Brilliant first film

Rating: 10/10 (12 October 2002)

Since this is the first film of the Star Wars saga, people should see it as that, and stop comparing it to the original trilogy (OT). If you watch this film and compare it to the OT, or expect the same style of film as the OT, then you'll be disappointed.
You should watch this film for what it is, a 'U' rating aimed at children (e.g. Jar Jar Binks) and the introduction film to 6 Episodes. Many people were annoyed that this film was too childish, that it does not relate to the OT much and they thought that is was 'dry'. Well first of all, the Ewoks are probably more 'child-like' than Jar Jar, this film is set in a 'dry' time, it is more serious, therefore, there is no e.g. Han Solo character.
I personally do not watch Star Wars films for the great acting and dialogue etc, although I think they are fine in this film, but many people dislike both the acting and dialogue. If you want to see good acting and dialogue, go to the Theatre, or watch another film, if u want to see amazing special effects along with intense scenes, then watch 'The Phantom Menace'.
So if you watch this film with the above in mind, you should enjoy it. When this film was made, it was the Star Wars film with the most lightsabre action in it, the Podrace scene is excellent, and it has the best lightsabre battle in the Star Wars saga.
Although I love this film, I still believe that 'The Empire Strikes Back', 'Return of the Jedi' and 'Attack of the Clones' are superior to it. So although in my opinion it is not the weakest of the saga, it is also not the best. The amazing special effects though gives 'The Phantom Menace' the edge over 'A New Hope' in my opinion.
I give 'The Phantom Menace' 10/10 (There's a few films I've given 10/10, but some just edge it over the others e.g. 'The Empire Strikes Back' is also 10/10, but it edges it over 'The Phantom Menace' in my opinion).