The Foundation Stone for the Star Wars Franchise is Weak, Unfortunately

Rating: 5/10 (21 December 2017)

The Phantom Menace is after all, a Star Wars movie. However, you can't ignore its many problems. The movie feels like it doesn't know where it has to go 95% of the time. It feels like the plot is lost and has no point that it has to reach by the end. Other problems in the movie are stock characters that play no extra part in the plot, other than make it seem more lost. The pacing is alright, but still doesn't save the messed up plot that cannot decide whether to focus on Anakin Skywalker, or the Gungans. Most of the dialogue also feels clanky and forced, or sometimes out of context. There are some good points, however. For example, the amazingly choreographed duel at the end of the movie, and the spectacular score by John Williams. The cast is mostly mediocre, with only Liam Neeson clearly standing out. All in all, "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace" is a goofy beginning to what should've been the best origin story of all time, but at times stands tall with a few good scenes.