A fun and solid addition to the star wars saga!

Rating: 8/10 (26 December 2015)

I remember seeing this movie for the first time in the theaters and I had a fun time seeing it. I can't say the same thing for latest non-chapter, the force awakens.
The Good - All new detailed worlds including the world of Naboo and Coruscant

New technology (trade federation, naboo ships, and gungan tech)

Original and refreshing story that provides the foundation for the star wars universe - Darth Maul is an awesome Sith

The sound design in this movie is better than any other movie that I saw before, especially with the pod-racing and gungan battle scenes.

Liam Neeson and Ian McGregor are great actors and did a fantastic job

pod-racing scene was fun to watch

Pacing seems about right

The Bad

Too much Jar Jar Binks (most people don't like him) but I don't mind him being in the movie, but in moderation.

Jake Loyd playing Anakin is poor and unconvincing in most scenes

Natalie Portman is expressionless in some scenes

Excessive use of cgi in some areas that could have been done with puppets (i.e. Yoda)

The script needs to be improved in some scenes.

Lack of tension or sense of urgency in some of the important scenes, causing the audience not to care about what is going on.

Most of the characters seem to be lifeless and without personality.

All in all, I consider the movie to be a flawed but solid addition to the star wars universe.