Keep your mind open, and don't listen to the critics; it's great!

Rating: 5/10 (19 May 1999)

At long last, the newest "Star Wars" movie is out! Of course, everyone knows it has gotten largely panned by movie critics. Keep in mind, though, that many people are coming to this movie with 16 years worth of high expectations, and want it to be even better than the first 3. Well, it's not better than the original trilogy. But "The Phantom Menace" is a great movie!
The special effects are amazing, including a spectacular pod race, an unbelievable Coruscant and Gungan City, and the best lightsaber fight yet, but it's not just the effects but also the plot that makes this compelling. Yes, there is a plot *and* good acting, contrary to what you may have heard. Liam Neeson, Ewan MacGregor, Jake Lloyd, Ray Parks and Ian McDiarmid do wonderful jobs, although it's true that many of them do not have enough screen time. I cannot say enough about Natalie Portman! Awesome!
There are twists and turns you do not know about, and you will be shocked by some events (unless you've spent way too much time reading spoilers. But if you did, you shouldn't have expected any surprises). Yes, there are some aspects that are kiddy-ized, i.e., Jar Jar (no worse than the Ewoks, IMHO, but if they were going to make him nearly incomprehensible, they shouldn't have had him speaking English) and the announcer at the pod race. But adults can definitely enjoy this as well. Interesting religious analogies, and fun foreshadowing (I loved hearing Senator Palpatine say "Young Skywalker")! This is a great setup to the presumably darker Episodes 2 and 3, and I walked out excited for the next one!!!
p.s. Couldn't resist, I have to say my only real problem with the movie was what was up with the accents on the Trade Federation aliens? They were really overdone and detracted from their scenes. Other than that it was a good movie, of course.