Possibly my favorite Star Wars film, easily of the three prequels.

Rating: 9/10 (10 September 2010)

I hate all the criticism that Episode I gets from all directions. The characters aren't developed supposedly (even though I found no such problem), because it's EPISODE I! This is introducing us to the whole universe technically! What, do you expect there to be a 15 minute short film before this explaining who Qui-Gon exactly is, Obi-Wan, the Trade Federation, etc. This film is more political than the original trilogy because, even though they are great films 4, 5, and 6, they are not with the exception of 5 in my opinion, as adult as this one. People complain about the plot, but its actually fairly simple. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are assigned to protect the Queen of Naboo because the trade federation who is working with the Sith are trying to kill her. Along the way on Tatooine, they find Anakin Skywalker and free him. Sure, the plot could be better and isn't as good as say...all the other films, but it isn't terrible. The special effects are ten years ahead of its time and there is plenty of eye candy. The action scenes are surely the best of the six films in my opinion, and the final battles are easily the best battles in Star Wars. Only reason it isn't my favorite and is a 9, is because of and I'm sure all you Star Wars fanatics agree: Jar Jar Binks. Enough said there.