Not as good as the originals but a first rate summer blockbuster nonetheless.

Rating: 8/10 (25 July 2003)

CONTAINS POSSIBLE SPOILERS
The Phantom Menace was considered by many to be a disappointing start to the Star Wars prequel trilogy, but I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it.
For a start, this is very much a curtain raiser. It introduces the galaxy we've come to know and love as it existed `before the dark times, before the Empire'. The slightly overcomplicated plot revolves around the invasion of Queen Amidala's planet Naboo by the greedy Trade Federation. Jedi Knights Qui Gon Jinn and Obi Wan Kenobi are dispatched to resolve the crisis. Along the way team up with the likes of R2 D2, the much-maligned Jar Jar Binks and mysterious child prodigy Anakin Skywalker, who may or may not be the fulfilment of an ancient Jedi prophecy. As they investigate further it becomes apparent something far more sinister than the Trade Federation is behind the invasion of Naboo.
There were many complaints about The Phantom Menace, but the one overriding criticism was over the character of Jar Jar Binks. Some found him simply too annoying. Personally, I didn't. Odd creatures have always been a part of the Star Wars universe. His presence in the story is appropriate, and his character helps underline a key Star Wars theme about how everyone is made a certain way for a reason. In Jar Jar's case the lesson learned is no matter how clumsy you may think you are, you aren't useless. Ultimately his clumsiness helps win a big battle near the end.
Admittedly, it is downright odd after years of Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Princess Leia watching a Star Wars film without them. One does get the sense of something missing. I think the most notably, the witty banter from the original films is largely (but not entirely) absent. Instead we have broad slapstick comedy that, whilst certainly pleasing children, lacks the sophistication of the earlier scripts.
On the other hand, the film was criticised for not being dark enough. This is completely unfair as anyone who knows their Star Wars history will tell you that the story gradually gets darker, climaxing in the massacre of the Jedi and the rise of the Empire in Episode III. At this stage however, all is generally well with the Universe despite corrupt bureaucratic politicians running things and a general sense of unease as one gets the impression of darker forces in the background.
The underlying message in The Phantom Menace, particularly if you look at the Senate scenes, is how bureaucracy is a foundation for dictatorship. This is very relevant to contemporary society if one looks at, say, the European Union. Also, history has proved this to be the case (eg Napoleonic Europe, Nazi Germany, etc).
Where The Phantom Menace succeeds brilliantly is in its set pieces. For instance the pod race and lightsabre duels (with stunningly evil villain Darth Maul) are breathtaking and exhilarating. The special effects, cinematography, production design, editing, sound and music score (John Williams firing on all cylinders) are all astounding.
Acting wise Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor do a good job as the Jedi Knights. Natalie Portman is so-so, and Ian McDiarmid is superb as the future Emperor, an ambitious underhand politician named Palpatine. Jake Lloyd does a decent job as Anakin, and seeing C3PO and R2 D2 meet for the first time is a sheer delight (`what do you mean my parts are showing?').
On the whole, The Phantom Menace sets the scene well for what's coming (`The boy is dangerous, they all sense it, can't you?'). Not as good as the originals but a first rate summer blockbuster nonetheless.