Not exactly Star Wars, but a decent film

Rating: 10/10 (17 June 2002)

Episode I, in short, is not Star Wars. No X-Wings, Death Star, Darth Vader, Han Solo, or anything that has previously defined Star Wars. This is pretty much because the movie goes back to the old times - the Jedi are still existant, Obi-Wan is a mere Jedi apprentice, and the Galactic Republic, not the Empire, is in power. The story is mostly irrelevant to anything in ANH, ESB, or ROTJ. The plot delivers only two main things which factor into the original trilogy - the Sith is back, and a promising new Jedi (but Vader-to-be) is found - Anakin Skywalker. New characters are introduced, like the horribly annoying Gungan creature Jar Jar Binks. This guy is a disgrace to all things Star Wars - you wonder why he's even there in the first place. But there are many cool new characters and features, too. Sinister villain Darth Maul, the sleek Naboo Starfighter, and the completely sweet podracing are just a few. And Anakin is awesome.
Die-hard fans might be disappointed about the lack of nostalgia, but there is enough eye-candy and other stuff to keep sci-fi and general movie fans pleased.