While it isn't perfect, it is sure a lot of fun to watch.

Rating: 9/10 (22 May 1999)

The reviews about this film have been mixed; several people have said that it lacks severely, but I disagree. Star Wars: The Phantom Menace proved to me that there is still magic left in the movies. There is also something in it that I found very enjoyable: a distinct lack of cynicism. Movies and television shows today, especially comedies, are so cynical that it seriously gets on my nerves sometimes. It's nice to see something with even a slightly uplifting outlook on life, considering the fact that movies such as the "The Matrix" (which was excellent) have had a distinctly unhappy, depressing view of society. Granted, the script isn't great, but has it ever been? Part of the fun of the Star Wars series is the "gee-whiz" type of script that all of the films have had. You aren't going to find anything deep or profound, but you are going to find that you are having a good deal of fun just sitting back and watching. One last thing: Jar-Jar. Jar-Jar is the movie's only real bane; they should have simply taken out the Chewbacca-type role and not have had him in there. He adds nothing to the story, and succeeds only in appealing to the very young. Despite this small fact, "Phantom Menace" entertains, and proves that the best movies are the ones that are fun to watch. You can bet that I'm going back to this one.