Rating: 
Summary: "Star Wars" in name only; what a disappointment...
Review: Episode One, with its stunning visuals, is a thrill to look at. Parts of it would have worked great as an IMAX show about visions of other planets. As a movie, and particularly as a Star Wars movie, though, it falls far short. This film, unlike its predecessors, falls into the sci-fi trap of putting spectacle over story, special effects over character development. Yes, it had a lot of hype and expectations to live up to, but storytelling is still storytelling no matter what the medium and genre. It pains me to say it, but this particular Lucas installment is all flash and no Force.
Rating: 
Summary: lack of strong characters
Review: A big part of the success of the previous three episodes was the strong cast of characters which is a crucial thing for any movie regardless of the plot. What the new episode lacks big time are strong characters with their individual idiosyncrasies. When you ask the question "what are the characters in Phantom Menace like?", the answer would not go beyond "kids and two text book Jedi knights". The inclusion of a strong female character would have added a lot to the movie. One cannot help wishing Natalie Portman matures fast enough for the remaining episodes...
Rating: 
Summary: "The Phantom Menace" On Par with "A New Hope"!
Review: Episode I met all of my expectations and then some. True, it is certainly not the original three films, but it's still very good. "The Phantom Menace" has a much more uplifting feel to it than the later three movies, which is one of the reasons I enjoyed it so much. The people who were expecting to experience the joy and amazement inherent when they saw the original films will be disappointed, so if you're that closed minded, I wouldn't suggest watching it. I believe that most of the fans who think that Lucas has sold out Star Wars as a kid's movie are completely wrong. In essence, the original three were children's movies; that's not to say that adults don't enjoy them, however. Lucas accomplished something very unique in that he could construct a plot deep enough for adults, and yet simple enough for children. The plot of episode I is not as deep as the three original films, of course, but it's certainly there, and complex in its own right. I think you'll find that if you look back at when you first saw the films in the theater, you'll understand what I'm talking about. Chewy is just the same as Jar-Jar. Come on! A big furry animal that talks in grunts and rips the arms out of people when they lose? That's just as dumb, and yet likeable, as Jar-Jar Binks. If you think about it, it makes perfect sense. "The Phantom Menace" is excellent. Period. I rate it up there with "A New Hope". Any fan who can see beyond their stubbornness will be able to appreciate the film for what it is. It's sure to transport you back to the galaxy far far away just like it did 20 years ago. Give it a chance. George, thanks for another great installment in the epic tale!
Rating:
Summary: Where's the DVD?
Review: I think not releasing this on DVD but on VHS was a BAD marketing move - and what's the deal anyway? Where's all the Indy flicks too! I'm not buying any LucasFilm/LucasArts DVD's until they treat DVD owner's fairly! Here we are - going out on a limb supporting a new technology - and a big company like LucasFilm won't release stuff on DVD! Give me a break!
Rating:
Summary: Boring movie
Review: I saw this movie last night. It was really, really boring. Does anyone really care about what happens to earth in a million years. All of those special effects were really dumb. I just did not buy that a eight year old kid can save the universe. And the animals talk?
Rating:
Summary: the best movie of the millenium
Review: I can't believe it, George Lucas has done it again! Impressives and gorgeous effects,awesome music, thank you George!. The most complete sci-fiction movie ever, this one's just has it all. I got the widescreen edition and it just blows my mind every time that i see it. P.S. sorry for my poor english, but my native tongue is spanish
Rating:
Summary: Please, make it end...
Review: Now, I am a fan of the original Star Wars movies. Not a big fan, but a fan none the less. The older Star Wars movies were enjoyable, although I believed that they didn't deserve being called the work of a genius. This movie is the work of a genius gone senile. There were some exciting scenes, most of which included Darth Maul, who was the utmost best character in the movie. Other than that, there was horrible dialogue and a just plain stupid plot. This is more of a muppets meet Star Wars movie when you consider all of the childish animal-like characters, which made this movie very irritating to me. Everyone can identify the character that was especially irritating, for he is the one and only Jar Jar Binks, who this movie would have been better without. On top of everything that angered me in this movie, I found myself waiting for it to end. I fell alseep briefly about half way through, which even friends of mine that liked the movie agreed was boring. This movie was just not my cup of tea. It might be yours, though, I'm not telling you to hate it. If you like it, good for you. I just hope you're not saying that because you used to think George Lucas was a genius.
Rating:
Summary: Home Alone with spaceships!
Review: My sole purpose in writing this review is that one of the folks at Lucasfilm will read it and get their act together. The movie all in all wasn't all that bad I suppose. The effects were excellent, the acting was up to par for the most part but the script....... If there is such a thing as a script Doctor in Hollywood, this thing needed Jack Kevorkian. There was no character development, no suspense and many of the main characters didn't even talk , Darth Maul for example. And poor Samuel L. Jackson. Why under heaven do you cast such a huge actor in a big budget movie and give him three speaking parts? The scenes with young Anakin Skywalker made much of the film seem like "Home Alone" with space ships. I am an avid Star Wars fan and Loved chapters 4 & 5, though Return of the Jedi was the weakest of the bunch. It seems all the mistakes Lucas made in Jedi he repeated in episode 1. In short- excellent effects, mediocre acting, awful script. Hope Episode two is better
Rating: 
Summary: Good
Review: this is a good movie. I think it would of made audiences think it was better if there wasn't so much hype for the movie. But like "NEW HOPE" this movie is so setting you up for Episode 2 and 3. I do suggest watching this one if you want to watch the others.
Rating:
Summary: Star Wars EpisodeI is best in Widescreen!
Review: To get a load of this fantastic sci fi epic, and special effects show I strongly suggest the Widescreen version. It by far is the most effective for dispaying the true beauty of this wonderful fantasy picture. Dont listen to all the critics on this one, this film is down and simple fun. It is not meant to be taken so seriously, so just sit down relax and be taken to a galaxy far far away with Star Wars Episode I.
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