Review of Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999) by Griff C — 11 Nov 2017

Unpopular opinion: I don't hate The Phantom Menace. Now, does that mean I think it's a great movie? No, not at all. I tend to agree with many of the criticisms levered against the movie. However, I do think there are some positives that get lost in all of the complaining.

Though much has been said of the acting here (and rightfully so, George Lucas didn't give his actors much to work with in his Prequel Trilogy), I would be lying if I said I didn't enjoy the performances of Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor.

Something else I think flies under the radar is just how Episode I looks. In some cases, it is a pretty amazing looking film, perhaps even more so than Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. I don't necessarily know why, but I've always found this one to be very visually pleasing.

The pod race sequence, though maybe a bit long, is just fun to look at. Same goes for the climatic duel/battle. I would also be in remiss if I didn't mention John Williams' score like everybody else, as he always brings his A-game.

However, I will agree with a lot of the complaints that much of the acting is wooden, the plot regarding trade disputes can be wonky, the story choices regarding Anakin Skywalker, and of course, Jar Jar.

Those are not ignorable (especially the last one), however, I think there is a lot in The Phantom Menace that keeps it from being the abysmal mess some make it out to be. I'm not saying it's on par with anything in the Original Trilogy or the new Disney-era movies, but let's be honest - you've seen movies that are a lot worse than this one.