Star Wars Episode 1-3

 As I keep trying to figure out with this blog should be.   The one thing I keep going back to is how much time I spend in bed with hEDS.  If you're not sure what hEDS is click on the link provided. https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/ 

Due to this condition and having quite a bit of down time I tend to watch a lot of t.v. shows and movies.  I try to read books but my mind tends to get very foggy and it's hard to concentrate.  The words on the page become blurry and the lines start to cross.  Audiobooks have become a great way for me to still enjoy books now that reading had become increasingly more difficult.  Enough about my disability and on to my first movie review.

When the first three episodes of Star Wars came out I stopped watching after the first two episodes.  They were so terrible I couldn't imagine myself watching the third installment of the Trilogy.

A Review of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace

Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, released in 1999.  This movie was a highly anticipated return of the Star Wars saga after a 16-year hiatus. As the first installment of the prequel trilogy, it aimed to set the stage for Anakin Skywalker's heartbreaking fall to the dark side. 

One of the highlights of The Phantom Menace is its visual spectacle. George Lucas, with the advancements in CGI technology, was able to craft a vibrant and imaginative galaxy. Unlike was ever done or conceived of before. The film also introduces some memorable new characters, most notably Darth Maul. His imposing design, minimal dialogue, and incredible lightsaber skills make him a standout villain, culminating in the "Duel of the Fates" – a breathtaking, meticulously choreographed lightsaber battle between Maul, Qui-Gon Jinn, and Obi-Wan Kenobi. This  is widely regarded as one of the best lightsaber duels in the entire saga. Ewan McGregor's portrayal of a young Obi-Wan Kenobi is also a bright spot.  For those who know me Ewan McGregor has never been a favorite actor of mine but to see his incredible character growth through all three films was admirable.  The last duel between Obi-Wan and Anikan is truly heartbreaking because you see and feel Obi-Wan's pain.  This is a trait that very few actors are able to do.

I like to write about love and stories that stand beyond the test of time.  My favorite part of The Phantom Menace is a mothers love for her son.  Shmi Skywalker a slave in poverty has the opportunity to send her son away for Jedi training.  She knows however that by doing this she may never see her son again.  When I first watched this movie at the young age of twelve I coudln't percieve how hard that decision would be.  Now, a mother myself my heart is truly broken knowing that even today people are actually faced with giving up their children so that they may have a better future.

The Divisive:

My biggest criticism  against The Phantom Menace centers on its narrative choices and certain character introductions. 

In my opinion Jar Jar Binks proved to be incredibly annoying, racist, and tried way too hard to be silly. While his character was intended as comic relief, his slapstick humor and often stupid.  There has always been a humor to George Lucas' movies but in subtle ways.  Jar Jar  Binks was unnecessary.  

Conclusion:

The Phantom Menace  boasts stunning visual effects and one of the most iconic lightsaber duels in cinematic history. While it may not be the Star Wars film many fans hoped for, it is an essential piece of the Skywalker saga, offering a glimpse into the origins of a galaxy far, far away, and sparking endless debate among its passionate fanbase. Despite its flaws, it laid the foundation for the rest of the prequel trilogy and introduced new elements that continue to be discussed and re-evaluated by fans today.

Gemini Created Image