The tooth-grinding aspects of "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace" have been debated for twenty-five years, from Watto to Anakin Skywalker's Midichlorian count (and miraculous birth) to nearly everyone's favorite target, Jar Jar Binks.
However, as the film that initiated George Lucas' prequel trilogy returns to theaters to mark its 25th anniversary on the unofficial "Star Wars" holiday May the Fourth, let's focus on the positives by pinpointing six aspects the movie, and the franchise's creator, undeniably got right.
These elements have reverberated throughout "Star Wars" mythology and, in most cases, found better utilization elsewhere (in sequels, the various animated series supervised by Dave Filoni, and recent live-action ventures like "The Mandalorian" and "Obi-Wan Kenobi") than they did in the original film.
Consider them as the building blocks of creativity, which overcame the clunkier portions of the script and awkward performances to shape the rest of the "Star Wars" narrative. They're arranged here in increasing order of importance:
6. The Emperor's strategic maneuvering. While the concept of Palpatine/Darth Sidious (portrayed by Ian McDiarmid) undermining the Republic from within was somewhat convoluted, it laid a rich foundation for illustrating how the Sith could outmaneuver the Jedi.
5. The digital visual effects. Granted, this was a mixed bag since Lucas' emphasis on visuals sometimes overshadowed acting and storytelling. Yet, he undeniably pushed the boundaries of digital effects and design, enhancing the scale of action sequences.
4. Mace Windu. Samuel L. Jackson's role in this initial film was limited, but the character became integral to the saga's mythology and afforded Jackson further opportunities to showcase his talent, notably in the animated series "The Clone Wars," adding to his impressive resume in blockbuster franchises.
3. Darth Maul. Portrayed by Ray Park, the enigmatic Sith apprentice stands as one of the most visually captivating characters introduced in the entire series, complete with his iconic double-sided lightsaber. His revival by Filoni underscores his enduring appeal.
2. Casting Ewan McGregor and Liam Neeson. Finding actors to embody the roles of young Obi-Wan Kenobi and his master was crucial for the prequel trilogy's success. McGregor brought dramatic weight to the first trilogy, while Neeson's portrayal added gravitas, a dynamic reinforced by their reunion in recent Disney+ productions.
1. The lightsaber duels. In the original trilogy, lightsaber battles were relatively straightforward sword fights. However, the duel between Darth Maul and Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan elevated the art form to new heights, thanks to John Williams' iconic score, choreography, and the physicality of Ray Park's performance.
Each lightsaber duel since then has expanded upon the foundation laid by this sequence, contributing to the enduring appeal of "Star Wars." Despite its flaws, this climactic battle remains a timeless highlight that continues to captivate audiences across generations.
