Star Wars Month #4: Not as Evil as People Think it Is

Rating: 6/10 (23 January 2014)

I was five years old when Phantom Menace came out on video, and of course, I was instantly hooked. When I got older though, I started reading up on the complaints fans have. And when I mean complaints, I really mean death threats made against these specific individuals: George Lucas, Jake Lloyd, and Jar-Jar Binks. Seriously I have seen these. Now that I'm older and understand more about what makes a movie work and not work, I can honestly say Phantom Menace isn't as great as I remember, but by gum is it an entertaining movie.
The story starts out with some sort of trade dispute between a group called the Trade Federation and the planet of Naboo, run by Queen Padme Amidala (played by Natalie Portman) When Jedi Knights Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi Wan Kenobi (the brilliantly cast Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor)are dispatched to negotiate a truce, the Federations intentions are made clear when they try to kill the two and stage a government takeover on Naboo. After rescuing the Queen, it is decided to hide the damaged ship on Tatooine until they can repair it. There they meet the boy Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd) and Qui-Gon thinks he may be the chosen one to bring balance to the force. Then ensues action, planning, and a bunch of dazzling effects.
The story is actually interesting because it takes its time to develop. However this does lead to the argument that it really has nothing going for it. I find a mid-ground, its interesting but some things are unnecessary, For example, the sub-plot on Coruscant really yields one thing but we spend like half an hour there. Sometimes the dialog doesn't work, like some of Obi-Wan's humor, but for the most part its fine. Lucas had so much pressure to live up to the Original Trilogy. With the standards the fans put on him, he could never live up to those impossible expectations.
The acting and characterization has been a source of jokes and criticism for most viewers. It's really not that bad as you may think. You have some very good actors (like Neeson, McGregor, and Portman)and some who get the job done (Lloyd, McDiarmid, and Quashie) I never saw anyone I really hated in here and I still don't. For those with a heart, leave Jake Lloyd alone. he didn't do a bad job. I truly don't understand how people think Lucas made him an all knowing genius as a kid for worse. Some kids are more technologically gifted than others and some have deep thoughts. Sure his performance doesn't work at moments, but its still OK.
Now we come to the aspect of the film people hate the most... Jar Jar Binks. People wish this character never graced the universe and would rather die than listen to him any more. I have a confession to make. I sort of like Jar Jar. Let me explain myself... I know he's an awful character. I know he was probably thrown in for "comic relief only." but seriously he was one of the first CGI characters in a movie, that's a huge accomplishment. And if people acknowledge him as a character that they somehow connected to on a bad emotional level, that means the effect worked. For me, I thought he was funny growing up, and I still think he kind of is.
The effects are truly spectacular in this movie, some of the cleanest and best I have ever seen in my life. While Jar Jar is quite clearly visible these days as a CGI character, the others are actually very convincing. The Podrace on Tattoine is one of the best things I have ever seen put to cinema, it looks real and exciting at the same time.
The music by John Williams is also a bit of a departure, which is an exceptional thing. He incorporates Sanskrit sounds and building up music to outstanding effect, which makes it sound more awesome than it already is.
So yeah, I like this movie. I recognize its flaws sure, but this movie is meant to be fun and entertaining. It's not the best, but it sure ain't the worst.