Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)

User Review

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  thismoviestinks

  3 / 10

  It's no secret that The Phantom Menace has some problems. This prequel trilogy was conceived, not as a satisfying final puzzle piece for decades-long Star Wars fans, but as a kid-friendly moneymaker intended to replenish George Lucas's post-divorce pocket book. It's not surprising that adult fans would feel disappointed or even betrayed by the direction Lucas took; it's a jarring tonal shift from the original trilogy. Even in the many years since its release, Phantom Menace remains a polarizing entry for all generations of fans.
  
  Let there be no controversy: Jar Jar Binks is indeed an annoying character--though I think it's a reach to say that he ruins this film as many allege; levity is always useful in space fantasy and--although often excessive--this character provides it. What I find more offensive about The Phantom Menace is the piss poor acting and convoluted plot, which makes less and less sense the deeper you dive into it. The politics involved in the trade blockade of a small planet are clumsy and overly-involved even for an adult audience; how Lucas expected this to make sense to children is beyond me.
  
  This story should be focused on the world of the Jedi and the Republic--which were enticingly teased in the original films--as well as the introduction of Anakin Skywalker, perhaps the most popular villain in film history and the presumed focus of this second trilogy. We do get Anakin, a poorly cast--not for the last time--and badly directed--get used to that as well--child version who is used mostly as an out when other characters get into tight spots. On the other side of things, Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor are a strong duo and give the film's best performances; I only wish they spent less time stranded on strange planets, not advancing the plot.
  
  George Lucas mistreats all three of these films by obsessively inserting gratuitous tie-ins to the his classic trilogy, reducing the scope of his universe and frequently tainting its alluring mystique (midichlorians). Some of these maneuvers feel satisfying by the time we get to Revenge of the Sith; for this film they come off overly convenient and redundant--Anakin living on Tatooine and building C-3PO are both terrible choices.
  
  By virtue of providing a few of the better moments in this trilogy (i.e. the Darth Maul battle), The Phantom Menace is watchable, although it ends up being a below-average Star Wars film when all installments are considered. Lucas doesn't know to stay out of his own way, which means this trilogy will continue to be dogged by bad performances, ludicrous contrivances, and overindulgent CGI. All non-completists may skip to Episode III. As for me, the saga continues.

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