6.3

Rating: Null/10 (3 January 2004)

I am a big fan of Episodes 4-6, and I think it was essential to make 1-3. Though this movie was decent, I was very unimpressed with many things. First, Jar Jar Binx. Please, somebody kill this annoying goof. The character of Jar Jar Binx alone has seemingly transformed the Star Wars saga into an annoyingly immature travesty. Had Jar Jar Binx been eliminated from the script, or at least been made not SO incredibly bothersome, this was movie would've been much, much, MUCH better. And the child actor who played Anakin - horrible, absolutely ridiculous. If not for the great performances of Ewan McGregor and Liam Neeson, this movie would've been entirely disposable, acting wise.
Though the story does move along quite nicely, and it does do what was required of it; explaining the necessary and setting the stones for the Star Wars saga. Don't get me wrong, this movie is not all bad, it's enjoyable first time around and moderately interesting to watch on the right occasion. Though if Jar Jar Binx and the actor who played Anakin Skywalker were either taken out or changed, this movie could've been an amazing addition to the series, as there was nothing flawed about the plot or script in itself. If this movie was not the BASIS OF THE ENTIRE SAGA, I wouldn't recommend it to anybody. Though unfortunately, this is an essential watch for any fan of Star Wars.