Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace is historically significant for many reasons: it was the first Star Wars movie in nearly 16 years, the last Star Wars movie shot on film, and a polarizing, pulpy entry in the storied space fantasy franchise. It debuted on May 19, 1999, 25 years ago almost to the day, and earned over $1 billion at the box office, despite mostly mediocre reviews.
Its legacy is an interesting one: One of its characters, Jar-Jar Binks, was so detested that the actor who portrayed him, Ahmed Best, faced what he told The Hollywood Reporter was “the first textbook case of cyberbullying.” Several racially insensitive aliens featured in the film remain a mark on the series to this day. The dialogue is weak and often incredibly grating.
Yet its late-stage lightsaber battle is the stuff of legends, its production and costume design is intricate and beautiful, and the infamous podrace scene is exhilarating. It is a Star Wars movie full of contradictions, so when my partner asked if I wanted to go see The Phantom Menace at our local Alamo Drafthouse, I jumped at the chance.
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But despite all that is cringe and problematic in The Phantom Menace, watching it in theaters instilled in me a newfound sense of respect for the film.
It is objectively terrible and an ofront to true Star Wars fans.
I bet you enjoyed Space Balls.
What do you mean? Spaceballs is way better.
Space Balls, the Movie?
I am your father’s brother’s nephew’s cousin’s former roommate.
I bet you’re fun to be around.
Can I make an attempt to change your mind?
A Very Brief Analysis: The Phantom Menace
If you’re a Star Wars nerd, it’s completely worth the time. He digs pretty deep on the lore and the film production background.
“A Very Brief Analysis”? Great, I can get that boxed off before… Oh.
I liked space balls but not the phantom menace. The fandom menance though was quite good before they shut it down.