Overlong in places, with some sparks moving in from the west...

Rating: Null/10 (7 August 1999)

I wasn't expecting much from The Phantom Menace, especially as the title sounded more like an episode from Scooby Doo, and partly also due to Mark Kermode (Radio 1 film critic). However, I was impressed by the totally amazing special effects, and some nice touches:
1. Fish-I will never look at them in the same way ever again due to that brilliant underwater scene
2. Podrace commentators+Tuscan raiders- an interesting touch to plant an alien with two heads in as well as some excitement to a souped up Formula 1 Grand Prix
There are others, but I'm sure they've been pointed out. However, no film is without faults:
1. Podrace was far too long- My 12 year old sister noticed this first; yes, she is a Star Wars fan before anyone says.
2. Why didn't George Lucas give Darth Maul more lines?

3. Jar Jar Binks (enough said there)
4. Qui-Gon Jinn took far too long to die at the end
But overall, this is a really good special effects movie, but be prepared to be disappointed by the script.