A great introduction to the greatest motion picture saga ever made

Rating: Null/10 (17 March 2002)

I remember when I first saw "Star Wars: Episode One-The Phantom Menace" almost 3 years ago. It was on opening weekend, and I can still clearly remember all of the hype surrounding this movie. It was incredible. I mean, everywhere you went, you saw and heard Star Wars. Whether you were eating Taco Bell, or drinking Pepsi, you were experiencing the hype of the most wildly anticipated movie since, perhaps, "Gone With the Wind". It was on the cover of every major magazine in the world, and it was the topic of every news show around the globe. The theater I saw the film in, was, of course, packed. When the line "A Long Time Ago in a Galaxy Far, Far Away" appeared on the screen, I knew I was in for something special. Before I knew it, the film was over. It ended almost as soon as it had begun, it seemed. For a 2 hour and 10 minute film, it really went by quick. I should probably get down to the point of the review and answer the most important questions: Was it any good? Is it better than the originals? But, before I answer these questions, it should be clear to everyone that this is only the first part of the new trilogy. Two more films are coming, and truthfully, as a stand alone movie, "The Phantom Menace" does not really hold up that well. Don't get me wrong, it's a good movie, and it does an excellent job of introducing all of the characters that will no doubt play a more important part in Episode's 2 and 3. It nicely sets everything in motion for the next 2 installments.
Since pretty much everyone has seen the movie, I won't dwell too much into the plot, but the best aspect of the movie is with Senator Palpatine. He secretly joins an alliance with the Trade Federation, and uses the conflict to his advantage and to gain control of the Senate, and soon, the Republic. The events that transpire all lead to the formation of the Empire, and his control of it. This was all done very nicely, but it should have been the main focus of the movie, not the story with Anakin. It's very complex, and for me, it was a little too hard to understand when I first saw this movie, but now, it is as clear as day. I just wish it hadn't been so subtle. Other parts of the movie, such as the story with Anakin and the podracing, are not as well done, but are still entertaining to watch. It's very intriguing to learn where he came from, and while most people were put off by it, I actually liked the idea of Anakin being conceived by the Force. It's somewhat mysterious and sort of poetic. In the end, after all was said and done, George Lucas's first installment of the new trilogy is a great set up of things to come. It's unfair to say that this movie isn't as good as the originals. You really can't compare one movie to a whole trilogy and expect it to stand up to it. It's almost impossible. But, if you want to be picky about it, I'd say it stands somewhere along the lines of "Return of the Jedi" if you want to judge the movie by itself. But it would be a lot smarter to wait for the other films to be released to make any kind of serious judgment.