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“Star Wars Episode IV – A New Hope” kicked off an epic trilogy that truly spawned a universe. With its engaging story, likable characters, and multi-genre mix, it’s a film that holds up well. Unfortunately, “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” utterly fails to impress. Bogged down with a muddled narrative, flat acting, and a rather disjointed plot, “The Phantom Menace” is a menace to the “Star Wars” franchise, and more akin to C-Span than science fiction.
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan manage to escape and seek refuge on Naboo. During the invasion of Naboo, Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon save a Gungan outcast, Jar Jar Binks (Ahmed Best). Because Jar Jar is now indebted to his newfound Jedi companions, Binks leads Jinn and Kenobi to the underwater city Otoh Gunga. While Gungan leader Boss Nass (Brian Blessed) refuses to assist the surface-dwelling inhabitants of Naboo, the Jedi persuade Nass to allow them the use of a transport to the capital of Naboo, Theed, as well as the use of Jar Jar as a guide. Upon arrival at Theed, Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, and Jar Jar rescue the 14-year-old queen of Naboo Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman), narrowly escaping the blockade. While they set their course for Coruscant, Amidala’s Royal Starship is damaged while breaking through the blockade. The starship thus lands on the desert planet Tatooine.
Qui-Gon, droid R2-D2, Padmé, and Jar Jar venture to Mos Espa in search of parts for repair. The party meets shop owner Watto (Andy Secombe) and his nine-year-old slave apprentice Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd). Despite his young age, Skywalker is a gifted pilot, frequently participating in podraces. Plus, he built a protocol droid, C-3PO. Upon meeting Anakin, Qui-Gon senses immense Force sensitivity, referring to Skywalker as “The Chosen One.” Since Jinn can’t afford the parts to repair Amidala’s ship, he bets both the necessary parts as well as Anakin’s freedom that Skywalker wins his next podrace. Anakin wins, and accompanies, Amidala, the Jedi and Jar Jar to Coruscant where Padmé pleads for her planet of Naboo in front of the Galactic Senate and Chancellor Valorum.
Meanwhile, Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon present Anakin to the Jedi Council including Master Yoda (Frank Oz) and Mace Windu (Samuel L. Jackson). While Jinn staunchly proclaims that Skywalker is the chosen one, the Council remains unconvinced and denies his request. During the Senate hearings, Naboo Senator Palpatine (McDiarmid) encourages Amidala to issue a vote of no confidence in Chancellor Valorum with the intent of electing a better leader in the crisis resolution. Frustrated, Padmé returns to Naboo. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon, tasked with investigating the return of the Sith, Force-sensitive beings and rivals of the Jedi, long-thought extinct. On Naboo, Queen Amidala convinces the Gungans to fight alongside the surface dwellers in repelling a Trade Federation battle droid army invasion.
“Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” is an utter atrocity, unworthy of even bearing the “Star Wars” name in its title. It’s arguably the antithesis of “Star Wars.” Even the pre-roll is boring. Where the original trilogy boasts of a war between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire, “The Phantom Menace” pre-roll talks of trade disputes. The viewer is then plopped into what feels like the middle of the movie rather than the beginning, and even its characters appear confused about the events transpiring around them. Compounding the rather complex plot, “The Phantom Menace” is a disjointed mess. Serious moments unceremoniously transition into slapstick scenes.
Whereas “Star Wars: Episodes IV-VI” featured likable, relatable characters, none are to be found in “Star Wars: Episode I.” The entire film is plagued by wooden acting, shoddy editing, or both. When Anakin is first introduced, Jake Lloyd appears cocky yet endearing. Later, he’s emotionless and wooden. It’s unclear if the cause is simply an actor cast as too young, poor editing, or both. Similarly, Natalie Portman fails to impress, though mostly due to a lackluster script. Then there’s the buffoonish Jar Jar Binks who, every time he opens his mouth, will have you automatically cringing, even before he speaks.
Overall, “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” is a complete disappointment. An ambitious, flawed, boring film, “The Phantom Menace” lacks the simple effectiveness of “A New Hope,” as well as the nuance of “Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back.” Instead, “The Phantom Menace” is a passionless return to the “Star Wars” universe.
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