Rating: 
Summary: A cultural low-water mark
Review: The film must be all of five years old now, but it hasn't aged well. At best it reminds us of a time when there was a booming economy and plenty of willingness to experiment with computer animation and over-the-top costumes. At worst, it shows off the side effects that nostalgia for a 1977 film creates in a movie produced more than twenty years later. Yoda and Jabba were ridiculous-looking puppets in their time, and look even more plastic in Phantom Menace. Red grease paint and horns are too juvenille for an "evil" character, even to a pre-teen. Child actors with embarrassing line delivery are juxtaposed with seasoned professionals who really could have done better. Entire digital landscapes were created from a computer paintbrush, so why'd you have to make them look just like the Hagia Sophia? We are treated to a five-minute scene in a fascinating galactic Senate chamber before a white-haired fellow mumbles some nonsense about a "strong" Chancellor, and we cut back to more antics with Jar-Jar. "Comical" battle scenes and "funny" explosions accidentally triggered by young Anakin rankle our hides in a post 9/11 world. There is no point at which this movie is not fighting for air. Natalie Portman once hoped that her role in these movies would not overshadow her future medical career and said she didn't know what she'd do if patients started calling her "Dr. Amidala". Natalie...keep your day job.
Rating: 
Summary: THE FANDOM MENACE
Review: Episode One of the STAR WARS saga is actually a very entertaining film that does not deserve the bad rap it has taken since its initial release. The plot, while confusing to some, is actually rather interesting and raises many question along the way that will be answered in upcoming installments. George Lucas, who wrote and produced the saga, sets up many starting points for the following five films, laying the groundwork so to speak. The only mistake being made here is that he relies too much on the viewers prior knowledge of later episodes in the saga, not considering that they will one day be viewed by future audiences in chronological order. This actually begs the question, should the films be watched in their proper order or not??? Yes, the film does have some weaknesses, but it also has several strengths. Sadly, many 'fans' ignore the strengths all together. Liam Neeson is very good in the role of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn. He is just as I have always envisioned the Jedi to be like in the days of the Republic. It is obvious though that Director Lucas didn't know how to utilize Liam's extensive acting abilities for maximum effect, leading to some of his performance being a bit stagnant when it should have been heart felt. I still enjoy his performance, but it could have been so much more! Ewan McGregor was an excellent choice to play the part of Obi-Wan Kenobi. He manages to do a wonderful interpretation of the late Alec Guiness, who originated the role in Episode Four (the original film), and really makes you believe that he is the younger version of the character. Oddly enough, the choice was made by Director Lucas to cast Kenobi as a secondary character to Qui-Gon. This relegates a character, whom many believe should have been the main character, to the sidelines throughout much of the film. Regardless of this fact, Ewan still manages to give a fantastic performance. Queen Amidala, played by Natalie Portman, is presented quite well on screen. She properly exhibits and maintains the regality needed for the role. As Padme, however, she fails to deliver. This is where the actual characterization existed in the script, but Natalie doesn't waste any time with it. Every time there is need for actual emotion from Padme, she seems to just read her lines. The scene in which she reveals her true identity to the Gungans and begs for their help is blandly delivered with disastrous results! I like Natalie Portman and think that she is a good actress, but I will never understand why she couldn't put forth some type of effort in this pivotal role. Young Anakin Skywalker, the central figure of not only this film but the whole saga, is portrayed this time around in a most under whelming manner by Jake Lloyd. There are three factors that contribute to the failure of his performance. First, the character of Anakin was given some rather badly written dialogue that the best of actors would have trouble dealing with. Secondly, dealing with a child actor sometimes requires the director to actually work more closely with them in order to get a suitable performance out of them, which I get the feeling George Lucas doesn't bother to do. Thirdly, I don't think that little Jake was really up to the role from the beginning. Yes, he may be a cute kid and all, but cute doesn't cut it when you are the central character of the film! JarJar Binks, a much maligned and hated character portrayed by Ahmed Best, is the main reason for so much hatred being heaped against this film. Though his character is outlandish and irritating to an extent, he also has several truly humorous sequences that tend to be forgotten or ignored. He is not as detrimental to the film as many make out. Basically, if you dropped the more cartoonishly portrayed elements of him, and cut back on the scenes of his cowardly, bumbling behavior during the land battle, he would be much more likable. The action scenes are mostly well done here, with two sequences that steal the show. The pod race midways through the film is a very exciting experience filled with lots of edge of your seat thrills. That, and the light saber battle during the finale between the two Jedi and the villainous Darth Maul which is also very exciting. It is one of the most beautifully choreographed sequences done for the saga yet. The land battle with the battle droids and Gungans is pretty good, but suffers a bit from JarJar antics and excessive CGI. Too bad the space battle during the finale didn't get as much attention as the other showdowns did. From script to screen, it suffered the most with silly accidental scenarios that ultimately win the day for the good guys. Some of the deleted scenes available on this DVD release have been re-inserted into the film, including elements from the Pod Race Grid Sequence, Pod Race Second Lap, and the entire Coruscant Taxi Trip. These are good inclusion to the film, helping to tie certain scenes together a bit better. I would like to have seen the Waterfall Sequence and Farewell To Jira put back into the film, but those will have to remain as extra features. The other scenes are of little importance and better left on the cutting room floor. In the end, THE PHANTOM MENACE is a good film. It captures the spirit of adventure that makes these films fun, though it crosses troubled waters from time to time. It isn't perfect by a long shot, but it is still a credible entry that is much better than people want to make it out to be. Three years later Episode Two would improve on many, but not all, of the problems encountered here. In the mean time, beware of the excessively critical 'fans' and their vitriolic comments! 3 ½ Stars!
Rating:
Summary: for entertainment only
Review: Along with the multitudes of Star Wars fans, I only expect an honest effort with anything associated with a Lucasfilms production. That being said though, I am extremely at a loss for words with my disappointment with the movie. The overall plot had a potential that was obliterated by a whole range of easily preventable dynamics.
Actors and an actress (*cough, cough*) that are being hansomely imbursed for their craft have to find a way to convince me of their roles in this movie. Ewan McGregor,Liam Neeson and Ian McDarmid were the only ones to save their characters in the movie. I can almost excuse Jake Lloyd but obviously his role is vital and his interest seemed to fade towards the end. I felt like he wanted to do a SpyKids installment the second he revved up the Naboo fighter towards the end.
Way too many references or 'pats-on-the-back' of the previous Classic trilogy for comedy relief. The jokes here (and in Attack of the Clones) seemed forced (no pun intended) and did not serve the momentum. This movie most likely had an expensive budget and any attempts at levity better serve the story, which it didn't.
The final celebration at the very end makes me cringe. They basically did the same thing at Yavin 4 on Episode IV "A New Hope" which was filmed with taste and humility. Why it was done here seemed to be nothing more than and exercise for IML. It would've been nice to end the movie with Qui-Gonn's funeral on a little bit more of a somber note. (the movie was subtitled The Phantom Menace, right?)
I do have kind remarks, however. The DVD package was quite extensive and thorough. The transfer was excellent and the sound was crystal. But I guess we have taken that as asssumed, coming from one of the leaders of cinematic technology, neh? :)
Rating: 
Summary: The Phantom Menace
Review: Well, here it is, the first chapter to the hugely popular Star Wars saga. And in my opinion, it was a mesmerising experience.
I'll be honest, I wasn't even born when any of the original ones came out (I was born in 85), but I have been a faithful Star Wars fan since the age of about 6. You see, my older brothers had the toys and the videos from when they were little, so naturally they got passed down to me. When I saw the first Star Wars (A New Hope), I was hooked from then on. So when, in 1997, I heard that the first chapter of the Star Wars saga was finally going to be made, I nearly fainted...no joke.
I remember when I went to watch this in the cinema on the opening night. It was the first 2 hours in my life when I never coughed, snivled, or scratched my eye. I was, well and truly, en-grossed.
The film is set 32 years before A New Hope, and it introduces us to a slave boy named Anakin Skywalker (who is 10), who as we all know, grows up to become the evil Darth Vader. Together with Jedi Knights Obi-Wan-Kenobi (played by Sir Alec Guiness in the originals) and Qui-Gon-Jinn, he is thrust into the adventure of a life time.
Out of all the Star Wars films, this is definitely the most 'kiddiesh', which might put some people off. Not me, though, because I know that the trilogy is gradually going to get darker. Especially in Episode 3.
The acting is pretty standard. But hey, the acting in the originals wasn't anything to brag about. Liam Neeson, though, is quite good as the wise but rebellious Jedi, Qui-Gon-Jinn.
The special effects are obviously top-notch. Kudos goes to Jar Jar Binks, who actually looks as though he is interacting with the 'real' characters.
One special mention also will have to go with the final lightsaber battle, fought between Qui-Gon-Jinn, Obi-Wan-Kenobi and Darth Maul. Absolutly superb. That's all I'll say on that matter.
The direction by Lucas is a little rusty, but it's still stylish. Come on, folks. He ain't directed a film since 1977, give him time. I mean, his directing is much better in Episode 2. So, if he continues to improve, his directing in Episode 3 should be great.
So, all in all, this is a worthy addition to the Star Wars mythos. Enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: This movie is good but it's ruined by Jar Jar the alien frog
Review: In the summer of 1999, a science fiction movie came out that completely defied anyone's expectations. It was the first in what would be a trilogy, and it was about a messiah being introduced to a world of corrupt powers that be. He slowly developed a relationship with a girl and he would learn how to wield the power of the world around him.
And it starred Keanu Reeves.
Yes, sadly, Episode 1 came out later than The Matrix, and thus did not have many of the action- and/or philosophy customers it could have benifited from. These action and philosophy junkies instead went to The Matrix, one of the most intelligent action films ever. But before I drift too far into how magnificent The Matrix is, I will discuss the newest Star Wars movie, which has only one thing (that is better) that The Matrix does not. It has acting. Jake Lloyd, although he's a pretty typical Hollywood's-vision-of-a-cute-boy kind of kid, has some personality (although not tons of it), and he doesn't sit like a meditating cow saying stuff like, "Guns. Lots of guns," that should sound cool from someone else. I don't know if I should compare Anakin to Neo, though, although I wish some evil Jedi had come up to Anakin and said something like, "Mr. Anderson, I mean Skywalker." That would have cracked up people who had seen The Matrix, but many, including the kiddies, hadn't. Another trait that Lucas put into his movie that the Wachowski brothers did not was massive doses of computer editing. I guess he needs it in his "galaxy far, far away." Maybe Star Wars should have been on Earth instead. But I'm getting extremely off topic.
Qui-Gon and his apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi, have been sent to make negotiations with the Trade Federation, a corrupt organization that is trying to force the Queen of Naboo to sign a peace treaty. When the negotiations turn into a battle, the two Jedi report back to Naboo to tell the Queen of the Federation's violence. The Queen tries to send a message to their representative in the Senate, but the Federation cuts the phone wire, so to speak. Outraged, the Queen, the Jedi, a group of her maidens and pilots, and a hyperactive frog with a crude sense of humor and an almost indecipherable language. This frog's name? "Mesa Ja Ja Bink-sa." That's how he says it. Jar Jar Binks continually blunders and gibbers his way through the course of the movie, and even if you can understand his language, he's annoying as a Windows XP's download time. Before they can reach the Senate planet, however, the blockade damages their system, and they take a quick pit stop on Tatooine. There, they free a young slave boy named Anakin Skywalker, who has a higher potential to be a Jedi than even Yoda did, and they try to work things out with the Senate. When the bureaucrats just make things difficult, the Queen proposes an alliance with Jar Jar's people to fight the Federation's army while the Queen and her men trap the Viceroy. Meanwhile, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan fight a horned, tattooed Dark Jedi named Darth Maul (Ray Park, the guy who played Maul, seems to have a thing for bad guy roles). Anakin, proving that he was "the best starfighter pilot in the galaxy," as Obi-Wan said in the original Star Wars, goes into space and proves he's not just a kid. I won't spoil it for you. You should go to this movie, if only in the hope of knowing about Anakin's turn to the dark side. Unfortunately, the movie turned to the bad side too. See it, but don't take your date along.
Rating: 
Summary: A stinker
Review: A big budget, A-list actors, and the coolness of lightsabres can't save this clunker.
Rating:
Summary: Mediocre but entertaining
Review: There has been so much back and forth about how this movie sucks, or how great it is. I want to make a few points clear.
1) A movie is not great just because it's "Star Wars".
2) A movie is not great just because it has magnificent CGI
3) A movie is not great just because it has lots of action. The Phantom Menace is actually not a BAD film. It's an enjoyable movie if you're expectations aren't so high. In other words,
1) Don't expect characters like Han Solo, Leia or Luke to appear. The people in TPM are very different (and thank Lucas for that)
2) Don't expect a beginning - end story like A New Hope. This film is made keeping in mind the vast amount of plot it has to cover to reach .... well, you know (let's not spoil it for people who are new to this series). In a sense, this acknowledges Episode IV as the core of the series. I agree.
3) Don't expect a nasty Darth Vader type nemesis. The title "The Phantom Menace" obviously does not allude to a character named Phantom (I see the misunderstanding arising from the comic book Phantom connection). The phantom menace is the overhanging darkness that can be seen in the film, it's the first forming of the future empire, the first step towards total hopelessness in the galaxy (I don't think I've given anything away). So the title is actually very fitting, and suits the film well. My complaints about the movie are these, though.
1) I think the acting is sub-par. It's not consistently bad, bu it's strange that with so many acclaimed actors (Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Pernilla August, etc.) this film never really engages you. I do think it has more to do with G. Lucas, since he's directing (and the acting quality has actually gotten worse in the sequel).
2) The film is so overlaiden with plot that we never really get to know the characters, we never have a chance to fall in love with them. One mistake I think is that G. Lucas wanted to tell the story from the beginning. I think skipping parts of the plot (especially time-consuming bits that don't reveal much character) and trying to incorporate the information through, say, flash backs, or other ways might have been benefitial.
3) Ultimately, and I think this is falls mostly on Lucas's shoulders, this movie doesn't know whose story to be. A New Hope was Luke's story (and then we got to know the other characters) and in a way, The Original Trilogy centered around Luke, the same way that the Prequel Trilogy should center around Anakin. But in this first film he rather gets overshadowed by the political story. Not that it's a bad political story, but it makes the film less personal. So what DO I like then?
1) It's a beautiful film, incredible visuals and a treat for the eyes.
2) It has exciting action sequences, well choreographed battles and duels.
3) It has great CGI, and gives us a clue of how the beloved Star Wars story started. If you see my first three point you'll understand why this makes it merely mediocre. I suppose this film is better thought about than watched. As far as the DVD goes, it's very well put together, with great picture and sound, and many extras. The prime reason for getting this DVD, though, was for the documentary "The Beginning", where G. Lucas raves about JJ Binks being the KEY to the movie, saying he's probably the funniest characters in the SW series. Also we get to see the screen tests (or auditions) for the last three choices for Anakin, where Jake Lloyd does the worst job of them all, quickly followed by G. Lucas's rave about this talent "He's perfect!" If you're short on money, get something more worthwile, like Pirates of the Caribbean, Indiana Jones series, or Lord of the Rings (or the Original Trilogy as it'll be available September 21, 2004). You might even want to get the book version. If you have some money left over, though, this movie won't be the gem of any collection, but it won't bring shame over it either.
Rating:
Summary: Great begining
Review: O.K.
Maybe wooden acting
Maybe weird plot
Maybe annoying character
Maybe fake special effects
Maybe a bad movie MAYBE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OR IN OTHER WORDS
NOT AT ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Star Wars Episode 1 is a great begining to the Star Wars saga.
Why? GREAT SPECIAL EFFECTS
FUNNY CHARACTERS
FUNNY ACTORS
GOOD CHARACTER
GOOD ACTORS
AN ITS STAR WARS!!!!!!
HHHHHEEEEELLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!?
Its Star Wars! What could be better?
Get it.
Good commentary.
You'll thank me.
JUST GET IT ALREADY AND STOP READING THIS REVIEW!
NOW!
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!? BYE!
Rating:
Summary: "Send this one to a galaxy far, far away."
Review: After a long, long wait, many of us finally got to jump into theatres and watch the beginning of a fantastic tale about good and evil. The film suddenly starts with master Jedi Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and his younger apprentice, the up and coming Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor). They are sent by the Senate to negotiate with the Trade Federation, on board one of their many battle ships that illegally surrounds the Naboo system. The Jedi are distracted as a group of delegates and Vice Roys ploy a plot. I thought that there would be some slick looking villans in vests and gear. Instead, we have three human sized guppies with robes that Hugh Hefner would love and head dresses that look worse than Burger King paper party crowns. They order the Jedi to be killed. Right after I realized who the Trade Federation leaders were, my stomach began to turn in frustration. The worry sat in quick. Their assasins are an armed group of popsicle stick-limbed droids that say hardly anything than, "Roger-roger!" and who's rusty voices are in serious need of WD-40. These guys are the enemy? Our two lightsaber wielding Jedi slice and dice them better than a 'Ginsu' can chop celery, and make their way down to the planet that's already been invaded. Their run in with a clumsy reptillian-man named Jar-Jar (and a jar head he is) starts to water this film down quickly. There's no big threatening villans, no eerie mystery, only characters that are paper thin and a story that's got too much to deal with at once. They find the captured Queen Amidala (a bland Natalie Portman) and take her (with two tag teams of hand maidens) to space, and after an outboard R2-D2 (what's he doing in this???) saves their cruiser's shields from a Federation ship's barrage of lasers, they make their emergency escape to Tatooine. The title is still something everyone wonders about, and I gave the movie the benefit of doubt that he's a soon to be. So, on with the show. Anakin Skywalker, is discovered. A slave to a gang of Hutts, him and his mother, along with nearly completed C3-P0 (oh, brother) help the outlanders win their needed parts in a pod race that's better than Days Of Thunder! Anakin is only freed, but encouraged by his mother to go and seek out a life with the Jedi. The emotional impact or character development is pushed aside by fancy creature spottings and errand-like tasks that everybody is doing from the beginning. You don't get to know anybody at all, and the actors (minus a lame Portman and tin can Jake Lloyd) really try their best at a script that gives them 'a job to do'. The animation and effects are truly spectacular. With an Oscar nod again for that department, they keep up their 'Ind. Light And Magic' legacy. Then there's the Phantom Menace. "Phantom" is right. Except for the last half hour, you don't see or hear him, minus a minute here, and a minute there. Worthy of the movie's title? No way. He does pack a whollop in a sabre duel with Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan that can rival all three of the original trilogy's sabre fights COMBINED, with great choreography that was much needed before. The Jedi council is so underused, and Yoda goes from a wise yet funny little green eared Jedi to a grouch on a chair. On the other hand, Watto, the small grumpy swindler who runs the parts shop, is a blue winged creature with a hairy nosed trunk. He is the funny one, not Jar-Jar, and talks like he comes from an Italian pasta place. I do find McGregor to be a well played and placed dead ringer for a young Obi-Wan, so kudos to George Lucas there. All of the humour, filmmakers stying and magic that built the original episodes are lost in this boring entry that was suppose to introduce us to their world with depth, and not just push them into view. Great effects, shallow script writing, and uninvolved moviemaking are all that 'Phantom Menace' gives. The force, is not with this one.
Rating:
Summary: A Tragedy For Star Wars Fans
Review: George Lucas does not believe for one single second that he did anything wrong with The Phantom Menace. He's living in a fog. Episode I of the Star Wars saga is a shockingly bad film, filled with atrocious writing, directing, and acting. Even the editing on the film stinks---too many damn wipes. No film director with a good head on his or her shoulders would've let Jake Lloyd & Natalie Portman's wooden performances stand as they are. But Lucas doesn't have a clue about directing his actors, or what a good film performance truly is. As long as his actors say their lines and don't bump into furniture, that's good enough for him. Sure, there's great special effects, but so what? There's too much talking, too much sitting around (or standing around), and not enough action. Too much emphasis on the special effects and not enough on the script or story. Too much Jar Jar Binks and not enough Obi-Wan. And don't get me started on that "medaclorian" nonsense or Anakin's virgin birth. Lucas already tarnished the Star Wars saga back in 1983 with those cuddly wuddly Ewoks from Return Of The Jedi, but now, he has destroyed the saga completely with The Phantom Menace. Attack Of The Clones was a little bit better, but that isn't really much of a compliment. And the upcoming Episode III? I couldn't care less. Furthermore, Lucas has been officially blown out of the water by Peter Jackson, who is now the new king of the sci-fi/fantasy genre with his brilliant Lord Of The Rings films. George Lucas WAS a great filmmaker way back when. But, as evidenced by these lame prequel movies, he has totally lost it. For Star Wars fans everywhere, this is a terrible, terrible tragedy.
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