Rating: 
Summary: Plot=okay, experience=great
Review: Despite claims to the contrary, this is not the "ultimate" Star Wars movie. There are moments of inexplicable plot twist and/or unbelievable coincidence (Anakin Skywalker made Threepio? Since when?), not to mention some moments that are entirely too silly for this noble saga. (When I saw Boss Nass do that lip-shaking thing, for example, I groaned, "This is obscene.") But I'm still giving this movie four stars, simply because it does have its moments: the unbelievable special effects, for example, that turn this from a movie into a breathtaking epic experience. Add to that the performances of Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor (who sounds exactly like Alec Guiness, by the way), who give solid performances as true Jedi Knights--highly skilled warriors who follow a strict code and uphold their principles to the end. Their performances alone transform this movie from the rambunctiousness of previous Star Wars episodes (or later ones, I guess) into a heroic tale of camaraderie from a time when Jedi Knights were exactly that. This film feels old-school even though it's new, and that feeling along with the background info this movie provides (not to mention what is hands-down the most kickass series of lightsaber sequences EVER) make this movie worth owning.
Rating: 
Summary: Despite the criticism, still a fabulous movie
Review: Despite constant debate about the subject of the prequels, once you lay all that aside and look at the movie itself, you realize that The Phantom Menace is indeed a very good movie. There were some very big shoes to fill when Phantom was released and for the most part, people felt like there was something missing. As this movie ages however, I feel that it will begin to grow into those shoes.Set many years before the first trilogy, Phantom Menace introduces the viewer to many new characters along with introducing us to younger versions of some of the classics such as C-3P0 and Obi Wan. The story becomes very interesting once the viewer sees the movie for a second time, after the initial shock has set in and settled down. The movie does a nice job of setting the groundwork for the next two and begins to answer some of the questions about Darth Vader's past. There are dazzling special effects, a very intelligent storyline and great action sequences. The light saber battles are incredible and leave even the most disgruntled viewer feeling pleased. Most people would rather complain about something instead of enjoy it, eventually people will forget about their petty quarrels with the movie and settle down to enjoy the movie as well as the other two prequels. This is a must see for any Star Wars fan young or old.
Rating:
Summary: Definitely worth the money...
Review: Despite constant media criticism, and the annoying Jar Jar Binks, this is a solid movie. Keep in mind as you watch that it is only the beginning, and will seem far more complete when the prequels trilogy is finished. If for nothing else, buy it for the lightsaber battles alone!
Rating: 
Summary: technical brilliance, terrible script
Review: Despite incredible CG and the definitive example of how audio post is DONE in the pod-race scene, this movie was the worst I'd seen since Godzilla. I suppose we should have seen it coming after Lucas emasculated episode IV in his "special edition" fiasco: Greeto shoots first? Lucas is an excellent movie producer, his company defines the state of the art in effects and sound, but he should leave the writing to Kasdan, et al. "Yippee!" - enough said.
Rating: 
Summary: Effects Alone Do Not Make A Great Movie
Review: Despite Jar-Jar and the kid from "Jingle All The Way" (yeah, he couldn't act in that one, either), "The Phantom Menace" is a pretty decent movie. In no way does it compare to "The Empire Strikes Back," but it does hold its own in the Star Wars mythology. And with episodes two and three quickly approaching, "Phantom" will surely find its niche. Besides, after watching it over again, "The Phantom Menace" began to grow on me. Maybe it's the podracer sequence or the lightsaber clashes with Ray Park's ("Sleepy Hollow", "X-Men") Darth Maul. Or maybe ol' George is just putting something in the water; I don't know. All I know is that "Star Wars Episode One: The Phantom Menace," once you get used to it, is pretty darn cool.
Rating:
Summary: The legend begins!
Review: Despite my cynicism due to the incredible hype surrounding the release of The Phantom Menace, I found myself forced to admit that the film met my expectations on all levels and exceeded them in many. The computer generated graphics are a generation ahead of those in the first trilogy, creating a stunningly detailed and intricate mesh of alien landscapes and characters. Liam Neeson is outstanding as Jedi Knight Qui Gon Jin, portraying a very credible and very human character who sees clearly the inherent paradox of the Jedi philosophy and the role they must play in a dangerous time. Ewan McGregor brings much more personality to the young Obi-Wan Kenobi than is shown in Alec Guiness' more mature Ben Kenobi. The most interesting performance is by the fascinating Natalie Portman. When portraying the very proper and regal Queen Amidala, she is almost stultifying in her cardboard stiffness, but this sterile charaterization vanishes when she slips into the role of the hand-maiden alter-ego, Padme. Portman is refreshingly candid and outspoken in this role, without resorting to the shrewishness of the early Princess Leia depictions. Those who have read the books or know the relationship between Padme and the young Annakin Skywalker will find the subtle interplay between the two absolutely delightful. This boxed set contains two wonderful bonuses; first, of course, is that the movie is in Widescreen format, the only way that it can be truly appreciated. Secondly, there is a fascinating portfolio of original concept drawings that is worth the purchase price in and of itself. If you liked The Phantom Menace enough to want to own the movie, do yourself a huge service and invest a little extra for this Special Edition. It will tremendously expand your understanding and enhance your enjoyment of the entire Star Wars experience.
Rating:
Summary: Best Movie Ever Made, Nothin' Wrong With Jar Jar
Review: Despite some cheesy dialogue, I think this is the best movie I've ever seen. The other Star Wars movies don't even come close to the awe of this masterpiece. The effects were spectacular, the soundtrack was moving, the action nailed me to the floor, Ewan made a perfect Obi-Wan, and Jar Jar was the most likable character. There is nothing wrong with Jar Jar. Jar Jar, in the words of Bill Clinton, "I feel your pain." If any one wants to talk about an annoying character, they should talk about Anakin or his kiddie friends.
Rating:
Summary: Engaging sci-fi fluff
Review: Despite some of the most sophisticated special effects, art direction, & costume design in cinematic history, 'Star Wars I: The Phantom Menace' lacks the originality of its counterparts. The acting is laughable: Jake Lloyd looks directly into the camera several times & Natalie Portman takes amazing strides in showing absolutely no emotion. The script & storyline doesn't make much sense either. Otherwise, George Lucas' overproduced misfire is entertaining camp. The elaborate scenes (including the pod race sequence) & John Williams' score are technically rousing but with Jar Jar flopping around, this is pretty much kiddie fare.
Rating:
Summary: a great film!
Review: Despite the many arguments that episode 1 was absolutely terrible, I feel I must disagree. The 4th (or 1st, if you will) installment to the star wars saga isn't as great at the original 3, but it certainly isnt bad. The CG graphics (though sometimes cartoony) are excellent, and even though episode 1 seems more geared towards a younger age than the first trilogy, it can still be enjoyed by all. If asked what my favorite thing in the film is, I'd really have to say everything (except maybe Jake Lloyd's somewhat...C minus performance....though this proves as the film's only shortcoming) because the movie really is that great.
Rating:
Summary: A good movie despite the critics' reviews
Review: Despite the poor reviews it has received, The Phantom Menace is truely a good movie. I agree that it does not possess the powerful scenes of The Empire Strikes Back or the fairy tale plot of A New Hope; it has its own charm. George Lucas has introduced us to a number of fantastic worlds and presented us electrifying action sequences. The point to remember when watching this feature is that it's not a film in itself, but rather the threads from which the Star Wars tapestry will be sewn. People familiar with the characters and subplots in the last three movies will enjoy this one. Those who have not may not find it as interesting, but enjoyable, none the less.
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