
History has shown ‘The Phantom Menace’ to be the least successful and most hated of the Star Wars films… but certainly not by me. I love the movie and rank it as my 3rd favorite of the six so and constantly defending it.
So let’s talk about what is awesome about this film!
This is the beginning of everything. The insignificant planet of Naboo is the backdrop of the political posturing and positioning as Senator Palpatine helps cause an invasion with the domino effect that manifests itself in the birth of the Empire.
Here we see for the first time the inner workings of the Jedi council; how it works and who does what. We also get to meet some incredible characters like Qui – Gon Jinn, Obi – Wan Kenobi, Padme and even Jar Jar Binks. Each does their best in continuing the story that has been our life blood since 1977.
The effects, the locations, music and overall production is seamless and top notch.
Most of the negativity seems to be pointed at poor Jar Jar, who wasn’t as annoying than C - 3PO was to me way back when. I wasn’t a big fan of the Pod Race scene and there were certain moments that the acting wasn’t… well very good! But it is Star Wars!
Now we must talk about the 3-D! if you were expecting Boss Nass spit to fly out at you or to be sprayed by Darth Maul guts you will be disappointed. What you got was a lot of depth added to scenes and some moments where things really ‘pop’ at you. But don’t see it just for that… see it because it is an awesome movie that needs to be rediscovered.
The Phantom Menace is awesome… and that is it! it is Star Wars and it deserves more respect than it has gotten.
Matman Rating – 5 out of 5 Gungan Celebrations