it's just a movie in the end

Rating: 6/10 (20 January 2018)

I have a history with Star Wars: Episode I- The Phantom Menace. At first I liked the movie for its spectacle and special effects and at the time didn't think much about the heavily political storyline. However, overtime I began to despise the movie for it butchering the Star Wars lore (medichlorians) and its weird story about trade negotiations, something you wouldn't often associate with Star Wars.
After watching it again I can say that I see why I initially liked the movie. I believe the acting for the most part to be quite good. Ewan Mcgregor is excellent as a young Obi-Wan Kenobi and Liam Neeson also does a great job for what he is given. I do believe there is wasted talent in these Star Wars prequel movies as the characters aren't given much development. However, acting wise I never had much of an issue. Jake Lloyd isn't bad as a young Anakin Skywalker. I think people were too harsh on the kid, he is a child actor for crying out loud.
However, the issues I had before still stand and there's no way I can defend them. The Medichlorians butcher that sense of spirituality with the force that was implied in the original trilogy. The trade negotiations will go over every kids head, even though George Lucas intended the film to be a kids movie by introducing a quirky and annoying Jar Jar Binks. Lucas choice to have Asian aliens as shifty trade routers is bizzare and racist.
There is positives to this film that I don't think many people acknowledge besides the obvious climactic lightsaber fight. The use of CGI is actually quite effective since its blended with practical locations and sets. In my opinion the effects in this movie are superior to that of the proceeding prequel movies. The pace is good and that infamous democratic politics scene isn't as long as some people make it out. John Williams gave a fantastic score for all the movies, but this one in particular stands out with masterpieces like Duel of the Fates.
In retrospect there is things to like and dislike about the film. It isn't executed in the best fashion for the introduction of a new trilogy. George Lucas did go too far in areas and was a little confused in regards to what direction to take these movies. The trilogy starts with a kid friendly movie but ends with Anakin burning alive on the edge of a volcano. However, I can't bring myself to hate this movie anymore, it gave me joy as a child and despite its flaws it's just a movie in the end.