Star Wars: The Phantom Menace Movie Review | Joe the Movie Guy's Review (25 Years Later)

My thoughts on "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace" and how it's aged in my eyes 25 years later...
Goldman's Phantom Menace Video: • The Phantom Menace… 24...
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[@HejaWolf]

As always, solid review despite some disagreements with ya here and there, but it's all good as you were honest, yet fair with your points. For me, this movie has a special place in my heart, as it was what got me into Star Wars and was probably the first movie I ever saw, so this really had a huge impact on me. I rewatched the movie in theaters, and I had a great time, as I couldn't help but smile for most of it. I love the score, as that may be my favorite movie score in any movie, though John Williams never misses. The cinematography and visuals of the movie are incredible, as many of the shots and imagery still never fail to impress me. I argue it's the best looking as it has a nice balance of practical effects and CGI. I also love the art direction and costumes, the various alien designs, and as you mentioned, the worldbuilding in Phantom Menace is fantastic! They really feel like lived in environments, there was always something interesting going on with the planets, and it showed that Lucas was very creative, and because of that, I find it the most creative and ambitious of the entire Star Wars Saga. As for the story and characters, I'll be honest, I like the story as it does a decent job on establishing Anakin's fall to the dark side, and how Palpatine was manipulating everyone and everything. Yeah, it does drag in some spots, but I found myself mostly engaged in it. And while they are stoic, the characters I did enjoy, especially Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon Jinn, as I love how Qui-Gon was willing to go against the rules, but for a good reason while Obi-Wan was more by the books, and seeing how this would affect Anakin was compelling in hindsight, though outside of it, I enjoy their dynamic and I kind of wish we got more of it. I also like Padme, and you know what? I like Jar Jar Binks and Anakin as both were likable and had this sense of innocence to them, and seeing what happened to those actors after the movie came out is honestly disheartening to say the least. But on a more positive note, and I know we disagree, but one of the reasons why I love the movie is it introduced my favorite Star Wars character and the villain who influenced my taste, Darth Maul! Yes, he didn't do or say much, but when he was onscreen, they made his screentime count. Has a screen presence that I argue the other Prequel villains didn't have, has a great design and voice, Ray Park/Peter Serafinowicz plays Maul really well, has an awesome lightsaber, and is involved in my favorite scene in movies, the climatic lightsaber duel. I cannot stress enough how much I love that scene, as it blew my mind as a kid, and it still does to this day, thanks to the visuals, the choreography, and score. Rewatching that scene in theaters was incredible, and as I said, it's not only my favorite scene in Star Wars, it's my favorite scene in any movie, which is a bold statement, but it had such a huge impact on me and seeing how this fight essentially sets up Anakin's fall to the dark side solidifies it for me. I do agree with some of your points, and I totally sympathize with ya, but despite its faults, I can't help but enjoy it. The movie has this sense of innocence that appeals to me, and with how Lucas approached the movie, it showed that anything was possible! It did so much for me as a kid (no joke, my parents said my first words was Star Wars), and my family and I bond over that movie. I can gladly say that, along with Rogue One, Revenge of the Sith, and A New Hope, this is one of my favorite Star Wars movies. And you know what? Star Wars Episode 1 The Phantom Menace is one of my favorite movies ever, and I will forever stand by it! Sorry for this being so long, but I had a lot to say. And don't worry, no issues with your opinion. You did good!

[@Jared_Wignall]

I saw it on the big screen again for the 25th Anniversary and I enjoyed it. I’ve enjoyed it ever since I first saw it 25 years ago. Of course I was 5 when I saw this and turned 30 today, so to an extent this film as well as the prequels were made towards me and others my age, but I’ve grown to love this film even more over the years. The original Star Wars, Episode IV- A New Hope, is my favorite film not only of the franchise, but just my favorite film in general. Followed by Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi tying at number 2, then the Prequels in reverse chronological order. I appreciate the storytelling and how we see some of the characters we know from the original trilogy how they began as well the new characters. I think the slow build for this film is quite good, though could have been a bit quicker in some parts. Though, there is a deleted scene where Qui-Gon and Anakin are heading out of his home and we see Anakin talk to the one woman as he’s leaving and then a probe droid that Darth Maul sent out found them and Qui-Gon slices it in half I think could have been included. I know we see a probe droid come back to Darth Maul and from there he knows where Qui-Gon is and he rides down towards where Qui-Gon is running with Anakin. That’s a scene where a bit more context would have made that better. I always thought the reception of this film would be more positive as time went on and I think it’s nice that has happened, though a portion of that for some is due to the films made under Disney’s ownership. If no new films would have been made after Revenge of the Sith, I still think Phantom Menace would be looked at as fondly as it is today. Of course, we don’t live in a universe where we could see how the Prequels would be viewed today with only 6 films. Anyway, it’s nice to hear your thoughts about the film for its 25th Anniversary. Hope you’re doing well Joe, have a great night and a great rest of your week. Take care!

[@TevyaSmolka]

Great review man

[@rossmovierevieweryt]

Finally!!! I have been looking forward to this, oh boy The Phantom Menace is a movie that loves or hates, my overall relationship with The Phantom Menace is somewhat complicated, deep down is not a good movie but at the same time is one of those movies that I have somewhat of a soft spot or some nostalgia to it. I remember I was about 4 or 5 years old when that film came out and it was the first Star Wars movie I saw in the big screen, I remember watching the original trilogy as a kid and fell in love with Star Wars, and my dad took me to see The Phantom Menace and other two movies came after The Phantom Menace, I was young I didn’t know at the time what makes a good movie or bad movie, and heck I remember the marketing even some merchandise for the films release, it was huge is mostly the same as The Force Awakens with the hype of is release. And I remember in Halloween I dressed up as Darth Maul and I had the mask even the double lightsaber too. The movie is extremely disappointing, while there some moments I can enjoy as a fan, and it does have is place in the timeline and even the fandom itself even though the Star Wars fandom is extremely toxic, but if am really honest about this movie, is not that good at all, has it moments but is not that good at all! Brilliant review there Joe, just like The Goldman, you and him are probably my go to talking about Star Wars movies and shows and even video games too when it comes to this franchise, and there I said it you gave out great points for this movie the good and the bad too, and you brought up The Sequel Trilogy in the positive light and also I can’t wait for your updated thoughts on The Rise Of Skywalker 5 years later. And i didn’t even bother watching Jeremy Jahn’s review of The Phantom Menace ether, I have the same feeling that he or his fans will probably crap on The Sequel Trilogy and praise the prequels like the holy grail! Can’t wait for more videos from you and May The Force Be With You!

[@JoeTufanoTheMovieGuy]

I'm with you on the notion of having a soft spot for TPM because of how exciting it was back when it was released and the trilogy expanded Star Wars in a very unique way for our generation by giving us new characters to brag about even if the prequels mishandled them. Me and a few other kids in the neighborhood I grew up in even reenacted the lightsaber fight and even spent some nights playing the Clone Wars video game (the game from 2002 that's not based on the TV Show). And each Star Wars property (that I've seen at least) regardless of it"s overall quality have a specific purpose in the overall timeline and have something to offer, even "Rise of Skywalker" which I know makes certain people shudder haha I'd strongly advise against watching Jeremy's updated review because from what someone told me he apparently says in his video "There's only SIX movies in the saga!" which made my eyes roll. In fact, you may wanna stay out of comment sections of ANYTHING relating to the prequels because more than likely there's at least one person slagging off the sequel trilogy. May the Force be with you too and looking forward to putting out more stuff including the video essay I have in mind about the Peter and Gwen romance in the ASM series... oh BOY haha!

[@rossmovierevieweryt]

@@JoeTufanoTheMovieGuy Now that’s sounds exciting to hear your video essay is coming, am down for that!!! 😎😎😎😎

[@wickdaline8668]

Got to see the re-release for all it was worth. The movie itself has rubbed off on me for better or worse and that's just fine by me.

[@Fryan97-yt9eu]

Star Wars Episode 1: The Plinkett Menace part 1

[@gcolbyp]

Yeah I don’t like this movie either, even despite my feelings on how the sequels wrapped up. I may have hated Rise of Skywalker and think it’s a mess, but what it does have over at least Episode 1 & 2 is better acting and VFX, even if the prequels were more planned out. Though yeah some of the hate both Jake Lloyd and Ahmed Best got for this was messed up, you feel embarrassed being a Star Wars fan. Attack of the Clones is personally my least favorite because it’s the cringiest out of all of the movies, but this ain’t far behind either.

[@Fryan97]

Star Wars Episode I: The Plinkett Menace, go watch those videos. You're welcome.

[@jurassicpark1fan920]

I will always be fan of the prequel trilogy. Their flaws don't distract my personal enjoyment of them.

[@JorgeDMeraC]

Prequels are a bunch of really bad movies... as bad as the sequels

[@Jackie535]

@JoeTufanoTheMovieGuy Rewatching it somehow makes me feel more entertained and I can’t explain why…..please don’t be mad at me, it’s just me because the film is starting to grow on me….

[@JoeTufanoTheMovieGuy]

Nothing wrong with that at all, it has a certain appeal that I realize can resonate with some people.