Name: Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Science Fiction
Released: 1999
Duration: T2H13M
Cast: Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Jake Lloyd, Pernilla August

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace

Trailer

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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.

1999Rating: PG, contains low level violence133 minsUSA

AdventureFantasyScience Fiction

All Reviews (9)

Director:: George Lucas ('American Graffiti', 'Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope')
Writer:: George Lucas
Cast:: Liam NeesonEwan McGregorNatalie PortmanJake LloydPernilla AugustFrank OzTerence Stamp

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Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace / Reviews

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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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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The Guardian

Nothing has the right to bore and disappoint us this much.

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Roger Ebert

There is a sense of discovery in scene after scene of The Phantom Menace.

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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.

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