OK for kids 8+
Kid-centric but violent prequel lacks originals' energy.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this prequel to the classic sci-fi action trilogy does have a few scary and surprisingly violent moments, although there's no explicit gore. The humor and plotting are aimed at children, but very young kids may not be ready for the movie's darker moments. Widely considered to be the weakest of the films in this franchise, the film will likely entertain children with its straightforward story and imaginative design; though it may also confuse those who've already seen the original films and aren't yet old enough to understand the concept of a prequel. Note: The 3-D version of the movie renders some scenes (like the pod race) more exciting and others (like lightsaber battles) more intense.
- Families can talk about The Phantom Menace's moments of violence and threatening behavior. Is the violence shown in the film important to the story? Why or why not?
- How did you feel watching Anakin leave his mother? Why do you think so many kid-oriented movies involve parents leaving or dying?
- Have you noticed Star Wars merchandise? Does seeing the characters on products make you want to buy them?
The good stuff
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Educational value: The film is intended to entertain, not educate, but there are some clear messages around good and evil.
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Messages: The film's story and characters emphasize personal sacrifice for the greater good. Positive traits like bravery, thoughtfulness, and inner peace are demonstrated throughout by the heroes. A key element of the film's plot hinges on racial acceptance between two alien groups. The villains are sharply defined, and their behavior is cast in a purely negative light.
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Role models: Characters generally exhibit positive character traits throughout. One of the lead heroic characters demonstrates a disregard for authority, which is the only poor example set by the heroes in the film.
What to watch for
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Violence and scariness: Heavy sci-fi violence, although none of it is especially gory or detailed. Viewers see the deaths of at least two major characters on screen, one of whom is sliced in half by a laser sword. The movie's climax cuts together a sword duel, two separate ground invasions, and a space sequence, all of which feature frequent lasers, explosions, and the deaths of minor characters and creatures. A key moment in the film involves the lead character, a boy of about 8, leaving his mother forever; the moment is played as bittersweet, and the character recovers quickly. The film's chief villain is a menacing, silent figure with a frightening appearance.
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Sexy stuff: Not an issue
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Language: Though there are no curse words and very few moments of derogatory language, there's a bit of potty humor -- for example, a lead character stepping in the droppings of an intergalactic creature, or another creature passing gas.
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Consumerism: The film takes place "a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away," so there are no real-world product placements. But the Star Wars film franchise is perhaps one of the most heavily merchandised in the history of film, with action figures, kids clothing and accessories, and every other type of product available even today.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Five Word Review by redyeah
Jar-jar kicks the a**es everday!
3
A classic genre--just not a good part by lancemit1974
I love the star wars movies and the story is a classic one. I saw all six when they hit the theatres starting in the late 70's. I still get chill bumps when I see the title card come across the screen! I guess you could say I grew up with these movies and their durability is a lasting testament to the great filmaker George Lucas.
Having said that, the opening act of this story is just not that good. The movie is a bit too long with too many computer animated characters for my taste. Jar Jar is just annoying and making him more digital just made him more louder! The battle scene at the end is even dull however the ligh sabre duel with Darth Maul and the Jedis is a must see. I guess this plus seeing the beginnings of Anakin's internal struggle make it redeemable. I wouldn't waste my money on the big screen; buy the blue ray edition :)
5
Star Wars Fan Must See! by jlhayward
Although I've seen this movie many times at home and once in the theater when it first came out, seeing it again on the big screen was great! If you're a Star Wars fan, a must see!!
2
what 3D ? lol by CraigBMM1
this converting old movies not shot in 3D to 3D doesnt work .. i was going wth throughout the whole movie .. very little 3D effect. so if your going to see some spectacular 3D action pass .. if your going to view this very cool film again in the theater by all means go watch.
3
Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace by zeugma
It goes without saying that this is/was the worst of the Star Wars saga films. Universally bad acting, even worse than episodes 4-6, and that there is a serious gap in the story line in the mystery fatherhood (imacculate conception?) of "Annie"--good grief!--Skywalker. Too bad to we have to suffer this as the first of the re-mastered 3D run.
The rendering of the film into the new format was very good until the final sword fight between the Sith and the two Jedi. It seemed to go flat at that point. I realize that there was a lot going on in those scenes, but really. It was rich, and begging for the full 3D effect as witnessed in the opening scenes, which were absolutely fantastic in 3D, as was much of the rest of the film.
So, I would say if you are truly a Star Wars fan, as I am, and have been to each of the films on opening day since a time long, long ago, please do treat yourself to seeing the whole series in this new format. Otherwise by a 3D TV, and wait for the DVD.
4
Enjoy it in 3D by dhopfe
I may not be able to see movies in 3D which I would not be attempting promote this, but since it was Star Wars it is worth it in any event. I am still glad they have movies in 2D. To see a movie in 3D when you can't see in 3D is pointless, unless it is a special movie.
5
Deja vu' (In a good way) by Critic7
When I was 10 years old my parents took me to see the 'Original' Star Wars (Episode IV) Now, 35 years later, I was able to take my ten year old daughter Madison to see Episode I (her first Star Wars movie) so it was more sentimental for me and answered many floating questions for her. I was surprised how much she loved it (My wife thought she would be to scared)
If you have seen it already (and who hasn't?) it's still worth seeing again on the big screen, but if you have a child whose over 8 it's a great experience for both of you. Kind of like being a Master Jedi passing on the ways of the Force to your youngling whose now becoming a Padawan Learner.
B
3
Converted 3D is not worth it. by Gareth
While I had no issues with the film lilke so many others did, I went to see the 3D. I am very against converted 3D as if it is not shot in 3D you do not get 3D no matter how many tricks they try. I had been told that ILM had a new conversion process, so we went to see this. Many times during the film my wife asked me if I had seen any real 3D and many times my answer was no. Very hard to justify paying for no real improvement to a film you already have on DVD and Blue Ray.