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.
- Director:
- George Lucas ('American Graffiti', 'Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope')
- Writer:
- George Lucas
- Cast:
- Liam NeesonEwan McGregorNatalie PortmanJake LloydPernilla AugustFrank OzTerence Stamp
Reviews & comments
Variety
pressIt 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.
Total Film
pressWorth 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.
The New York Times
pressIt 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.
Roger Ebert
pressThere is a sense of discovery in scene after scene of The Phantom Menace.
Los Angeles Times
pressEven without the pre-release hoopla, The Phantom Menace would be a considerable letdown!
Hollywood Reporter
pressStar 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.
Empire Magazine
pressThe 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.
BBC
pressAn often deliriously exciting adventure, hitting the target audience of 10-year olds and satisfying long-time fans.
BIg rasberries Jar Jar
As a great fan with collectors items and such I had high hopes for this movie and a long time coming only to have my hopes dashed by the annoying cartoon style storyline sub plots with the horrible and stupid Jar Jar the special effects were brilliant expected nothing less but this by far the sillest of all the films
Variety
pressIt 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.
Total Film
pressWorth 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.
The New York Times
pressIt 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.
Roger Ebert
pressThere is a sense of discovery in scene after scene of The Phantom Menace.
Los Angeles Times
pressEven without the pre-release hoopla, The Phantom Menace would be a considerable letdown!
Hollywood Reporter
pressStar 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.
Empire Magazine
pressThe 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.
BBC
pressAn often deliriously exciting adventure, hitting the target audience of 10-year olds and satisfying long-time fans.
BIg rasberries Jar Jar
As a great fan with collectors items and such I had high hopes for this movie and a long time coming only to have my hopes dashed by the annoying cartoon style storyline sub plots with the horrible and stupid Jar Jar the special effects were brilliant expected nothing less but this by far the sillest of all the films
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