an excellent addition to the star wars franchise

Rating: 10/10 (26 May 1999)

yes, it's true, this movie is awesome!
despite what's been said about story and character development, i found both aspects to be adequate. people seem to be missing the fact that this sets up the next two movies in the prequel series, which in turn lead into episodes 4,5 and 6. also, the focus on the fact that the outcome of the prequels is known, that being that anakin skywalker becomes darth vader, is misplaced. the important thing is HOW anakin becomes vader and HOW senator palpatine becomes the evil emperor of the corrupt empire.
i believe that many critics overlook this fact, thus the poor reviews. but we all know how the original movie was also poorly rated be critics back in 1977, so it comes as no surprise that the most hyped movie of all time would be blasted by a bunch of stuffy, idiotic, so-called movie "critics".
anyways...
ewan macgregor was PERFECT as a young obi-wan. all the performances were great, even jake lloyd, who did a very good job.
jar jar binks, hopefully will die by the next installment. the comic relief that jar jar was supposed to provide frankly sucked. totally unfunny clownish antics. die, jar jar, die.
i don't need to say anymore about the fx, do i? mind boggling. the fight choreography with obi-wan, qui-gon and darth maul was stellar. just an absolute joy to watch. wow.
one of the best movies i have ever seen for pure fun and not too shabby story-wise either. i thought it was a great set up for the next two movies.