Rating: 
Summary: Like a bad Star Trek movie
Review: If you can for a moment look at The Phantom Menace as just another film, how does it hold up? Imagine removing the "Star Wars: Episode One" from the title. And pretend the original three films were never released? What do you have left? In my opinion, a cheesy sci-fi flick. Not the worse film ever made. Nor the best. Just a fair, harmless sci-fi/fantasy flick with geeky dialogue, an non-sensical story, cheesy acting & lame kiddie humor. Sounds like just about every science fiction movie ever made. "Phantom" reminds me of the worse Star Trek movies (Star Trek V for example). Of course, you can't just see Phantom as 'just another movie.' Because the original three Star Wars movies weren't simply movies, they were something really special. The sense of adventure, fun & excitement the firt trilogy is unforgettable. Plus, the films captured the audience imagination & loyalty, something only few films do. So under that precedenct, this latest Star Wars movie falls way short. There's an old saying "you can never go home again," and I think this movie proves it. The original trilogy of films were a mark in time: pure genius & truly classic. Nobody plans on greatness, and the success of those films were almost accidental. Everyone (including George Lucas) thought the film would flop and be ridiculed. Nobody predicted it would become a worldwide phenomenon. And like "Caddyshack II," "New Coke," "Godfather III" and the Beatles' "Free as a Bird," Phantom Menace fails to capture the spontainety, ingenuity & emotional impact of the original. Granted its a tough act to follow, and I admire Lucas nerve to actually attempt to follow three of the best loved movies of all time. Maybe he should of simply left well enough alone. The reviews I've seen about Episode One are very extreme. People either rabidly love it and think its the best movie every made. Or people viciously hate it, saying that it irrevocably harms the Star Wars saga & is the worst film in history. I think this proves that for the Star Wars universe has become cult-like and like a secret society. Where its hardcore fans live, breath & eat this stuff. Millions of people have looked to these films to provide meaning to their lives. Or for some people it has become their lives. There's a danger in becoming too absorbed in something. And I think the Star Wars fan base has almost grown out of control. I'm not one of those people who say, "these are just movies, get a life." Because I don't believe the original trilogy where "just movies." They are classic films, great memories of a time long gone & gave millions of people pleasure. However, that moment can never be re-captured. Phantom Menace tries to but doesn't. And episodes 2 and 3 won't live up to the hype either. Lightning doesn't strike the same spot twice. Your best bet if you are a diehard Star Wars fan is to avoid these films. Don't look for deeper meaning or a key to life. And for the general movie going public, put this one right up there with "Star Trek V," ok to skim through when its rerun on HBO or the USA Network, but not worth much else. Bad movies get made all the time. What makes this one so special or worth all this fuss and debate? I'm not saying the people on both sides of the fence need to "let go and move on." I'm saying, "don't watch the film. Don't go back and see it 14 times. Don't buy the video or DVD or widescreen." Vote it out. Send George Lucas and co. a message: either make a good Star Wars film that at least is in the spirit of the original films, or don't bother at all. He'll never get the message if his films keep making a billion dollars world wide and 50% of his fan-base keeps talking about how he can "do no wrong." Its up to the movie going public. Fight the urge and quit viewing Episode One!
Rating: 
Summary: this movie is awesome
Review: If you didn't like or understand the first three movies, then this prequel will make no sense to you. If you understand the genious behind the plot and how this movie fits in with the others, then you would never give this movie a low rating. Fools give this movie a rating of less than 5 stars. Fools.
Rating:
Summary: If you get any video this year, be it this one!
Review: If you didn't see Star Wars Episode One in the theatre...well then you seriously missed cinema history. So don't miss your chance to own the first Episode in the classic space opera of all time! $20.00 and some odd change for this movie is a steal! Get it now!
Rating:
Summary: Take criticism lightly.....
Review: If you follow Star Wars, then this movie should make perfect sense to you. It introduces (much like the original) the characters that will become important later on in the series. Sure, the dialogue may seem a little forced at times, but if you watch Star Wars for dialogue, you're missing the point. The story of Anakin Skywalker is on of a fall and redemption that starts in Episode One, and ends in Return of the Jedi (Episode Six). Along the way, we get to see the wonderful characters of the series have some truly fantastic adventures. Probably one of the greatest if not the greatest Sci-Fi series of all times.
Rating:
Summary: It doesn¿t make you cool to dislike this movie
Review: If you genuinely don't like this movie, I understand. If you are saying that you don't like it but claim to be a Star Wars fan, I don't buy it. It was fashionable to be 27+ years old and claim to have seen the Trilogy a hundred times but bash this movie in the same breath last summer. Get over yourself and knock it off. I am a fan. I like the first installments, and I like this movie too. I have seen this movie a dozen times on the screen and a few times on the TV at home. True the big screen is the best forum for viewing and DVD would be the ultimate medium for the home viewer, but this is the only option at this time. I accept this. I choose not to complain. When the DVD is released, I will rejoice. In the meantime I will sit on the couch, pop some popcorn and enjoy the ride.
Rating:
Summary: Hated the movie? ... then buy this DVD
Review: If you hate Jar Jar Binks, as much as I do? Then you will love this DVD. Put it on at home, and yell abuse every time Jar Jar Bings appears on screen! When you first saw it in the cinema you couldn't complain (because of social etiquette)... but now you can swear your head off in the comfort of your own home. DON'T BOTTLE IT UP... LET IT ALL OUT. And believe me, you will feel better for it.
Rating: 
Summary: Rating on PRESENTATION!
Review: If you have a DVD player, DO NOT BUY THIS VHS. Rent it. Trust me. It's a waste of money. I did not remember how blurry VHS is. It is so blurry you can NOT read the credits! This is supposed to be Dolby Pro-logic? There are better effects on TV X-files. Lets all wait 10 years for Star Wars to come on DVD (for digital picture and sound). This VHS is a complete waste of money. This rating has nothing to do with the content, just the presentation!
Rating:
Summary: LBX (Widescreen) is a must!
Review: If you have a small screen TV (i.e. 20" or less) then don't purchase the widescreen...It's too small. Otherwise, get all of the Star Wars movies in LBX (Widescreen). From my experience, as an example: The Empire Strikes Back, in my opinion, was the least exciting visually. The movie seemed to crawl along, because so little was being done on screen. Hence, making it my least favorite of the 3. I then purchased the LBX version of this movie. I forgot that there was more action going on. (I saw the movie in theaters the first time around). There is a lot more action happening on the sides, the ones that were cut in the "made for your TV", "pan-and-scan" version. This renewed action enhanced the movie visually, giving it more "spice". I liked the movie a lot better. I used to just skip ESB and go directly to RoTJ. Now I watch all 3. The dialog is great ESB, but visually lacking in the "pan-n-scan" release. Now I can enjoy the movie as it was intended to be watched...just like I did in the theaters. Special Edition of ESB made it a sweet film.
Rating: 
Summary: Watch this film if you have imagination.
Review: If you have imagination and a love having a good time, this film is fun and you'll enjoy watching it (especially when the DVD comes out). There is a great race scene, a sword fight without comparison, and a fantastic musical score all of which contribute to a fun film. George Lucas's imagination of another time and place make for an exciting adventure. . . if you let it. On the other hand, you are a cynic and are going to analize the film for the 2 hours of running time, you'll hate it. Star Wars is about having fun, laughing, and dreaming. Episode I is just like the 3 original films in that respect. Too many "fans of Star Wars" have lost the pleasure in watching the films. It's like analyzing how the rides at Disneyland work. Don't think, just get in the seat, take the ride and have fun. Unfortunatly, many of these fans have built up Episode I so much in their minds that nothing could match the expectations. They no longer watch to have fun, but to see if it matches their expectations. Trust me, put the film in and enjoy (especially for kids!).
Rating:
Summary: Greatness.
Review: If you haven't seen the Phantom Menace, go watch it now. It is simply the best STAR WARS to date, and by a long stretch. I know many fans won't agree, but I thought EVERYTHING in this movie was done perfectly. The acting is simple, yes, but excellent. Good vs Evil. Liam Neeson is particularly believable and Ewan Mc Gregor convinces as Obi Wan. The special effects are absolute bliss. I had never been in such awe during an entire movie. The atmosphere is very convincing as well, and the plot is well explained. The scenario might be a little linear, but it needs to be in order to keep track of the events. No Star Wars episode featured better overall acting. Only Harrison Ford is really missed. Of course the special effects absolutely crush any former (later?) episode, but it was to be expected. The fans disappointed by this movie are so on a very emotional level, because they learned to grow with the trilogy and watched it so many times that the flaws became perfection. With time, this episode will be subject to the same cult...Objectively, the Phantom Menace is REALLY the best Star Wars ever made.
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