Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace

REVIEW:

I recently watched a viral video discussing the best viewing order for the Star Wars movies if you’re a newcomer. The host’s recommendation was to watch them by release order, and after considering his reasoning, I completely agree. That’s how so many of us were introduced to the “Galaxy Far, Far Away.” Watching the movies chronologically could spoil the mystery and excitement of the franchise’s best reveals, potentially discouraging you from exploring the rest. In hindsight, starting with A New Hope might have been the ideal approach. But since I’ve already sat down to review Episode I: The Phantom Menace, let’s dive into what makes it such a mixed bag.

When it comes to The Phantom Menace, I feel completely divided. I was eight years old when this movie was released, and at that age, it was the ultimate cinematic experience. The vibrant visuals, flashy battles, and diverse alien species were practically designed to captivate kids. Looking back, it’s clear George Lucas tailored certain characters and plotlines to appeal to younger audiences—essentially, to sell toys. And he succeeded! I was obsessed with Star Wars figures, especially my Obi-Wan and Darth Maul toys, which I’d use to reenact epic lightsaber duels. The pod racing scene even spawned the iconic Star Wars Episode I: Racer on the N64, a game that still holds up. Yet, as my tastes have matured, rewatching The Phantom Menace has highlighted how my initial adoration has given way to a more balanced, if not critical, perspective.

Starting with the positives, there are a few genuinely impressive elements in The Phantom Menace. Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi was inspired casting, bringing a charismatic, grounded presence to the screen. The lightsaber duel between Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon Jinn, and Darth Maul is thrilling, packed with incredible choreography and intensity that make it one of the franchise’s best moments. The pod-racing sequence, while a bit drawn-out, offers some exhilarating action, and the world-building in planets like Naboo and Coruscant is ambitious and visually engaging. These moments are a reminder of Lucas’s visionary skills when it comes to expanding the Star Wars universe on screen.

Unfortunately, the negatives tend to outweigh the positives. The film is mired in political exposition, with an opening crawl about trade disputes that feels more suited for a finance lecture than a sci-fi adventure. The script is often stilted and heavy-handed, making many scenes a chore to sit through. Some of the choices made are baffling, like introducing Anakin as the creator of C-3PO or including the concept of midichlorians, which attempts to quantify the Force in a way that takes away from its mystical allure. Watching it now, I’m left questioning whether these decisions enriched the story or simply added unnecessary layers.

One casting choice I’ve always been curious about is young Anakin. Casting a slightly older actor, closer in age to Natalie Portman’s Padmé, could have introduced a stronger connection between the characters, setting up their relationship with a bit more plausibility. Jake Lloyd does his best, but his performance feels out of place in a film that shifts so quickly between tones. Then there’s the editing; Lucas’s repeated use of wipe transitions can be distracting, at times making the film feel more like a PowerPoint presentation than a Hollywood blockbuster. These small quirks detract from the experience, adding an unintentional layer of awkwardness to certain scenes.

Looking back, I realise that much of my nostalgia for The Phantom Menace comes from my childhood memories rather than the film itself. Despite its flaws, I was excited to return to the world of Star Wars, and it still holds a special place in my heart. But now, the main reason I revisit it is to trace Anakin Skywalker’s journey—his transformation from a young, hopeful boy into one of cinema’s greatest villains. Sadly, this first step in the prequel trilogy is more of a stumble than a confident stride, with clunky storytelling and uneven pacing that make it a rocky beginning.

If you’re new to Star Wars, I’d echo the advice to start with A New Hope. The Phantom Menace has its moments but ultimately feels like a prequel that was too ambitious for its own good, struggling to balance between appealing to young fans and telling a complex story. By going through the original trilogy first, you’ll gain a greater appreciation for the saga’s heart and legacy, and you might even find The Phantom Menace a bit more enjoyable as a curious look back at where it all began—or, at least, where George Lucas intended it to.