Great fun, the critics are full of it

Rating: 9/10 (29 June 1999)

We waited two weeks to see it because of all the hype about long lines but saw it in a house that was only half full. It was gripping from beginning to end, after which there was a loud long ovation. My wife and I enjoyed thoroughly, and have seen it again with great enjoyment, though we're both in our 50's. Our teenage son pointed out a subtlety we hadn't appreciated, that the Senator who is elected to lead the senate, is the same character (and actor) who becomes the evil emperor in the later installments. We can't wait for episodes II and III (and VII, VIII, and IX for that matter).