Recanting my views

Rating: 9/10 (8 May 2002)

Pros: script, score, incredible special effects, light saber battles, costumes.
Cons: Jar Jar Binks, lacks the humor of a Han Solo-like character.
My earlier review of the Phantom Menace was a bit harsh and I criticized it for being too childish. I rated it a 6.5 and now I wish I could take it back but maybe I can with this review. After reviewing the movie, I proceeded to see it again and this time pay close attention to the plot intricacies the film had. Upon finishing the movie,I came to the conclusion that this movie was better than the first Star Wars. There I said it, let the hating begin. I believe that this movie will be regarded as one of the better films when the saga is complete in 2005. But if one states a claim, he must prove it and I shall with these points.
1) The special effects: A Star Wars film isn't one without the amazing special effects and this film happens to have the best one in the whole series. Although it has an advantage as it was made 20 years after the original, nevertheless the special effects are the best. The pod races are probably one of the most trilling race sequences put together and the creatures look more believable as they are given more flesh with the aid of a computer.
2) The light saber duels: The Phantom menace has the best light saber duels out of the whole series. Seeing Qui Gon Jinn and a younger Obi Wan Kenobi duking it out with Darth Maul will bring yelps of excitement out of a any Star Wars fan.
3) The force: With this film, we witness the Jedi Council as they once were and the Jedis for what mighty warriors they were, and also the force is very strong with this film. The older films didn't show us enough power of the jedis and they were also a dying race in the old films. Here we see them in their full might and it seems that every citizen is scared of them. We understand the responsibilities and power that comes with becoming a jedi.
4) The Story: While episode 1 was criticized for having a boring story. One must look at the fact that the galaxy wasn't in turmoil at that time so something as trivial as a route tax was big for them. This movie showed us how peaceful the galaxy was before vader and the emperor decided to terrorize it. It also gives us great character analyzation for vader instead of people remembering him as a man with a hockey max who couldn't breath well.
Hopefully with this points, some of you may realize as I have come to realize that Episode 1 deserves its rightful place in the trilogy as the one that started it all.
Premise: A federation aims to capture the small planet of Naboo to pressure the senate to conform to thier views.
Episode 1 was nominated for a couple of razzies.
Grade: 9.8/10 (An underappeciated classic)