WONDERFUL! You can't beat a legend . . .

Rating: 10/10 (22 May 1999)

If this doesn't sink the 'Titanic', then nothing will.
This movie doesn't need to affect in the way a movie such as 'Schindler's List' does, it is for us to enjoy, forget the real world for two hours and relive the magic of Star Wars. It is impossible that 'the Phantom Menace' will outshine the original trilogy, but it will rise to sit in a place beside it.
Okay, about the main criticisms:
Plot - Some say it's way too weak - but WAIT, don't forget there are still TWO MORE to come that will develop the plot further. The Star Wars series is actually one huge movie, you can't say the plot was crap if you haven't seen the whole picture.
Acting - Come on, they were great! Neeson was perfect as the elder Jedi Master, who might not abide by the rules but still has his own morals. Mcgregor did a wonderful job of living up to Alec Guiness's character, with the voice and manner. Portman was suitably majestic and dignified, but not overbearing, while Jake Lloyd was very good for someone so young having to play such a big role. As for Jar Jar, he's no Chewie, but taken as himself, he's quite good. Yes, Darth Maul could be a more major character, and he did not have to die, but he made a great impression for a guy who falls into a pit after saying two lines.
Special FX - No words can express the wonder and amazement at the technology and skill. Lucas has created such a real universe in his mind, and finally he has the means to show the rest of us in all its detail.
Music - With John Williams as the composer? No criticisms needed, just a hell of a lot of praise. 'Duel of the Fates' is a masterpiece!
Script - Hey, it kept in style of the original three. Dashes of humour, some moralistic insights - it was good!
Okay, so some things weren't as good as they could be. So Jar Jar talked too much. SO Darth Maul died too soon. So the midi-chlorin thing is a bit hokey.
Who cares?
(Don't forget, the original trilogy got some pretty harsh reviews when they were first released. I'm sure no critic today would admit to writing such articles about Star Wars. Who says it won't be the same for 'the Phantom Menace'?)
There's heaps more, but I have to say that 'The Phantom Menace' just blows you away. SW fan or not, you will be amazed at the skill and flair of George Lucas. He has created this universe for all of us to enjoy, and as for those critics? Come on, it's STAR WARS. What else do you want?
Just sit back, relax, and enjoy it as George Lucas takes you to a long time ago to a galaxy far, far away . . .