Ax Jar Jar and you've got a movie.

Rating: 7/10 (20 May 1999)

Having read a number of critic reviews before seeing Phantom Menace, I was sort of expecting to be disappointed. But what I found instead was quite an enjoyable film. It was attractive to watch as well--the costuming was superb, the vehicles very stylized, and some of the scenes were just downright breathtaking.
There were definitely some flaws. The acting was rather flat, with virtually no emotional pull at all. We really didn't get to know any of the characters except little Anakin (a writing & directing problem more than anything). But since this was Episode I, I suspect there will be considerably more character depth in the next installment (I hope, anyway).
Another problem was with all the computer generated characters. I may be alone on this but, with the exception of the Battle Droids, they left a lot to be desired when compared to old fashioned puppetry (or even a guy in a costume). And speaking of computer generated characters...
One can only pray that Jar Jar Binks meets with an untimely death before Episode II. I had been forewarned about this character, but in my wildest dreams I could never have imagined just how annoying he actually was. The film needed some humor, but Jar Jar just didn't cut it.
I guess it sounds like I'm ripping this film apart, but I really did like it and would definitely recommend it. Maybe my low expectations helped!