Review of Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999) by Fire B — 29 Dec 2017

Good enough movie for a prequel which is supposed to tie in a backstory to the original trilogy. The plot makes sense, is consistent with the rest of the movies, and develops the characters backstories well.

I very much enjoyed the building up the political situation, plus it was complex and realistic enough to be immersive and believable. The move introduces many different worlds, technologies, and creatures beyond the trilogy, wonderful creativity and freshness.

Fantastic battles and light saber fights. The pod race was fun. On the negative side, I think Jar Jar got too much screen time and was more annoying than necessary. Although I didn't hate him as much as some others do.

He was mildly amusing. The explanation for Midichlorians was unnecessary and unbelievable. They could have cut that whole detailed explanation out and just called midichlorians some genetic receptivity to the force.

Excellent development of the Jedi council dynamics, and relationship to the Republic. Many more excellent things well done George!