"See it again for the first time."

Rating: 9/10 (21 May 1999)

This is definitely a movie that you need to see more than once. The first time I saw Phantom Menace, it was difficult to see past the hype, anticipation and my own preconceived notions. By the end I was left feeling, well, a bit disoriented. At first I rationalized and nitpicked, finding fault with everything from the acting to the special effects. However, none of my complaints -- just like those of all the reviewers I've read -- rang true with what my gut was telling me. I realized that I was missing something, so I went to see it again. This time it clicked: my prejudices fell away and I was simply awestruck. It is a truly magnificent film: see it again for the first time.