A ghastly unwatchable flop

Rating: 1/10 (17 February 2002)

Like many others who thrilled to the original star wars films, I sat in the theatre at the beginning of Phantom Menace, my heart beating in excited anticipation as the familiar music filled my ears.... and then... and then... Jar Jar bloody Binks...
What a bunch of crud! Darth Maul looks like a clown gone wrong. Jar Jar Binks is a moron. The pod race is exciting but out of place. Queen Amidala takes herself far too seriously. The spaceships don't look enough like the original star wars ships to hold my interest...
To be fair, kids will probably like this one. But kids like anything that goes pop whistle bang. This was over hyped and I felt cheated watching this disneyfied version of star wars meets the teletubbies.
Do yourself a favour. If you loved the original star wars films - you will HATE this one. Don't bother! It puts a bad taste in your mouth, and now I can't even watch the originals without thinking of that stupid Jar Jar Binks and his floppy ears and clumsy gait. Bah Humbug.