Review of Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999) by Rachael R — 23 Feb 2016

1977's Star Wars introduced the world to a galaxy far far away, where viewers first met the now iconic characters of Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, and Darth Vader. This original trilogy managed to gather a cult like following and forever change the way the world looks at movies. Now, 1999's Star Wars: The Phantom Menace takes us back in time to offer some insight on the origin of these characters. Right from the beginning, this movie has some huge shoes to fill, but instead of mimicking the exact style of the old movies, the movie boldly steps away and establishes a world of beauty and wonder, which beautifully compliments the darker nature of the original trilogy.

Right as the film starts, we meet our new protagonists, Jedi Knights Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson), as they attempt to settle a dispute with the Trade Federation, who has plans to take over the planet of Naboo. Right off the bat, we are able to see the pride and sense of duty of the old Jedi Knights that was repeatedly touched on and looked up to in the original trilogy. The constant sense of nobility and moral virtue that comes with these characters lends itself to the wonder of the movie, as it helps to create characters which can be looked up to and trusted for their decisions.

After failing to defuse the situation, the two Jedi Knights head to Naboo to warn Queen Amadala, and along the way they meet their new friend Jar Jar Binks. Eventually they decide it would be safest to leave the planet, and so begins their journey to take the Queen to the Galactic Senate to seek assistance. Through stunning visuals of journeys to new underwater cities and fast paced pod races, those who watch this movie are able to see a whole new side to the Star Wars galaxy. While the original trilogy was able to successfully show the galaxy in wartime with the constant threat of the evil Empire showing up, the visual effects in Episode One are able to emphasize that this is the galaxy before the dark cloud of the Empire hung over every planet. This movie does a great job of juxtaposing the fast paced and often high pressure situations that were found in the later movies with much more lighthearted adventures and broad stunning scenes that could have only been dreamed about in 1977.

To address the importance and the brilliance of the soundtrack for the Star Wars series, find someone who has never seen Star Wars, and play for them the Star Wars Main Title, or perhaps the Imperial March, and they will recognize both. The original trilogy was filled to the brim with memorable and encompassing music that made John Williams famous. For the Phantom Menace, Williams creates a score that is diverse in style, matching the accompanying scenes perfectly. Though each individual part is wonderful on its own, it isn't until the entire score is looked at as a whole that it really becomes exceptional. Having achieved such success previously, it would have been easy to interweave the old themes, but instead Williams is able to incorporate his most notable elements, such as his distinct usage of high brass and a variety of percussive features, in a way that is different, yet is still able to provide a wave of nostalgia and create a world of its own.

Though one of the most controversial topics related to the Star Wars franchise is the changes that were made post release, it brings up the real purpose of this movie. The prequels are able to elaborate on and demonstrate the magic and wonder of this galaxy in ways that the original trilogy never could, due to both the story and setting, as well as lack of movie technology. Full of beautifully created landscapes, this movie shows not only the majesty of this fictional universe, but also the potential for the future of all movies.