Great scenery and story; only detraction is minor parts directed to kids and humor.

Rating: 9/10 (23 June 1999)

George Lucas has created a believable galaxy of planets, cultures, and characters - at least the real human ones. The computer generated races and characters are a bit difficult to believe though, and are obviously there somewhat to appeal to kids and sell toys. The technology in the movie does somehow seem to be a generation behind the Star Wars trilogy, which is really amazing. Not like going from the 90's to the 50's here when we know what that is like. Darth Maul was excellently played, though his appearance was childish. Too many horns and a lousy black and red face that could never appear naturally (colors had sharp edges, not a blending). The light saber fights were full of energy, best yet! My only other story complaints involved Anakin Skywalker. Who would let a little kid who had never shown any exceptional talent up to that time be a pod racer, in a big betting event. Also how does the fighter he's in at the end have autopilot set to the battleship when the Naboos just broke into the hangar? And who hires the engineers who design those ships that you can fly into them and blow up a critical component with a small weapon, thus destroying a giant ship. George Lucas should have used that trick only once in Star Wars. But we saw it again (very easy destruction of the Death Star) in Return of the Jedi, and here again in Episode 1. Also could the characters occasionally show fear in a battle. I can see the Jedi remaining calm, but an untrained small boy who is not in touch with the Force?!