The Phantom Menace (1999) Review in 2025
The Phantom Menace is a sci-fi epic that follows the story of Anakin Skywalker, a young slave boy who becomes a Jedi Knight. The movie takes place in a galaxy far, far away and features stunning visuals, memorable characters, and an engaging storyline.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is suitable for family viewing, but parental discretion is advised due to some mild violence and themes.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for fans of the Star Wars franchise, but it's not a must-see for everyone. If you're new to the series, it's recommended to watch the entire trilogy in order to fully appreciate the story.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The Phantom Menace introduces the galaxy to Anakin Skywalker, a young slave boy who is discovered to be strong in the Force. He is freed by Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and becomes a Padawan learner under Obi-Wan Kenobi. However, the movie also introduces the sinister Trade Federation, led by Nute Gunray, and the manipulative Palpatine, who will stop at nothing to gain power.
Review Details
story7.00/10
The story is engaging, but it feels like a setup for the rest of the trilogy. The pacing is a bit slow, and some plot points feel rushed.
acting7.00/10
The acting is decent, but some performances feel a bit wooden. Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor shine, but Natalie Portman's performance feels a bit one-dimensional.
characters8.00/10
The characters are well-developed, especially Anakin Skywalker. However, some characters feel underutilized, and the dialogue can be cringeworthy at times.
direction6.00/10
George Lucas's direction is solid, but it feels like he's trying to pack too much into the movie. The action scenes are well-choreographed, but some parts feel disjointed.
cinematography9.00/10
The cinematography is stunning, with breathtaking visuals and impressive use of CGI. The world-building is impressive, but some parts feel a bit too detailed.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Phantom Menace has some impressive visuals, memorable characters, and an engaging storyline. The movie is a great introduction to the Star Wars universe, and it sets the stage for the rest of the trilogy.
Cons
The pacing is a bit slow, and some plot points feel rushed. The dialogue can be cringeworthy at times, and some characters feel underutilized.
Notable Quotes
"Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering."
"When I left you, I was but the learner. Now I am the master."
