Much better than the naysayers think!!

Rating: 7/10 (22 May 1999)

I was 12 years old when Star Wars came out. It blew me away. Then I grew up (you do the math :-)) The Phantom Menace brought back memories. It also brought into focus the main storyline of the entire Star Wars saga by introducing many of the characters who will become central in episodes IV-VI. And therein lies the interest in this film. In all honesty it could not stand on its own as a separate movie. Why? Because its main purpose is to set up the next two episodes, and ultimately tie in to the first film that introduced us to Luke, Han, Leia, Obi-Wan, and the droids.
I felt that the film was anchored by the fledgling relationship between the Queen and young Anakin and the re-emergence of the dark lords of the Sith. There were more questions raised than answered, and while the movie was by no means perfect, it was a worthy and successful Episode 1.
I am disappointed in the criticisms leveled against the film. Why? Because I believe most of them are invalid and spring from a lack of understanding or at least a willingness to accept that at the heart of this film lie 2 kids!! No Han here! Just get over it. It's different. As it should be.
Finally, Williams' music is for the most part outstanding. It is a change of direction and pace from the music in the first three films as he masterfully weaves together new themes with themes from the previous trilogy. Note the imperial march making an appearance in Anakin's theme. Also note the musical "overlap" between Queen Amidala's and Anakin's theme. These are but a couple of observations.
In all, this movie delivers and one has to view it through the eyes of a child. And that's not a bad thing. We may have grown up but the story was written over 20 years ago. Remember that. I cannot wait for the next 2 installments. The possibilities are amazing.
I just wish the critics and some hardcore fans expecting a retread of the first trilogy (quit whining about the new characters) would look at the movie for what it is and discover the subtle elements in it, which by the way are plentiful. At no point did I feel that Lucas either compromised or had become conceited thinking only of toys and merchandising. The film has plenty of heart, and stays true to the spirit of the originals, thus the saga itself.
I've already seen the flick twice and I will probably go see it again. 9 out of 10.