",,,there's something about this boy."

Rating: 8/10 (11 June 2007)

"The Phantom Menace" registers the lowest in fan appreciation of all the films in the Star Wars franchise. Fair enough, one of the six had to just through simple math. But with a few exceptions, I thought the film held up rather well as the introduction to the Darth Vader mythos. Understanding that George Lucas' epic saga had to begin somewhere, it's not all that unbelievable that the story should begin the way it did in Episode I, with the portrayal of Anakin Skywalker as a precocious young lad with a fascination for mechanics and pod-racing. Which brings me to one of the first criticisms of 'Menace', that Anakin (Jake Lloyd) wasn't menacing enough, or exhibit a touch of evil that would develop into a Sith characteristic. Listen, if you're looking for "The Omen", then go watch "The Omen". Though he was born into slavery, Anakin appeared to have been brought up as a solid, well rounded individual by his mother (Pernilla August), and even though surrounded by petty thieves and cutthroats, was able to keep a level head on his shoulders. As for Lloyd's acting ability, it seemed to me that he maintained a level of self confidence and character throughout the story, which is all anyone could ask given the pressure that the notoriety of the role would bring.
Second on the hit list for many nay sayers is the introduction of the midi-chlorians. I'd have to agree that this is somewhat troublesome, particularly in light of Obi-Wan Kenobi's explanation of The Force to Luke Skywalker in the original Star Wars film. Still, this doesn't have to be a tremendous distraction from the plot. Modern day scientists are attempting to discover a link between religious faith and genetics, so on that level, one might consider that Anakin's high midi-chlorian count gave him a unique advantage, one that surfaced in his ability to anticipate his next move in a stressful situation, a la the great pod race.
OK, so what about Jar Jar. For those paying attention, Jar Jar was a Gungan, a warrior people. Yet every race or society has its' misfits, those that stand apart from the mainstream yet can be accepted by that society as someone unique and with abilities that recommend them for a larger role in life. I'll have to admit that the character made a lot more sense to me while viewing the movie with sub-titles turned on. Would Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan have been better off if they had found a more 'acceptable' partner? Chances are that a more citizen-like Gungan would have left the Jedi Knights to fend for themselves.
So what was my sit up and take notice moment? I'd have to say the 'virgin birth' explanation given to Qui-Gon (Liam Neeson) caused me to roll my eyes both times I've viewed the film. Comparisons to a Messianic figure just didn't quite work for me, even if the scene played out quickly and was never brought up again.
Aside from the pod race and the light saber battle that everyone seems to mention as highlights of the story, the scene that impressed me with it's intimation of the vastness of the galaxy was the one in the Senate chamber where Queen Amidala (Natalie Portman) pleaded her case for Naboo against the Trade Federation. That was so much more effective than say, a televised appearance of the President before both houses of Congress. One immediately got a sense of the infinity of outer space and what it would take to assemble a representative body from the far corners of the universe. As for getting around to a meaningful vote - that would probably take a Jedi mind trick, or at least a Sith one.
I guess what I'm saying is that there's a lot more going on in "The Phantom Menace" than a lot of casual viewers and even purported Star Wars fans are seeing. The prelude to the next two chapters is being established without much malice aforethought because there will be plenty enough of that when the time comes. For now, it's a time of innocence and fun for a novice whose turn to the Dark Side will progress with light speed when conditions deem it.