Rating: 
Summary: The worst thing about this movie...
Review: is not Jar-Jar, though he is to movie making what a cold sore on your lip would be to your first date. It is not the dismal acting of youg Anakin. (I don't cut him any slack for his age. If you want to see good kid acting in a sci-fi flick, check out ET)It's the music. No, seriously, the music. Don't believe me? Go check out Star Wars. Review the scene where Luke is being chased by Darth Vader. Then go to Return of the Jedi. Go to the forest chase scene. Finally go to Phantom Menace. Go to the pod race. Notice anything missing? In the other two movies, the music heightened the dramatic tension of the scene. In the pod race, it doesn't. Why? BECAUSE THERE ISN'T ANY MUSIC!! When I sat through this in the theater, I wanted to walk out, but decided to stay to read the credits just so I could see what incompetent they picked to work with John Williams score. Surprise! It was John Williams. How could Williams and Lucas work on movies for over a quarter of a century and do such an amateurish job? If only Lucas would worry about film-making more, and merchandising less. I mean, come on, a movie this shoddy almost makes you wonder who was really in charge of making those first three movies all those years ago...
Rating: 
Summary: Great Movie, Great DVD
Review: I loved this movie, and I am a HUGE star wars fan. Some of the acting was not really strong (but that is not what the sw films are known for), but that did not detract from the beautiful panoramic shots, the development of the Queen's story line, and the setting for the next films. I sometimes even think this is my favorite one of the series.
Rating: 
Summary: It Really Isn't That Bad
Review: Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace may very well have been the most anticipated movie of all time. Since it was first announced many years ago, people (myself include) were eagerly waiting with baited breath, saving up their cash for those tickets, and getting their tents cleaned up for an overnight stay at the movie theater just to see the first prequel to George Lucas' seminal Star Wars trilogy. So it is only natural that some were a little disappointed walking out of the theater.
Well, as possibly a rare voice in the pool of criticism, I will state that Episode 1 is a solid attempt at explaining how the whole Star Wars saga "began" (in storyline of course).The first thing you will probably notice when seeing Episode 1 is that it "feels" a lot different from previous Star Wars films. The primitive picture quality of the (non-remastered) original trilogy is missing here, as are many of the original characters (namely Han, Luke, Leia, and Lando) we all grew to know and love. Most importantly, however, the fact that this is a prequel to a trilogy that ended 19 YEARS AGO takes away much of the film's potential nostalgia (considering the long way film and computer technology has come since 1983's Return Of The Jedi). Even if you haven't seen Episode 1 just yet, you probably know the plot revolves around young Anakin Skywalker (soon to be Darth Vader), and his upcoming quest to become a Jedi Knight. George Lucas had quite a task on his hands explaining how the Rebel Alliance, the Empire, etc. came to be. And Episode 1 does a fairly good job explaining some of the initial details. Darth Vader is of course still Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan is a very young man attempting to train Anakin as a Jedi knight (his big mistake), and Senator Palpatine (soon to be Emperor Palpatine, or just "The Emperor" for those that haven't read the Star Wars books) is blatantly hiding his true colors in a sea of kindness/dignity. Unfortunately, the plot itself could have used a few tweaks. The movie's opening, for example, is very vague and does a poor job explaining what's actually going on. As could the acting crew. Jar Jar Binks I probably don't need to go into too much detail with, but Jake Lloyd's performance as Anaken Skywalker was IMO just about as annoying. It's obvious the young actor was very excited about being part of the new Star Wars films. So at times he seems quite a bit more excited than he needs to be. On the bright side, both the pod-racing sequence and the battle with Darth Maul were very well done. Overall, Star Wars Episode 1 is one of those movies that will probably grow on you once the entire Star Wars prequel trilogy is complete. Everything will finally tie in with the original trilogy, and the prequels (including Episode 1) will make more sense. As it is, I recommend everybody gives this movie a chance. With a little patience and an open mind, you may actually like it.
Rating: 
Summary: Biggest disappointment in recent cinematic history
Review: How could Lucas have managed to so thoroughly kill everything that was cool about the original trilogy? This movie is an overlong, poorly-written, horribly acted series of merchandising tie-ins. (There might as well have been a flashing subtitle during the pod race sequence that said "BUY THE VIDEO GAME".) "The Force", originally conceived as a manifestation of spiritual development, is now explained away as the result of tiny organisms living in a person's blood. I hear that in Episode 2, Yoda grabs a light saber and starts carving people up -- the same Yoda who said "War does not make one great". What's next, "Gandhi 2: Revenge of the Mahatma"?!?! Lucas has obviously lost the instinct and talent he had while making the first 3 movies. The last movie I can remember that was as disappointing as this when compared to the original was "Highlander 2", and as in the case of the Highlander movies, I'm going to do my best to pretend that the new sequels don't exist.
Rating:
Summary: Biggest dissapointment in History
Review: When I first saw Episode 1 in the theaters back in '99 I was dissapointed. When I first saw the Star Wars Trilogy in the special edition, it was my favorite set of sci-fi movies (with the exception of episode VI). Every character in Episode 1 cannot act. Ewan Mcgregor and Liam Neeson seem like they're bored. Shouldn't they be excited that they're starring in STAR WARS???? The worst performances in the film would have to go to that little boy playing Anakin. By far the worst performance EVER in a star wars film. Hell, I CAN even act better. Episode 1 has lots of special effects and CGI, WAY TOO MUCH OF THEM. It's like watching a very beautiful playstation game. The script was also poorly written. It's like Lucas wrote it in his spare time. The only decent performance probably goes to Darth Maul, who doesn't even have any lines.
Rating:
Summary: Here's my two cents worth!
Review: After reading several of the 2032 reviews of The Phantom Menace I can see where the purist would find this movie disappointing. But allow me to present an alternative view. I recently bought this tape for my son and after watching it I was reminded of what attracted my generation to the Star Wars phenomenon in the first place; it is a fantastically fun film series that has never failed to excite us and keep us on the edge of our seats! It took watching the wonderment on my 8 year old's face to make me cognizant of the fact that this movie makes no claim on having any greater depth of meaning than what you see. Annakin Skywalker by far steals the show, along with the sometimes irksome Jar-Jar Binks. My advice to you if you have been hesitating to watch this, or any of the other "sequels" is to go ahead and do it! You won't be disappointed if you can keep in mind why you fell in love with George Lucas' work in the first place. But if you want to be like so many of the 2000+ reviewers and take a foray into the world of pedantry, looking for some deep cosmic, esoteric significance in every nook and cranny of the film, you will indeed be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: One of the Top 5 Film Crimes Perpetrated EVER
Review: People sleeping on the streets dressed in cloaks and wearing otherworldy masks. The deep breathing sound of a respirator being mimicked by all. 30 year old teenage geeks running around with sticks that light up and make electric razor sounds. No it's not the Apocalypse; it is the hype related to the screening of Episode 1: The Phantom Menace. Although to many it might as well have been the end of the world since the most anticipated film of all time (undoubtably the most anticipated prequel to a cult classic ever) was the biggest letdown of all time. The film has divided fans into three different groups: Those who were let down by the movie, those who were let down but love Star Wars so much they will never speak badly of it (ie 30 year old teenagers living in their parents' basement) and those who (gasp!) actually enjoyed it (the most deranged members of this group say they prefer this over the original trilogy and/or actually like Jar Jar Binks). This film is filled with major flaws such as the poorly written (and poorly acted) Anakin Skywalker (how in the world can a kid so young build a robot and podracer if he is a slave?). Anakin's accidental destruction of the Trade Federation ship is pretty much a farce. Perhaps Anakin's line from that scene says it all; "Oops!" The battle droids were pathetically flawed (geez, if I was building an army I definately would not make them mindless fools) and did not have the grunt stupidity that the good old Stormtroopers have. And if they are so mindless, why waste time having them talk? All this could be forgiven if not for the greatest evil ever unleashed. Now we come to the major villain in all of Star Wars history: Jar Jar Binks. This frog-like Jim Crow minstrel with his awful speech impediment ruined the film. His pathetic clumsiness and shoddy dialogue made him the slapstick of the film; perhaps fill the void left by the present but minor C-3PO and R2-D2. At C-3PO had the whole gay pride thing going for him; Jar Jar is just annoying. With all the hatred people have for the frog freak, it is a wonder that Burger King or McDonalds haven't been granted permission to start production of the Jar Jar Burger; made from real Gungan. This will always be remembered as the worst Star Wars film ever (unless Episode 3 is terrible; but I don't think so). I watched the original trilogy over 100 times each over two years. This film will never make that grand total in my lifetime. Ed Wood's B-film classic "Plan 9 from Outer Space", Peter Jackson's ultra gore indie "Bad Taste" and the badly acted "Crawling Hand" are more entertaining than this film.
Rating:
Summary: Episode 2 should be what episode 1 could of been
Review: Episode 1 has a good plot, superb special effects, and a few good actors. This movie also has many terrible actors, unneccisary characters, and a lot of stupidity. Sometimes I feel like I'm watching a sci-fi kids show. I will now list pros and cons about this movie. Pros:
-Good plot
-plenty of battles throughout
-podracers were fun except they focused on Anikan too much
-Many new species, Some more annoying than others
-Superb special effects
-Cool destroy droids (at least something can worry a jedi)
-many more Cons
-End battle dissapointing (Focuses on Anikan way to much!!!)
-Anikan!!! The great 9- year old podracer, builder, mechanic, slave, whatever!!
-The gayest battle droids ever
-Anikan was a terrible actor
-Qui-Gon-Jin was a terrible actor
-Jar Jar Binks the annyoing thing no on likes
-many more Well now that George Lucas has hopefully learned his lesson, Qui-Gon-Jin is dead, and there is a new actor for Anikan, Episode 2 should be awesome. Hopefully there is no more Jar Jar Binks too.
I can't wait to see episode 2!!!
Rating:
Summary: Think small, George
Review: I remember way back to 1977 or so... I was 16 years old, and caught a glimpse of a TV ad for the new "Star Wars" movie. It was almost being presented as an art film at first. My friends who had seen this thing were raving about it. I was intrigued -- I had always been a Trekkie, and this looked like a better version of Roddenberry's more thoughtful outings. It turned out to be more of a space cowboy story, with overtones of the mythic (like the better spaghetti westerns)... but it was nonetheless a great movie that offered a lot of fun on the surface, and more to think about if one chose. What has happened to these promising beginnings? Lucas has retreated to the same place all big-budget movie makers seem to have gone since the mid-80's: An orgy of special effects. The Star Wars saga has become increasingly dependent on computerized magic, and correspondingly increasingly pretentious. The Phantom Menace was technically brilliant but otherwise a terrible film. Sorry George -- I know how much work you've put into this, and I thank you for that -- but PLEASE, can we get back to the kind of thinking that went onto the first film? A little understated legend would be much better than all that pretentious foreshadowing. Think small -- score big. And can we tone it down a bit on all the market tie-ins, please?
Rating:
Summary: Episode One - the Conspiracy Starts
Review:
Qui-Gon Jinn knew he could destroy the Jedi Order with Anakin.
Yoda knew something was up. He might not have cared.
Obi-Wan was merely a foot soldier. He didn't know about this conspiracy.
Anakin's destiny was to wipe out the Jedi. They had grown too corrupt. In the beginning of the movie, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are dispatched to bring a settlement to a trade negotiation. The Neomoidians were scared to death. The Jedi, guardians of the light side of the Force, were being used as tools of government. To this end, they were abusing their Jedi powers. Qui-Gon knew this. He didn't like it. He listened and obeyed the living Force, and put up with the politics because he was a Jedi, and could not practice outside the Order.
Qui-Gon Jinn didn't care about politics at all. He had zero interest in The Council's mandates. He was disgruntled with the way the Republic used the Jedi to settle its matters. When a chance to restore balance to the Force came along, he jumped at it. Evidence:
The Order knew Anakin had too much fear. Qui-Gon must have known this too. He was at least as capable as anyone in the order. Still, he was going to discard his current padawan and train the boy. Obi-Wan: "They all know he's dangerous. Why don't you?" Qui-Gon still insisted.
At the beginning of the movie, Obi-Wan knew something was afoot. This was the student catching onto the Master's true intentions. Still, Qui-Gon told him "keep your mind in the here and now, where it belongs."
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