Two minor flaws

Rating: 9/10 (23 May 2005)

I am trying to review this movie without any spoilers this time. Let's begin with one of the only things I did not like in the movie: Jar Jar's character. It is well-done how he and the Gungans speak, but his moves and 'humourous' character somehow does not fit in the movie, despite this one is supposed to be the 'most peaceful' of all the previous SW movies. It is also one minor flaw that the characters have apparent fluke. If I were to detail it, I would have to add spoilers, which I don't desire. Watch the film or recall what you have seen and you will see what I mean. Go to the positive part this time: In the movie, the long forgotten Sith return and the Sith Apprentice confront Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi. For those who still have not yet seen the film: Qui-Gon Jinn is the master of Obi-wan, who is still an apprentice. The Sith Lord vs. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan fight scene is probably the culmination of the events and this part is done the best. We will also see the Jedi in 'normal' combat against droids, which show how Jedi can fight. The plot is based around a conflict on a peaceful planet named Naboo, which the Trade Federation blockaded for various reasons. By the will of the Force, the two Jedi get stranded down on Tatooine, where they discover Anakin Skywalker, who actually helps them escape the planet. We will see a long 'pod race' scene on Tatooine, which could be amazing or damn boring, depending on your attitude to speed. I liked this part of the film the first time I saw it, but I normally skip this when I am to watch the film over again on VHS. When the final attack starts to retake the planet, the events are divided into three parts: We can see all three emerge victorious at various costs. Expect to see an awesome ground battle between Trade Federation droids and the natives of Naboo, in an open and wide area.
The two flaws I mentioned above make me consider this film 'only' 9 out of 10. I was more forgiving in the case of Episode III, simply because I better liked the fight scenes in that movie, which is not a shame from the aspect of the Phantom Menace. While this movie is focused on one single conflict, Episode III is not only about a conflict, it's about a galaxy-wide fought war. For this reason, it is no wonder we cannot see as much fight as we do in Episode III or even II.
To sum up the whole, the Phantom Menace is a good movie, with some minor flaws. The movie is safe to be watched by children of any age, too.
If you haven't seen this movie yet, don't waste any more time! It's highly recommended.