does leave a bad taste in the mouth of viewers. But it's a not a flat out terrible movie. There are some great light saber fights (even if they are too well choreographed), and there are even some (not many) but some moments of promise. However it doesn't fulfill the way that it should be use of George Lucas' direction. The problems this movie has are because George Lucas doesn't know how to write characters let alone get real performances out of his actors. You can tell he's more about style than substance. Overall, while not a terrible movie, it's boring storyline and dull characters make "The Phantom Menace" one to simply skip. I'm going to give it a C-!… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

All this user's reviews

2

ReubenIsAGodDec 16, 2015

Really bad film, probably oneofthe worst films ive ever seen. Bad dialog,annoying chara ters. **** even watch he prequls . dont watch it, tis **** 101

4 of 9 users found this helpful45

All this user's reviews

6

SEROJDec 14, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The first part of the prequel is really not that great. The characters are unique and amazing, the story (for this part) is decent and the action is good but nothing special. The best scene in the movie remains the rally.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

All this user's reviews

7

ColeSoderstromDec 12, 2015

As a huge Star Wars fan I was dissapointed in this film but it does shine in certainly places like the pod race and darth maul lighsaber duel and John Williams did an amazing job with the music. There are a few terrible things though like JarAs a huge Star Wars fan I was dissapointed in this film but it does shine in certainly places like the pod race and darth maul lighsaber duel and John Williams did an amazing job with the music. There are a few terrible things though like Jar Jar Binks and Anakin yelling yippe! Overall it was a ok-good film.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

4

YellowKirbyDec 12, 2015

Ugh... this movie basically is all about the visuals. There's absolutely NO story whatsoever. It has too many CGI characters, and no REAL characters. Some of the acting is wooden, Darth Maul is only in it for like, ten seconds and there's aUgh... this movie basically is all about the visuals. There's absolutely NO story whatsoever. It has too many CGI characters, and no REAL characters. Some of the acting is wooden, Darth Maul is only in it for like, ten seconds and there's a really, really, REALLY long and boring race. Absolutely terrible.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

All this user's reviews

4

FlickFreaks83Dec 11, 2015

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’sThings 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.

This arse-numbing inactivity recurs throughout The Phantom Menace: because the battles lines are not yet drawn and sides are still being taken there is always much explaining to be done, characters are forever having update meetings or being introduced to one another. The plot machinery lumbers through the gears, hampered further by the strange declarative dialogue and by an apparent disinterest in making these scenes visually interesting.

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.)

And 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.

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.

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.

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. Alongside the obvious action highs, the ability to consume the saga in a single.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

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

All this user's reviews

5

ThatCooperGuyDec 1, 2015

So it all “begins” with The Phantom Menace. OMG THE WORSE SHTER WERSH MUVIE EVERRRRRR…

No. The Phantom Menace is not the worst in the series, I’d watch it without an issue, it’s really “Attack of the Clones” that I’m reluctant to watchSo it all “begins” with The Phantom Menace. OMG THE WORSE SHTER WERSH MUVIE EVERRRRRR…

No. The Phantom Menace is not the worst in the series, I’d watch it without an issue, it’s really “Attack of the Clones” that I’m reluctant to watch again.

I don’t think the movie is all that bad, it’s just boring. I also don’t hate Jar Jar, he’s not that annoying but he’s a really useless character… Doesn’t help that he’s mostly CGI and none of the digital effects in this movie hope up that well…
With some positives: I do appreciate that 20% of this movie uses practical effects, Ewan McGregor is a great Obi-Wan, and I like the light saber duels in this movie. The Phantom Menace is boring and led to a much worst second episode, but it’s far from being the worst movie ever made.

However, I rarely ever go back to watch this movie, the last time I saw it was in theaters in 3D. My dad took me and we showed up about 15 minutes after the movie started… I assume my dad was not eager to watch this movie again…… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

All this user's reviews

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

All this user's reviews

7

horcrux2007Nov 28, 2015

I suppose I should start calling this "Confessions of a Star Wars Virgin"... Anyway, I've finally come to the much-maligned prequel series and a movie that gets considerable hate, The Phantom Menace. Maybe because I don't esteem the Star WarsI suppose I should start calling this "Confessions of a Star Wars Virgin"... Anyway, I've finally come to the much-maligned prequel series and a movie that gets considerable hate, The Phantom Menace. Maybe because I don't esteem the Star Wars film as the greatest films of all time, or maybe I just have lower standards than most, but I found The Phantom Menace to be the most fun Star Wars movie yet. Yes, there are enormous flaws with Episode I, but like every other film in the series, the good moments don't just excuse the bad; they topple them. The Phantom Menace follows Jedi Knight Qui-God Jinn and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi as they escort Queen Amidala on her travels to the planet Coruscant, hoping to find a peaceful end to an interplanetary trade dispute. They also encounter Anakin Skywalker, before he became a Jedi, who appears to have unusually strong powers of the Force. I was definitely surprised by how much I enjoyed the movie based on how much hate it has received. Being the first movie in a trilogy, The Phantom Menace is going to feature a lot of exposition and many seemingly stock characters. I would hope many of the plotlines and character arcs are continued in the next couple of movies because, but I have to at least give it the benefit of the doubt for now. The movie's good moments made me completely forget many of the bad ones that came before it. The pod race in particular was stunning as well as the final fight with Darth Maul; showing the Jedi in their prime made the lightsaber fights more fast-paced and exciting. Even though I enjoyed the movie, I can completely understand the hatred it has accumulated over the years. If I was a big fan of the original series, and I had to wait sixteen years for this, I would be pretty disappointed as well. Maybe being a Star Wars virgin allowed me to enjoy Episode I more than I should have, but, at least for me, The Phantom Menace was the most visually impressive and maybe even the most fun Star Wars movie yet by continuing to showcase the series' creativity and imagination.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

All this user's reviews

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

All this user's reviews

1

HenryKrinkleOct 28, 2015

The bad - The writing, plot, acting, characters, dialogue, overuse of over ambitious CGI, the woeful attempts at humour.
The good - Ummm.... The music?

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

3

akerr2Oct 20, 2015

This film set the tone and the epic build up to Episode IV however it needed more explanation and perhaps a "movie between movies" as the transition from this one to Episode II was very loose. The underlying sith plot was not shown enoughThis film set the tone and the epic build up to Episode IV however it needed more explanation and perhaps a "movie between movies" as the transition from this one to Episode II was very loose. The underlying sith plot was not shown enough light for some of the audience to properly understand.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

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

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

7

Duskycarp116Oct 2, 2015

There is a lot of hate for this and in my opinion it doesn't. It hasn't age well but it's still badass watching those fight scene and shows how much they improve since the older episodes. The story doesn't deserve any awards but itsThere is a lot of hate for this and in my opinion it doesn't. It hasn't age well but it's still badass watching those fight scene and shows how much they improve since the older episodes. The story doesn't deserve any awards but its enjoyable. I can go on and on but that's all I have to say about this movie.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

All this user's reviews

5

justinsirkin01Aug 21, 2015

In the 1980s the Star Wars franchise became one of the most beloved film sagas of all time with a striking line of toys, comics, books, costumes, games. Star Wars was huge. it told the story of a man who becomes a villain. After 15 years StarIn the 1980s the Star Wars franchise became one of the most beloved film sagas of all time with a striking line of toys, comics, books, costumes, games. Star Wars was huge. it told the story of a man who becomes a villain. After 15 years Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace was announced and the hype was enormous. We were finally going to see the story we wanted to see. We were finally going to see the origin of Darth Vader one of the most iconic movie characters of all time. Instead we were treated to something extremely different from what we expected. And I honestly have to say this...What was George Lucas thinking when he wrote this? Now before I express anymore i understand that this movie was made for children, and as a child I liked this film. But as an adult, I cannot believe that they screwed up a franchise as much as they did. In a list of Top 10 movies that derailed their own franchise The Phantom Menace would take the top spot. I really do not know why George decided to do this to his own franchise and make something that we all loved and make it into a bizarre childrens movie that barely keeps any of the love of the original Star Wars. Not alot of things that are positive about this film. For instance who is the main character? Shouldn't it be Anakin? But its not! That there is a major problem with this film. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace is a weak addition to the Star Wars franchise and can probably be skipped in its entirety.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

7

MagesticLeanAug 17, 2015

wasn't as bad as people say it deserves a six or seven not 0 i liked it i think i have seen this movie 1000000000000000 times and each time im like cool and i say f off anakin he was the worst part of star wars but your supposed to hate him

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

8

OpinionatedGuyAug 13, 2015

While not as bad as what people say about this movie, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menance still however suffers from an interesting plot that fails to be engaging enough.

Rating: 7.5/10 Pros: +Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor are theWhile not as bad as what people say about this movie, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menance still however suffers from an interesting plot that fails to be engaging enough.

Rating: 7.5/10

Pros:
+Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor are the best parts of the movie.
+The special effects in this movie looks really impressive for a movie released at its time.
+The podracing scene took me on the edge of my seat.
+The Jedi battle scene makes me feel like I want to be a Jedi Knight!

Neutral:
.The plot is very interesting. However, it’s not engaging enough as it feels like it’s more of a set up for the next two movies of the prequel trilogy of Star Wars.

Cons:
-The acting of young Anakin Skywalker. Just terrible. It’s really hard to root for Anakin Skywalker because of this.
-Jar Jar Binks went from an interesting character to the most annoying character real quick. His comic relief humor is just terrible and unnecessary.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

All this user's reviews

7

morganstephens5Aug 10, 2015

I would say this was the best of the prequels. It caught the heart of the original films the most. And Qui Gon was one of the best characters to have come out of the prequel trilogy. A very underrated film that deserves more praise than itI would say this was the best of the prequels. It caught the heart of the original films the most. And Qui Gon was one of the best characters to have come out of the prequel trilogy. A very underrated film that deserves more praise than it has gotten.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

All this user's reviews

5

therealcritic79Aug 10, 2015

There is so much yet so little happening in this movie. There is a complicated story about the trade federation and politics, but it is so weird that it goes nowhere. It lacks the feel that made the first star wars so great. That and JAR JARThere is so much yet so little happening in this movie. There is a complicated story about the trade federation and politics, but it is so weird that it goes nowhere. It lacks the feel that made the first star wars so great. That and JAR JAR BINKS! Need I say more? Fans will enjoy this, but everyone else should just skip this one.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

6

FawksJul 21, 2015

As for the first episode of prequels it had potential. Don't get me wrong the movie is bad, but you can see that Lucas wanted to make it good. Despite all the flaws it had the Star Wars feel in it. The problem was that Lucas is not a goodAs for the first episode of prequels it had potential. Don't get me wrong the movie is bad, but you can see that Lucas wanted to make it good. Despite all the flaws it had the Star Wars feel in it. The problem was that Lucas is not a good director or writer. If he would just write the story and remained a producer it could be much better.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

10

shadow_13Jul 20, 2015

The story are good this movie is great I don't know why the others don't like it but this movie is good . good job.....................................

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

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

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

5

SpiderPlayerMay 22, 2015

Median film, the story is not very engaging or interesting, the special effects are good, but the film at some points gets to be tiring, but it's a film that you can watch quietly most of the time.

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

All this user's reviews

8

Epik_NinnjaMay 22, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. So the movie isn't as golden as the original trilogy. So Jar-Jar binks is annoying. This movie is still very enjoyable to watch and it's still a great entry to the saga, in my opinion. I don't care if Anakin is annoying, he's a little kid who will grow up to be evil! Is he supposed to be completely loveable? I think that the backstory on the original films is great and the lightsaber duel at the end (Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon vs. Darth Maul) was one of the best fihgt scenes in the saga. Ultimately, I find this movie to be rather entertaining not only as a piece of backstory to the original films but also as its own movie. The ending is massive-scale, the CGI was great at the time,a dn it's just a pretty fun movie all-around.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

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

All this user's reviews

7

JosephASowellMay 13, 2015

It was good, however, it could have been so much more. George Lucas just needed some more help with this movie, and it would have been better. If you haven't seen the original trilogy this movie is just better.

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

All this user's reviews

5

diogomendesMay 9, 2015

"Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace" is occasionally cloying, utterly goofy and doesn't have much in terms of plot or characterization, but it's so fun. With that being said, I don't think it's a masterpiece, but it's not a terrible"Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace" is occasionally cloying, utterly goofy and doesn't have much in terms of plot or characterization, but it's so fun. With that being said, I don't think it's a masterpiece, but it's not a terrible movie by any means. Definitely worth a watch, if you like sci-fi films.

Final Score: 5.5/10.

P.S: Dat race scene though...… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

All this user's reviews

4

waronassermanMay 3, 2015

George Lucas dissappointed most of his audiences! this movie was boring and just stupid! I am ashamed to like star wars with this movie being technically the starting point

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

All this user's reviews

6

BasquillyApr 28, 2015

The worst addition to the series, this movie suffers throughout from its failure to evolve from the original trilogy. The acting, editing and special effects are only marginally improved from the original franchise, but this stands more as aThe worst addition to the series, this movie suffers throughout from its failure to evolve from the original trilogy. The acting, editing and special effects are only marginally improved from the original franchise, but this stands more as a testament to the original movies than a failure of this one. Where this movie really falls down is the weak attempt to form a connection between the characters and the audience, and the stilted direction of the actors on the set. The curse of the child actor really hurts this movie as well, along with the cringey additions of characters like JarJar Binks and Nute Gunray. The movie saves itself some semblance of credibility through a few stellar action sequences, notably the pod racing on Tatooine and the dual between QuiGon Jinn, Obi Wan Kenobi and Darth Maul. The plot is also superior to any of the original trilogy, and sets up a solid story arch. Again however it suffers from excessive exposition, leaving no mystery to intrigue those watching.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

4

MovieManiac83Apr 24, 2015

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’sThings 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.

This arse-numbing inactivity recurs throughout The Phantom Menace: because the battles lines are not yet drawn and sides are still being taken there is always much explaining to be done, characters are forever having update meetings or being introduced to one another. The plot machinery lumbers through the gears, hampered further by the strange declarative dialogue and by an apparent disinterest in making these scenes visually interesting.

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.)

And 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.

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.

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.

And yet if only Lucas could have stopped thinking like a fearful father and acted more like the fearless myth-maker of old, there’s a quick fix that would change everything. Imagine for a moment a street urchin orphaned by the Clone Wars, a scoundrel scamming to survive, already using the force without even realising it. Imagine a cocky fifteen-year old robbing Qui-Gonn, competing with Obi-Wan and flirting with Padme. Imagine, for a second, an Anakin invested with the spirit of a young Han Solo…

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. Alongside the obvious action highs, the ability to consume the saga in a single sitting has created a veritable feast for those fans still keen to mine for irony, with Palpatine’s Shakespearean scheming particularly delectable here.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

All this user's reviews

7

IllusivemaN7Apr 20, 2015

There are two major issues with this film. Jar Jar and some excessive CGI that doesn't always look the best but other than that the plot is essential ground work to the rise of Palpatine. It may not be the best Star Wars film but it isThere are two major issues with this film. Jar Jar and some excessive CGI that doesn't always look the best but other than that the plot is essential ground work to the rise of Palpatine. It may not be the best Star Wars film but it is undeserving of all the criticism. A couple of the actors are less than stellar but it's a passable movie.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

All this user's reviews

0

heloheApr 20, 2015

Utterly and completely disappointing. So much CGI has been crammed into this movie that it makes your eyes hurt from watching it. Everything looks fake. There is no charm no emotions as they have been to the original trilogy. The plot is justUtterly and completely disappointing. So much CGI has been crammed into this movie that it makes your eyes hurt from watching it. Everything looks fake. There is no charm no emotions as they have been to the original trilogy. The plot is just boring and lame, all characters are annoying and forgettable. The boy playing Anakin is just an awfully terrible actor. If you compare it to other young actors (see Game of Thrones) you will notice that at least with a somehow decent acting choice some part of the movie could have still been saved.
But then there is this terrible terrible Jar-Jar CGI abomination. It fails at everything, it fails at humor, it fails at having any benefit to the movie.
While the old trilogy had a clear story line, some very memorable scenes and characters. This has nothing. I can't remember a single scene that was interesting or that I liked.
George Lucas should have better listened to his advisors instead of trying to do everything himself.
I know he is a big fan of modern computer imagery / CGI and so on. It does not really make the movie any better. It actually makes it much worse. The carefully crafted models used in the old trilogy look way more realistic and better even after many many years.… Expand

5 of 11 users found this helpful56

All this user's reviews

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

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

5

homer4presidentMar 11, 2015

It's not a bad movie, just heavily flawed. Its acting and dialogue can be cringe-worthy, but its high points still make it an enjoyable cinematic experience. It is overall a visually-dazzling film with a stunningly complex plot andIt's not a bad movie, just heavily flawed. Its acting and dialogue can be cringe-worthy, but its high points still make it an enjoyable cinematic experience. It is overall a visually-dazzling film with a stunningly complex plot and heart-pounding action sequences.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

All this user's reviews

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

All this user's reviews

6

BernolsvenJan 26, 2015

[Portuguese] O filme é um pouco chato, só o final é interessante, porém este filme introduziu o começo de toda história de Star Wars, então é um filme importante.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

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

All this user's reviews

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

All this user's reviews