"Star Wars: The Phantom Menace" received mixed reviews for several reasons. Critics and fans were disappointed with the film's dialogue, which many found clunky and unmemorable. The character of Jar Jar Binks was particularly polarizing, often criticized for being annoying and distracting. Additionally, some viewers felt the plot was overly complex and bogged down by political themes that detracted from the action. The reliance on CGI also drew criticism, with some preferring the practical effects of the original trilogy. Overall, expectations were high, leading to greater scrutiny.

"Star Wars: The Phantom Menace" is titled to reflect the hidden and elusive nature of the Sith, particularly Darth Sidious, who manipulates events from the shadows. The term "Phantom Menace" signifies the unseen threat posed by the Sith as they work to undermine the Galactic Republic and the Jedi Order. The film explores themes of deception and the emergence of this hidden danger, setting the stage for the larger conflict in the Star Wars saga.

Natalie Portman was born on June 9, 1981. "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace" was released on May 19, 1999. Therefore, she was 17 years old during the film's release. In the movie, she played the character Padmé Amidala, who is a key figure in the story.

"Star Wars: The Phantom Menace," released in 1999, has a runtime of 136 minutes, not 121 minutes. However, the film you might be referring to is "Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope," which has a runtime of 121 minutes. If you have any other questions about Star Wars or need more information, feel free to ask!