Review of Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999) by Chris G — 12 Dec 2015

Well...with Force Awakens around the corner, I gotta review the old Star Wars movies. Not as fun as expected. The Phantom Menace is notorious for being one of the most disappointing movies of all time.

I did not share this opinion, as I saw it as a kid and surprisingly liked it. As I have gotten older, I lost interest in it, and upon rewatch, I can say I don't hate it. It is easily the most boring Star Wars movie, but not the worst.

More like the second worst. This movie has good visual effects, a great score, and some few-and-far-between great scenes. However, the movie is plagued by stock characters, bland dialogue, uninteresting story, and extremely slow pace.

There are also the racial stereotypes and...ya know...Jar Jar. There are awful things about this movie, and great things. The meddling with Star Wars backstory and ruining things that we loved in the originals (midichlorians, C-3PO built by Anakin) put a damper on the movie.

Everyone gives bland performances, save for a few characters. The only truly awful performance is that of Jake Lloyd. You can't blame him for being a kid directed by George Lucas, but he's pretty bad.

Ray Park's Darth Maul is the best character in the movie, and comes close to saving the third act with a phenomenal lightsaber fight. The music, specifically Duel of the Fates, is phenomenal and intense.

The visuals, while some things are starting to look dated, are great. The movie isn't unwatchable, and I find myself enjoying it during many scenes (escape from Naboo, the Podrace, the final battles).

There are not enough of these moments, because in between are boring dialogue scenes and unnecessary setup for the sequels. In fact, this movie isn't even entirely necessary to the franchise. You could (reluctantly) start with Attack of the Clones and you wouldn't lose much.

Overall, The Phantom Menace is disappointing for a Star Wars movie, and "meh" as a movie in general. I find it enjoyable, but it is not very good. There are good moments, and they are good enough to make it watchable.

Just barely though. 6/10.