I am ready to reconsider my opinion on Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. When it was released in 1999, I found it underwhelming, primarily due to the excessive focus on young Anakin Skywalker. And let's not even get started on Jar Jar Binks. Of course, my expectations were through the Universe for the first Star Wars film in over a decade. 

Having now consumed several post-prequel animated Star Wars shows like Clone Wars and Rebels, along with the new post-prequels, new sequel films such as The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi, and standalone films like Rogue One and Solo, I felt ready to revisit Episode I - The Phantom Menace.

Surprisingly, all these dusty years later, I found myself enjoying it. It felt refreshingly more aligned with the Star Wars spirit than the post-prequel sequels (I still find that difficult to not trip over). This newfound appreciation is peculiar, considering I absolutely hated The Phantom Menace back in 1999 and only revisited it sporadically. Despite my early attempts to like it, I never did—until now (and by "until now" I mean 2020s). How is that possible?

My best theory is that the prequel films now act as a bridge between the original saga (A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi) and the post-prequel sequels. Additionally, the expansion of the Star Wars universe through The Clone Wars, games, books, and other media has added more significance to those once much-maligned prequels. Then, I couldn't see how they served the epic saga. Now, I do. 

Cool Filmz Rating: Queen

(3 out of 5 stars)

Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) is a young apprentice Jedi knight under the tutelage of Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson)

Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd), who will later father Luke Skywalker and become known as Darth Vader, is just a 9-year-old boy.

The prequels now, dare I say, offer an unfiltered glimpse into George Lucas’s vision for Star Wars, a vision that intricately binds all the movies together, much like the Force itself. The challenge during the prequel era was the lack of a connective narrative, like the post-prequel sequels that provide context. 

Sorry, George, for all the criticism your prequels received back then. In hindsight, they serve both you and Star Wars admirably. This doesn’t mean that Jar Jar Binks has grown on me, or that the love scenes between Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala have become any less painful to watch. Those scenes still represent a low point in the saga. However, I now appreciate the films much more. There is a lot of good in them that I initially missed.

In particular, Darth Maul was incredible—so much so that he deserved a longer presence. He should have met his end in Revenge of the Sith. The writers of The Clone Wars animated series were wise to bring him back, first with half a body, then fully restored. Ewan McGregor, as the young Obi-Wan Kenobi, was outstanding, and the various cities and worlds were beautifully conceptualized. Witnessing the Star Wars universe at its most polished, in contrast to the rag-tag world of Tatooine and the desolate Jakku, gives the prequels a treasured place in the saga.

The new sequel films (The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi) feel like rehashes, familiar and seemingly repackaged for a new generation—not necessarily a bad thing—but this makes the prequels much more intriguing. The story of young Anakin in the prequels now has essential context, allowing me to appreciate George Lucas’s vision for The Phantom Menace even more.

The prequels laid the groundwork for the entire saga. While the Disney sequels may not be great, they are good, and they effectively tie back to the prequels. In a sense, the newer films elevate the prequels. It is a journey that the entire Star Wars community has gone through, and it is one that I am happy to have taken. The Phantom Menace may not be my favorite Star Wars film, but it has earned its place in the canon and deserves recognition for its contribution to the overall story.

The Star Wars saga has captivated audiences for decades, and The Phantom Menace is no exception. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, prepare to be amazed by these lesser-known facts about the movie that started the prequel trilogy. From behind-the-scenes secrets to intriguing character insights, this blog post uncovers the hidden gems of The Phantom Menace.

The Unlikely Inspiration Behind Jar Jar Binks

Many fans have strong opinions about Jar Jar Binks, but did you know that this quirky character was inspired by a silent film star? George Lucas drew inspiration from Buster Keaton, a master of physical comedy. By infusing Jar Jar with Keaton's slapstick style, Lucas aimed to bring humor and lightness to the film. While Jar Jar remains a polarizing figure, his roots in classic cinema add an interesting layer to his character.

Liam Neeson's Height Caused Set Adjustments

Standing at an impressive 6'4", Liam Neeson, who played Qui-Gon Jinn, proved to be a bit taller than anticipated. The sets, particularly those on the spaceship, were originally built without considering his height. Consequently, adjustments had to be made to accommodate Neeson, ensuring he wouldn't bump his head. This little-known fact highlights the unexpected challenges faced during production.

Ewan McGregor's Unique Preparation for Obi-Wan Kenobi

To fully embody the role of Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ewan McGregor immersed himself in the character by studying Sir Alec Guinness's performance in the original trilogy. McGregor watched hours of footage to mimic Guinness's mannerisms and speech patterns, ensuring a seamless connection between the young and older versions of Obi-Wan. This dedication to character continuity is one reason McGregor's portrayal is so beloved by fans.

The Phantom Menace's Groundbreaking CGI

While CGI is commonplace in today's films, The Phantom Menace was a pioneer in its use. The movie featured over 2,000 CGI shots, a groundbreaking number for its time. From the bustling streets of Coruscant to the epic podracing scene, the film's extensive use of digital effects set new standards in the industry. This technological leap forward has left a lasting impact on the way movies are made today.

The Origins of Darth Maul's Double-Bladed Lightsaber

Darth Maul's double-bladed lightsaber is one of the most iconic weapons in Star Wars history. However, its creation came from a practical need rather than pure creativity. The weapon was designed to give Maul a unique fighting style and make his combat scenes more visually striking. Ray Park, the actor and martial artist behind Darth Maul, played a significant role in choreographing the intense lightsaber duels, showcasing his incredible skills.

Anakin Skywalker's Podracing Was Inspired by Ben-Hur

The thrilling podracing sequence in The Phantom Menace is a nod to the classic chariot race scene from Ben-Hur. George Lucas, a fan of the 1959 epic, wanted to capture the same sense of excitement and danger. The result is a high-speed, heart-pounding race that remains one of the film's standout moments. This homage to an iconic film adds depth to the Star Wars universe, connecting it to cinematic history.

The Phantom Menace's Original Title

Before settling on The Phantom Menace, the film had several working titles, including The Beginning and Guardians of the Force. These titles were considered during the early stages of production but ultimately changed to better reflect the movie's plot. The title The Phantom Menace hints at the mysterious threat posed by Darth Sidious, setting the tone for the unfolding prequel trilogy.

Natalie Portman's Secret Double Life

During the filming of The Phantom Menace, Natalie Portman was also attending high school. Balancing her education with shooting schedules was no easy feat, but Portman managed to excel both on screen and in the classroom. Her dedication to her studies and her role as Padmé Amidala showcases her impressive work ethic and talent. This double life added an extra layer of complexity to her already challenging role.

The Mysterious Origins of Midichlorians

Midichlorians, the microscopic life forms introduced in The Phantom Menace, sparked much debate among fans. These tiny organisms are responsible for an individual's connection to the Force, a concept that deviated from the mystical nature of the Force in the original trilogy. George Lucas developed the idea of midichlorians to provide a scientific explanation for the Force, adding a new dimension to the Star Wars lore.