Review of Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999) by Danny O — 07 Jul 2015

The Phantom Menace is very disappointing. For any fan of the original series, this is a real letdown. I had a hard time learning who the intended audience was. The plot revolves around some trade federation hold up and politics, so it can't be for kids.

Yet everything wrong with this movie can be summed up in three words, Jar-Jar Binks. He is the "comic relief" that I did not laugh at once, and was the humor for kids? Cause if the film is about politics, I don't think it is? Back to Jar-Jar, who was the most annoying character ever put to film.

All his lame jokes made me want one of the jedis to cut his head off (why did they let him come with anyway?) The dialogue needs much work, and the narrative is highly unfocused. It's not all bad though, the final fight is unbelievably entertaining, which is the reason I'm giving this a little higher of a score than it deserves.

There is some good acting, fun action, and a fast plot to keep one entertained. The villain is cool, and some of the actors are good. Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace gets 2/5 stars (C-).