Not Off To A Good Start

Rating: 4/10 (13 May 2007)

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)
Review: So this is the official first Star Wars movie. I must say that it is filled with controversy. Here's my take:
Star Wars starts off rather shaky. The Phantom Menace is not really what I hoped for. The main problem that I have is that this movie is just not compelling. There are many boring parts here and the story lags rather about.
There is no denying the FX. A Star Wars tradition since the start has been the dazzling special FX and they are quite the treat. There are a lot to look at here.
The main problem is the story and suspense that follows. We know who lives anyway, and that hurts the suspense for certain characters. However, we do get some nice action scenes(be patient, they do eventually happen) and a fitting and satisfying final light saber duel.
My gripe is that this is too long, gets really boring at times and the suspense is not as good as I wanted. The villain Darth Maul seemed to be there just for show than an actual character with his tiny dialog being proof of that and no character development being a big flaw.
This isn't terrible, no. Just a flawed movie that had so much more to be desired and the potential was never unlocked. That and I cant stand Jar-Jar.
The Last Word: For fans only. Hardcore geeks will savor this. Casual movie fans may or may not like. This is how it started. Fear not, it does get better. Have patience.