Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace

The dialogue isn't the issue; the acting isn't really the issue; nor is it any single annoying character... There's no sense of wonder. No yearning. No spirit.

Everything in Phantom Menace exists in a bright noisy vacuum.

The movie is fun, for the most part, and several scenes are as good or better than anything Lucas created in the original films. The human characters, however, are not nearly as interesting as those in the earlier episodes.

Do kids really want to follow a plot about intergalactic trade embargoes?

If there's anything really disappointing about Episode I, it's not being able to line up for Episode 2 tomorrow.

The visual effects in The Phantom Menace are so good that you find yourself not caring very much about Qui-Gon's prophetic murmurings.

Calling The Phantom Menace rough around the edges is an understatement, yet the excitement generated by its ambitious filmmaking, creative setpieces, and deceptive thematic richness are all worthy of admiration.

Without a sense of adventure, excitement, or danger, the only thing that remains is a feeling of boredom... [Full review in Spanish]

The Phantom Menace fails on virtually every front. It features curiosities like Anakin’s implied virgin birth, [Liam] Neeson running around calling him “the chosen one”, and spouting nonsense about midi-chlorians (unnecessary exposition about the Force).

John Williams delivers one of his best scores.