Review of Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999) by Michael W — 30 Dec 2015

This film has a terrible reputation, but extracted from the unprecedented pressure and glow of the franchise, it's actually a good sci-fi movie. The political aspects are dry, but for its time The Phantom Menace has some iconic scenes, including the Darth Maul duel and the pod racing (even if people thought those scenes were 'meaningless').

The Darth Maul duel, for my money, is potentially the best lightsaber duel in the franchise (in terms of fight mechanics, not emotion). That double saber is just the tops. So, while Episode I has its gaping weaknesses, unburdened from expectations it's quite enjoyable!