"Sooner or later, you have to leave home..."

Rating: Null/10 (8 May 2010)

Sayeth the artist who created this sprawling epic.
However, that doesn't mean you have to sell the family farm. But, if you're the son of a slave, then it's a pretty good way to get out of a bad situation. It's an amazing film from a lot of technical and artistic viewpoints, however unlike the previous films that tell a portion of Lucas' saga, these are aimed at a younger demographic; grade schoolers as opposed to teenagers. Hence the reason there's a bit of a shift in demographic appeal, and perhaps, to this end, some hopes were dashed by older viewers.
Me, I found them interesting, and having been a sci-fi geek growing up, one who had his share of appetites for things Star Wars, I went and saw them. My opinion is that I can like them for what they are, but the film was clearly not aimed at my age group, but more at the children of my age group. It's the kind of film that's meant to be family oriented, and also full of adventure and wonder, as is the case with all the Star Wars films.
Now, having said that, I'll repeat what I saw some eleven years ago when I first reviewed this film (and made the spoiler thing popular I might add... but that's another story for another time), and that is I still enjoy the first couple of films as solid stand alone movies that have some connection. There was a kind of grittyness and "realism" and sense of fun and adventure that all audiences enjoyed; young and old. They were a big hit with the teenagers, but adults loved them as did younger kids. And, to reiterate my review and thoughts from 1999, I can still watch those films and enjoy them as an adult.
Which is puzzling on a certain level, because a film, if it's good enough, no matter who it's aimed at, will appeal to everyone. This newer Star Wars film doesn't, but that was intentional. And I think this is where a lot of the fans split with one another, get irate and agitated. The films, historically, have never been considered great works of art, but have been touted as good solid entertainment.
So it is with The Phantom Menace. It's solid entertainment, but this time the film's creator is looking to entertain a younger generation. Is that bad? I suppose in the larger scheme of things it really isn't, but the groundedness of the original films seemed to have gotten lost in the shuffle, thus the audience is presented a world that is slightly brighter, shinier and more colorful than expected.
For me, I must admit, as many Star Wars fantasies as I've had over the years, I do have to say that I find the film interesting enough to own in my DVD collection.
As for the title's meaning and all of the other subtleties in the movie, there's some wisdom here, but it doesn't seem very subtle.
Then again, maybe that was intentional as well.
Either way, give it a shot. Enjoy it for what it is, or move onto something else.
p.s. but if you inherit a wealthy attractive waterfront home, try to hold onto it! Nor should you be forced from the home you love.