Rotten
"Star Wars: Episode 1 -- The Phantom Menace" got dismissive reviews in 1999, and it deserves the same today. But you probably know that.
John Anderson, Newsday
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
Every saga has a beginning.
1999 · 2h 16m · PG
Action, Adventure, Science Fiction
Directed by
George Lucas
Overview
Anakin Skywalker, a young slave strong with the Force, is discovered on Tatooine. Meanwhile, the evil Sith have returned, enacting their plot for revenge against the Jedi.
Director and cast
- George Lucas Director
- Natalie Portman as Queen Amidala
- Liam Neeson as Qui-Gon Jinn
- Ewan McGregor as Obi Wan Kenobi
- Jake Lloyd as Anakin Skywalker
- Ian McDiarmid as Senator Palpatine
- Anthony Daniels as C-3PO
- Pernilla August as Shmi Skywalker
- Oliver Ford Davies as Governor Sio Bibble
- Hugh Quarshie Cast
- Ahmed Best Cast
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
54%
Tomatometer
Rotten
You realize how much humor Harrison Ford brought to things; without him, at times the movie itself feels frozen in Carbonite.
Stephen Whitty, Newark Star-Ledger
Fresh
Despite a shaky start and the presence of questionable elements throughout, by the time it arrives at its finale The Phantom Menace has won its place alongside the original Star Wars trilogy.
Keith Phipps, AV Club
Rotten
There are no romance, no humor, ultimately nobody to care about in this oddly sterile movie.
Paul Clinton (CNN.com), CNN.com
Fresh
It does the job just fine. That job, as director George Lucas freely admits, is quite simply to thrill the beating hearts and the inquiring minds of 12-year-old boys.
Rick Groen, Globe and Mail
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