Star Wars - Episode I, The Phantom Menace (Full Screen Edition)

Rating:
Summary: Where's The Feeling?
Review: The points of departure that characterize the differences between Episode One and the original trilogy are vast and puzzling. First of all, the incredible lack of defining attributes (even archetypal ones) for any of the characters. Everyone seems to be a reserved, conditioned automoton lacking any human qualities. Secondly, the childish, sketch comedy humor that would be more at home on a FOX sitcom. Jar-Jar is clumbsy (ha-ha), Jar-Jar got farted on (ha-ha), Jar-Jar steps in dung (ha-ha). Thirdly, the immature plotting style that ends up leaving everything to fantastic coincidence. I demand someone to show me the equivalent of Anakin's joyride or Jar-Jar's "heroics" in the original trilogy. And finally, a reliance on computer generated effects to cover up the first three departures. The Episode One effects have an completely different feel that those of the original trilogy - instead of existing to augment the story they exist to mask deficeits (what's up w/ the two underwater monsters?). Of all the people that I have seen this film with only one person I know actually liked it. He claims it is better than A New Hope because of the effects - bigger battles, more aliens, faster vehicles, cooler fight scenes. etc. To me SW movies aren't about the how "big" Lucas can go w/ his set pieces but rather the feeling you got from watching them. Episode One is completely devoid of feeling on any level. All in all, however, this film towers above the conventional trash churned out by Hollywood. For true Star Wars fans it is an opportunity to have a good laugh ("There's always a bigger fish" did he actually say that) and hope that Lucas can muster some of the same emotions that made Episodes 4-6 so great in the next installment.

Rating:
Summary: Great movie, some lousy characters
Review: When I first saw the Phantom Menace, I thought it was one of the greatest Star Wars movies made, that is, besides Eps. 4-6. The only thing I saw wrong about the entire thing was the Gungans and Jar Jar Binks. I mean you could barely understand what any of them were saying. Even though I should give this three stars, I'll give it five stars because Darth Maul was the best character I've seen in a Star Wars movie and because I am a Star Wars fan...

Rating:
Summary: Wait for the Full Story
Review: Listen, I understand the disappointment that some feel with Episode I. I too left the theater feeling somehow let down, too much special effects, too little storyline. I thought only later to re-think my position. If it could have been done in one movie, it would have. Yes by itself, well it leaves too much unsaid. But any intelligent sentient would have to admit, the special effects alone were worth the cost of admission. With the rest, unseen, the story left undone... it left me with the need more. And yes, I'm unhappy with the wait for Episode II and Episode III. But like fine wine, why rush it? I am happy with the thought that George L. won't let Star Wars fans down, after all, he is the biggest fan ever!

Rating:
Summary: Still Part of the "Star Wars" Family
Review: This movie was excellent; judged on it's own account. Yes, there may be a character or two whom we do not like, but it is still "Star Wars" in all its glory. It is refreshing to know that there is still hope for the science fiction media realm. A savior from all the "monsters are coming to kill us, and take over our world just because it is there" movies that we are constantly forced to swallow. Thank you Mr. Lucas for giving us worlds we would LIKE to visit, and even if Jar Jar is obnoxious, I'm sure there are plenty of us out here that would love to go to the Gungan city for a visit. Beautiful special fx, and there is still a story line, proof that it can be done, and is being done. This will always have a place in my video library.

Rating:
Summary: It IS another Star Wars film...
Review: I think the movie was very good...Not the best of the SW movies, but very good and part of the SW story. I think it could be debated that it is about as good as ROJ (which is the one I like the least out of the original trilogy). The acting was good, effects were awsome, story was - well certainly as good as the others. I think it is great to see additional pieces of the story unfold. Also, to many of the people that did not care for it - this part of the whole SW story, according to Lucas, is the least interesting. The reason why he made the original Star Wars the first movie to be released was because he thought it was the most interesting of the entire story. I have two complaints though - one about the film and another about the video release. First, my complaint about the film is that the effects were great and all of the ships were cool too, but the ships and other things look more "advanced" than the ones in the "older", original SW movies even though The Phantom Menace is supposed to be set earlier in time (think of cars in the 1960's to the cars today.) Second, I am a little po'd that the DVD version of The Phantom Menace is not being released with the VHS versions - the obvious reason is to make more money - George Lucas: Your fans love SW, but that isn't a good way to treat your fans - RELEASE THE ORIGINAL TRILOGY and The Phantom Menace on DVD - Star Wars on DVD will surely be awsome - don't make your loyal fans wait anymore...Ok, I've spoken my peace.

Rating:
Summary: The best of the four!
Review: This is by far the best of the four Star Wars movies-the cast (although Anakin could have been portrayed by a better actor), the soundtrack, and, the effects! This movie makes the past trilogy look like the original Star Trek series! It's great for kids, adults, all ages-I saw it 3 times!

Rating:
Summary: The genesis of a fluidic sci-fi maserpiece!
Review: I was born in the 60's, sso I was very fortunate to see STAR WARS episodes 4,5 and 6, the first time round, but could never fathom why the trilogy started from episode 4. Episode 1 was, is all that I expected and more!. The storyline is precise and I can see how episodes 2 and 3 will pan out, very easily. The special effects were absolutely amazing, but I feel that the effects undermine the effects on the previous films. Afterall, mankind is supposed to evolve, not decline, technologically speaking. If only it was done properly and Episode 1 was created in 1977, so the technology would have advanced accordingly. All that aside, an outstanding film. Can't wait for Episode 2!.

Rating:
Summary: A Good movie Over comercialized!
Review: All die-hard fans cannot help but love this pre-continuation of the saga. The story line was good and the actors filled the rolls perfectly. While I agree with other reviews that the special effects were great; they seemed a little over done. The under-water scenes and especially the grassy field battle scene were just too much. I think the lack of using life-size props and scale models took away from some of the realism that the old films carried. It is also sad to see that with our technology advances the spacecraft looks more high-tech than the stuff in the first films, causing the story line to be out of kilter.

Rating:
Summary: Don't judge a Star Wars movie by its Screenplay
Review: Most people who have this movie says the screenplay stunk. I think it fits in well with the whole Star Wars plot. Once Episode 2 comes out i'm sure this movie will make more sense.

Rating:
Summary: The greatest Star Wars movie of them all!
Review: I don't care what the critics say (and keep in mind the original Star Wars movies got bad reviews too), this film is terrific! Jake Lloyd does a fantastic job as Anakin, the cool Obi Wan Kenobi is already showing his promise as a Jedi, and Jar Jar Binks is funny, not offensive! If you haven't seen it, pre-order it now!