Variety
It is neither captivating nor transporting, for it lacks any emotional pull, as well as the sense of wonder and awe that marks the best works of sci-fi/fantasy.
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Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
George Lucas' Star Wars prequel, going back to when Darth Vader was a nice little boy who loved his mum.
On the planet of Naboo, peace is under threat from the manipulating forces of evil within the Trade Federation. Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) attempt to safely escort Queen Amidala (Natalie Portman) from Naboo, but are attacked and forced to land on the planet Tatooine. There, they discover a young Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd) - a slave boy with the powers of The Force. Together they face Darth Sidious, leader of the Trade Federation, and his dark apprentice, Darth Maul.
Less1999Rating: PG, contains low level violence133 minsUSA
AdventureFantasyScience Fiction
- Director:
- George Lucas ('American Graffiti', 'Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope')
- Writer:
- George Lucas
- Cast:
- Liam NeesonEwan McGregorNatalie PortmanJake LloydPernilla AugustFrank OzTerence Stamp
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace | Reviews
51%235 reviewsRotten Tomatoes® Score
All reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Total Film
Worth the wait, so long as you don't expect a masterpiece. Better than Jedi, but not as good as Empire, Episode I should please both adult fans and pre-teen newcomers.
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The New York Times
It sustains the gee-whiz spirit of the series and offers a swashbuckling extragalactic getaway, creating illusions that are even more plausible than the kitchen-raiding raptors of Jurassic Park.
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Los Angeles Times
Even without the pre-release hoopla, The Phantom Menace would be a considerable letdown!
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Hollywood Reporter
Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace seems designed more as a promotion for Lucasfilm's billion-dollar merchandising concerns than a meaningful chapter in the Star Wars canon.
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Empire Magazine
The most disappointing film of all time it remains, but with the galaxy of hype now far, far away Menace seems much less of a public menace than it did in the summer of 1999.
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BBC
An often deliriously exciting adventure, hitting the target audience of 10-year olds and satisfying long-time fans.
Full reviewStar Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace | Trailers
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace | Release Details
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace is available to stream in New Zealand now on Google Play and Apple TV and Disney+.