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

"Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace" stars Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Jake Lloyd, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, and Frank Oz.  Released on May 19, 1999, the film is about a Jedi Master and his apprentice who must protect the queen in hopes of ending a large-scale trade dispute.

The film is directed by George Lucas, who is known for directing THX 1138, American Graffiti, and Star Wars.  It is the first installment in the Star Wars prequel trilogy and the fourth film in the entire series.  Before I begin, I just want to let you guys know that I am coming down with something, so I might not be able to get caught up with last weekend's releases until I get better.  In the meantime, I will be reviewing a Star Wars film at home today to celebrate the upcoming release of Star Wars 8.  I know what you're going to say.  Why am I reviewing this first instead of the original Star Wars film?  Because I like to watch them in chronological order, that's why.  This film has been getting a lot of backlash from Star Wars fans for multiple reasons.  Now that I am reviewing it for the first time, does it really deserve the hate?

Pros:
The pod racing sequence.

The lightsaber duel between Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Darth Maul is well choreographed and thrilling.

Good score.

Cons:
Weak performances.

Most of the visuals look dated.

Jar Jar Binks can be a bit annoying to some people. (I wasn't annoyed by him at all)

Mediocre storytelling.

Final thoughts: While it did have a couple of entertaining moments, the force in "The Phantom Menace" isn't quite powerful enough to overcome its mediocre story, bland performances, and weak CGI.  Sure, the CGI looked cool back in 1999, but watching it now, it does look noticeable from time to time.  I can understand why a lot of Star Wars fans felt uneasy with this one, but as a fair movie critic, I would say that so far, this has to be the weakest film in the classic science fiction saga.  If you don't mind any of the flaws that are in this movie, then I would say it's worth watching for the pod racing sequence and the final lightsaber duel.

C-