It folds nicely into all that is Star Wars

Rating: 9/10 (13 July 1999)

Hey, how can you compete with the feeling you get when you're five years old and viewing the original Star Wars? You can't, but this movie is still great. It really surprised me.
I was surprised to see so much action considering that everyone complained because there was "too much" explanatory dialogue.
I was surprised to see how relatively "tame"-- that is, not excessive or unnecessary-- the special effects were, while still inspiring awe.
And I was really surprised to find myself on the edge of my seat during the light saber battle between Darth Maul and the two Jedis! It was AWESOME.
Overall, Episode One is purely Star Wars. It pays homage to all that makes the Star Wars series great. Must...control...urge ... to... kill... Jar-Jar.