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

Jedi Knights Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi manage to escape a hostile blockade and find allies. Only to find a young boy named Anakin Skywalker who may bring balance to the force as they sense an incredible gift in him.

A lot seems to happen in this film in a short space of time really and I think at times it is pretty hard to follow. Especially when you get so bored and annoyed with Jar Jar Binks (surely that’s everyone). It certainly has to be one  of the most annoying characters in film history, yes I’m claiming that. Now this is a film that I remember the most when it comes to Star Wars and I think that is mainly because I remember actually seeing it at the cinema and even wearing an Obi-Wan t-shirt for the occasion. Given that though I have never been massively into Star Wars or geeky about it.

Padme is another story that we have going on as well, so we have plenty of different characters that we must follow throughout the film. Something I find confusing is the different species as I don’t really understand them all, if anyone would like to help out with that I will appreciate it. Just seems to be a hell of a lot of different characters and places to understand. But I guess then we have to remember that the main focus of this story is Anakin Skywalker and how strong the force is within him.

Is it wrong though that I still think Darth Maul is such a cool looking Sith Lord? I mean come on he really is so memorable and has such a great presence when on-screen.

I know a lot of the criticism around this film has been Jake Lloyd as Anakin, but surely that is very harsh when the young boy would have just been acting how he was told? Always find that a strange one when a child is blamed for the film. I actually find him very cute in the role. Ok I know I am going to get some abuse for saying that! Natalie Portman is very good as well, but lets face it when isn’t she good? She really has had a very mixed career so far in terms of how many different types of films she has been in.

Ewan McGregor is very good as Obi-Wan and I think it is very important to see the build up in the relationship between Obi-Wan and Anakin as we know that is going to be very important in the future. Why exactly Obi-Wan agreed to train the boy and how they all feel the force very strong within him he is the chosen one to bring balance apparently . . . Or maybe not in the end!

It is not a good thing to admit but I think I have seen this film the most out of all of the Star Wars films. Don’t worry though I am trying to correct that and watch the others a few more times as well in the build up to the Force Awakens. Honestly I am trying, but really think I am missing something when it comes to Star Wars. I don’t really understand or get why everyone seems to think they are fantastic and great? So if anyone would like to elaborate on that for me please do so and help me to at least understand!