An excellent film!!

Rating: Null/10 (1 March 2000)

I saw "The Phantom Menace" on my Birthday in 1999 and I enjoyed it very much. Not only was the special effects stunning (especially Jar Jar Binks), the action scenes were spectacular.
The cast was well-chosen and enthusiastic, Ray Park in particular as the vicious Sith Darth Maul. His martial arts prowess was eye-boggling and a treat to watch. Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor did well too, considering they aren't experienced like Park.
The best scene was the final confrontation between Qui-Gon Jinn (Neeson) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (McGregor) against Darth Maul -- the lightsabre duels were fast and furious and highly enjoyable.
Although "The Phantom Menace" isn't as good as the first three "Star Wars" films, it was 'not a lot on heart, but a lot on fun', as quoted by Leonard Maltin.
I can't wait for Episode 2!