I good start to build on

Rating: 6/10 (18 May 2001)

I have been a Star Wars fan since birth and I was always interested in seeing a new installment. When I heard about George Lucas started plans for Episode 1 back in 1995, I was exited about it. In 1998 i've seen the trailers and red articles and i really wasn't expecting the greatest movie ever, but i was expecting unique eye candy, great action scenes, cool characters and also a little more depth into the Jedi mythology.
I didnt see it in theaters but i did here the negative reviews, And when I first saw it I totally accept the film. It was on that same level with Matrix but the depth of Episode 1 was what hindered it. My biggest problems were with the little developement of Characters and the many childish humour. The childish humour just didn't fit in with a movie about Trade Federations and Republics and all this heavy story. Obi-Wan and Darth Maul were the coolest characters but very under used. Most of the time Obi-Wan is just standing around in the background and Darth Maul had just 2 lines before his FINAL CUT (sorry, bad pun).
The movie had many of the feelings that made Episode 4 great but the feeling is sadly brief. But really is there any way that Lucas could have prevented this film from being scrutinized with all that hype created by many fans and the Media. I doubt anybody could. Under the circumstances, Phantom Menace was done very prefessionally and creatively. The only thing missing was the wit, which had most of it's impact on Empire.
One other dissapointment was that the story was a bit confused. It wasn't clear bout where it was going or which audience it was for. However that happens to many movies. Compared to the usual Brainless Summer flicks, The Phantom Menace was a visual classic. I loved the epic landscape, the pod race, the Jedi/sith 3 way battle, the droid vs. Gungan battle (The first part any way) and the dogfight with the droids. Phantom Menace had some really good ideas but many of them didn't come of as well. Jar Jar for example. A CGI character as part of a live action cast is really cool idea but Jar Jar is just to silly for adults or kids to take seriously.
But hey I still loved this film for what it is, the only other blockbusters i'd put over it is Matrix, Star wars Episode 4 and 5, Crouching Tiger and Gladiator. And Episode 2 should do better since the fans are now doubting George Lucas' ability to surpass the first trilogy. I'm going to see it regardless because Star Wars is the type of movies i like to see. and not many movies these days have that Unique original edge.