A wonderful "start" to the series

Rating: Null/10 (19 May 1999)

While "Phantom Menace" has a few shortcomings (Jar Jar Binks being the prime example) overall this is a very well done film, and can proudly stand by the earlier three films in the series. Clearly this is a movie that sets up the next two chapters, and anyone who expected it to be any more than that was foolish. The new cast of adventurers are well-crafted and believeable. Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi are strong presences and Natalie Portman as Queen Amidala (and her handmaiden Padme' Naberri) is a scene stealer. Jake Lloyd does a good job as young Anakin, and the other supporting castmembers don't feel thrown together or weak.
Effects wise, this movie is visually stunning. George Lucas and ILM really pulled all the stops out as in 1999 there is nothing that cannot be realized. Very few things look fake, and all sweeping shots are breathtaking. Clearly effects were a lot of the budget of this film, and its a known fact that very few scenes were unaltered digitally.
The character of Jar Jar Binks is either a love it or hate it thing, very few people will be on the fence regarding him. I personally found him annoying at times, but other times appreciated his humor. I couldn't help but think of a goofier Roger Rabbit.
"Phantom Menace" has good character development, stunning visuals, and an outstanding cast. For any fan or anyone just becoming acquainted with the series, this will not disappoint