The first of the worst or the last of the best?

Rating: 6/10 (21 August 2009)

The Phantom Menace is considered to be the worst Star Wars movie. Unfortunately, it is, but that doesn't make it a bad movie.
The story begins with the two Jedi ambassadors, Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and Obi-Wan Kenobie (Ewan McGregor), who have come to negotiate with the Trade Federation, rising power which now controls a number trade routes. The negotiations fail and the two Jedi are forced to flee to the planet below - Naboo. There they save the queen, Amidala (Natalie Portman), and her loyal helpers, while the Trade federation takes control of the planet. On their way to Coruscant, the only place where Amidala can get help, the group encounters a boy, Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd), who seems to have Jedi powers. Meanwhile, a Sith, Darth Maul , has been sent to hunt them down.
To be honest, the plot is good - the battle with corruption, a little boy with "great expectations", the battle for freedom - it's a standard, solid story. But there are flaws.
Let me list you the only good characters/w actors in the movie - Darth Maul, Qui Gon, Shmi Skywalker, The Emperor.
Four good characters in the whole movie! Darth Maul is one of the most intimidating, strong and devoted Sith you will ever see in Star Wars. Qui Gon is, believe it or not, the best Jedi in the saga. Now, before you start arguing, remember what leads to the dark side and what qualities a Jedi must have. A Jedi must never use his anger and never fear anything. This is the only Jedi in the whole saga (along with Ben Kenobi) who managed to be a perfect Jedi - always calm, never fearful, never panicking, wise. But he is a bit weak... You'll see the other two for yourself.
Now, for some flaws. Many alien characters have accents that are basically inspired or resemble actual people, like Jar-Jar, the clumsy and brainless Gungan, who resembles, it seems, someone from the Caribbean. The same could be said for Watto and Nute Gunray.
Jake Lloyd is the most hated actor in the movie. I agree that his acting is terrible, but I don't blame the boy, no. I blame someone else *cough* Lucas *cough*, who had to choose between 3000 kids, among which were even well-known ones, but chose Jake.
Queen Amidala is such a wooden character, she barely moves, her face barely moves and she has such a ridiculous wardrobe. Who should be blamed? Portman plays Padme as well, and this character is a bit better, not by much. Obi Wan is a notable character...in the next movies, but not here. He is in the back plan, but some moments.
There is no character development, some moments are pointless and there is way, way too much CGI. Okay, the visuals are stunning, but it feels artificial.
Many complain about Jar-Jar, but they are forgetting that he had two crucial uses in the movie, which I will not spoil. If he had no more dialogue than what I mentioned, he would not be annoying.
Despite the flaws, Episode I feels like Star Wars, with the trademark music and visual effects. It has some incredible scenes, like the Pod Race, the saber battles (with splendid choreography, some Qui-Gonn-Anakin/Obi-Wan dialogues and the final battles. It was a disappointment for the people who were used to the original movies, but now we're used to it.
Overall, the movie is good. It's like a new car: looks nice, but it's full of bird droppings.
Final Score: 3/5 or 6/10.