A movie that delivers exactly what you'd expect!

Rating: 10/10 (10 July 1999)

First off, a very important guideline to follow when seeing "The Phantom Menace": you MUST go into this movie 1) Knowing it is the opening episode of six and 2) At least with an open mind. Preferably the mind of a child (you know - the mind you probably had when you saw Episodes IV-VI.) That said, this movie is incredible!! I must admit it was strange seeing new images following the Star Wars theme after 16 years, but I wasn't disappointed in the least. Cynical critics have blasted this movie for bad acting and old fashioned storytelling but come on! Have any of these movies had Academy Award acting performances? No. That's not what you see a Star Wars movie for. Two scenes are now forever burned into the memories of film goers everywhere (I hope!) The pod race, and the intense lightsaber duel between the Jedi and Darth Maul. Although the duel in Empire is more verbally emotional, nothing tops the sword play in this movie. The final battle between Obi-Wan and Maul is completely convincing. For all the complaining recently about movie violence, it's a shame a wonderful movie for all ages is ripped by critics and fans like this one has been. See this movie...several times just like the others. One last thing. I went into this film expecting to hate Jar Jar Binks. Instead I found him a welcome source of comic relief and a wonderfully believable character. Well done George Lucas! I'll be in line for Episodes II and III!