I Liked It--See it a few times

Rating: 8/10 (31 May 1999)

I really liked this movie, although I agree with a previous writer that it gets better with repeated viewings. There are details that can be missed the first time. Also, the opening scenes looked kind of stupid the first time, but they looked better the second and third times.
I still think the first third of the film, however, is the weakest part. Once Qui-Gon and company land on Tatooine, the film just gets better and better. I thought Lloyd was best in his scenes with Neeson, August, and Portman, and in the Naboo fighter at the end. I didn't think he was wooden. Jar Jar grew on me, I think, even though I do think he has a little too much screen time, and he doesn't have to be quite so bumbling. He has his moments, though.
Overall, while I don't think it's quite as good as the first two Star Wars movies, it's about on par with Return of the Jedi (which I liked a lot more than most people seem to). I'd probably give it three out of four stars if I had to give it a rating.
My advice to moviegoers: if you didn't like it too much the first time, give it another chance. It really does improve with repeated viewings.