The Phantom Menace is a terrific film, forwarding all the elements which won Star Wars' place in our hearts.

Rating: 7/10 (25 May 1999)

I absolutely loved this movie, as did my 12 and 3 year old boys. The creativity, the plot, the acting, the pacing: all worked wonderfully well for me.
I think the movie's critics are too full of themselves. If the movie pauses to develop something, it is "boring"; if it sails and careens ahead with breathtaking action, it is "shallow"; if it strikes universal themes, it is "a kid's movie" - and so forth. These folks need to get over themselves. Judge the movie for what Lucas sets out to accomplish, not what you think he should have accomplished.
One doesn't get on a roller coaster and critique its social relevance, unless one wishes to reveal oneself as an effete snob.
It's a wonderful movie. Avoid all spoilers, and go see it!