Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace (PG, 2012)

common sense media says

Kid-centric but violent prequel lacks energy of originals.

parents & educators say

31% say violence is an issue

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.

Educational value: The film is intended to entertain, not educate, but there are some clear messages around good and evil.

Positive 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.

Positive 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.

Violence & 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.

Sexy stuff: Not applicable.

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.

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.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about the film'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?

What's the story?

Released 16 years after the final film in the original trilogy, STAR WARS: EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE takes viewers back to an earlier time, when the Galactic Republic was in full swing and the Jedi were truly a force of peace and justice throughout the galaxy. Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and his "padawan" protege, Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor), are dispatched to protect Queen Padme Amidala (Natalie Portman) of Naboo from the forces of the evil Trade Federation, who are acting as the pawns of the mysterious Darth Sidious. A convoluted plot ensues, but it's really all an excuse for some swashbuckling swordplay, big effects sequences, and classic good vs. evil battles.

Is it any good?

With its 8-year-old lead character, bright and imaginative design, and never-lets-up plotting, The Phantom Menace is perfectly suited to kids' attention span. It's a shame that the movie doesn't hold up to adult standards as well as most of the original three Star Wars films did. It could be a generational thing, and maybe 1977's Star Wars is as clunky and leaden to older viewers as The Phantom Menace is to most twenty- and thirty-somethings.

But director George Lucas seems to make some of the same mistakes here that he narrowly avoided in the original trilogy. Technology trumps storytelling, plot trumps character, and hollow exposition trumps clever dialogue. There's little doubt that Lucas and his team accomplished some amazing visual feats with Menace, and there are a few sequences (the opening 10 minutes, the Tattooine pod race) in which that old Star Wars feel returns once again. Overall, kids will probably love Phantom Menace, but parents will be wishing it were over so that they can put the kids to bed and watch the classics again.

Movie themes & details

Themes

adventures, robots, space and aliens

Movie Details

Studio: Lucasfilm
Director: George Lucas
Cast: Ewan McGregor, Jake Lloyd, Liam Neeson, Natalie Portman
Genre: Science Fiction
Run time: 133 minutes
Theatrical release: February 10, 2012
MPAA Rating: PG
MPAA explanation: violence

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This review was written by Matt Springer

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What parents & educators say

Based on 16 parent & educator reviews:

31% say violence is an issue

Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

SarahS
parent of 6 year old

Not only the movie is bad, it is also woefully inappropriately for kids. Why is it that so many parents think otherwise, and expose their children to such violence and mature subjects since they are 4 or 5? It amazes me. This movie - as well as any other of the six made under the Star Wars name - should not be given to toddlers or tweens, no matter how much pressure they experience from peers.

What other families should know

Movie Details

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Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace (PG, 2012)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

What's the story?

What's the story?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

Movie themes & details

Themes

Movie Details

Watch our review

Review It

Review Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

BAD BAD BAD. SHAME SHAME SHAME.

Great movie

Not the best prequel

Really good, could be G actually.

epicly amazing movie

cool

Cool

A Film to go see!!!!!

Good movie

The Phantom Menace

Probably the worst Star Wars film, but if you're worried about violence, this is probably the best one

Action packed adventure with humor will impress people of all ages

Ok

Pretty slow-moving at times, but otherwise, great.

just fine

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