The best bit was the opening "Star Wars" title

Rating: 2/10 (25 May 2005)

Star Wars Episode 1 "The Phantom Menace" is the first episode of the Star Wars movie saga. It tells the story of a couple of Jedi knights who, whilst assisting a Queen save her home planet Naboo, find a young boy who could be the "chosen one" who could bring balance to the mystical "force".
I've got to be frank - the best part of this movie is where the "Star Wars" logo appears over space and the familiar Star Wars theme blasts out. If you are a fan of the first films - it is a fantastic sense of hope, excitement and exhilaration. Pity that as soon as the "Star Wars" logo fades into the darkness - so does the movie.
The traditional opening "Star Wars" backstory text talks about an intergalactic trade embargo, taxation and a blockade. Wow - that doesn't really get you going does it. And as soon as you settle into the movie - the characters are cardboard and only act as a background to the special effects; the story uninspired, over complex yet toned down for kiddies; the dialogue - ever so wooden ("Are you an angel?"/"What?"/"An Angel. I've heard the deep space pilots talk about them. They live on the moons of Iego, I think. They're the most beautiful creatures in the universe."...as a case in point); the special effects aren't all that; and ultimately - maybe the backstory behind the original Star Wars trilogy isn't all that exciting. I mean we all knows what happens (Anakin gets the Queen knocked up and becomes Darth Vader)?! What's the point
Most of the actors (most of which are really good in other films) look somewhat bored with the material. Perhaps they should have attempted to ad-lib the script - as George Lucas' script writing ability is at the 4th Grade level.
The movie is terribly edited and paced - the movie gets incredibly bogged down over an unexciting "pod race" sequence and lead-up. I felt like I was watching a bad video game (everything including the acting is computer generated!).
Perhaps the only redeeming feature of this movie is the final half an hour - it almost makes it feel reminiscent of the old Star Wars climatic sequences. But to be subjected to the first hour and a half is just unbearable.
If only Lucas had just quit while he was ahead and stopped making Star Wars after "Return of the Jedi". I mean - I think I enjoyed the "Ewok" telemovies better than this junk.