Review of Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999) by David O — 15 Dec 2017

This movie gets such a bad rap, but if you really think about some of the exceptional elements of this movie, you can't give it anything but 5 stars. Sure, the lines are corny sometimes (though not as corny as many in the originals), and Jake Lloyd isn't the best kid actor, but the explanation of Anakin's character was brilliant.

Qui-Gon Jinn is one of the most B.A. Jedi with strong force powers. The pod racing is exhilarating and well filmed. The insight into Obi Wan's character is satisfying for fans. The political elements develop important plot points for explaining the Star Wars universe (which The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi are missing when it comes to the Republic and the First Order).

And, of course, don't forget the most epic lightsaber battle in Star Wars (compare scenes, people) between Darth Maul and Qui-Gon and Obi Wan. In honest comparison with other Star Wars movies, this fits right in with the best of them.