The Phantom Menace Is Legitimately a Great Movie and I Don’t Understand the Hate

The Phantom Menace, released in 1999, often overshadowed by its iconic predecessors and successors, deserves a reevaluation. 

While it has faced its share of criticism, this film introduced groundbreaking technology, unforgettable characters, and thrilling action sequences. 

Beyond its flaws, it played a pivotal role in expanding the Star Wars universe and igniting a new generation’s passion for the saga. 

Here are ten reasons why The Phantom Menace deserves more love instead of hate.

1. Igniting a New Generation’s Star Wars Passion

For many children of the late 90s, The Phantom Menace was their first introduction to Star Wars. 

This film ignited a new generation’s passion for the franchise, much like A New Hope did in 1977. 

George Lucas aimed The Phantom Menace at younger audiences, ensuring the saga’s legacy continued. 

The film’s colorful characters, exciting action scenes, and imaginative worlds captured the hearts of young fans. 

For these viewers, The Phantom Menace holds a special place as their entry point into the Star Wars universe.

2. Podracing: The Ultimate High-Speed Thrill Ride

Another standout scene in The Phantom Menace is the podracing sequence. 

Taking place on the desert planet Tatooine, this high-speed race is a thrilling spectacle. 

The podracing scene showcases impressive special effects and sound design. 

The speed and danger of the race are palpable, making it one of the most exciting parts of the film. 

Anakin Skywalker’s skills as a podracer highlight his potential as a future Jedi. 

This sequence remains a favorite among fans for its adrenaline-pumping action and impressive visuals.

3. Liam Neeson: The Gravitas of Qui-Gon Jinn

Liam Neeson brought a sense of gravitas and depth to The Phantom Menace with his portrayal of Qui-Gon Jinn. 

His character is wise, strong, and deeply connected to the Force. 

Neeson’s performance adds a layer of wisdom and strength to the film. 

Qui-Gon Jinn is a mentor to both Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker. 

His calm and authoritative presence provides a steady anchor in the midst of the film’s action. 

4. Ewan McGregor’s Captivating Obi-Wan Transformation

Ewan McGregor’s portrayal of Obi-Wan Kenobi brought a fresh and captivating energy to the character. 

McGregor successfully bridged the gap between the wise, seasoned Obi-Wan we see in the original trilogy and the eager, young Jedi Knight in The Phantom Menace. 

His performance added depth to the character, showing us Obi-Wan’s growth and his relationship with his master, Qui-Gon Jinn. 

The actor’s dedication to the role, including his commitment to mastering lightsaber choreography, helped make Obi-Wan’s scenes some of the most memorable in the film.

5. Darth Maul: The Birth of a Cinematic Legend

Darth Maul, with his terrifying appearance and minimal dialogue, has become an iconic figure in Star Wars. 

His double-bladed lightsaber and the climactic duel against Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan left a lasting impression. 

Despite having few lines, Maul’s menacing presence is felt throughout the film. 

His character has been further explored in various Star Wars media, including The Clone Wars and Rebels. 

Maul’s story and character development in these shows have made him a fan favorite. 

His impact on the franchise is undeniable, and he remains one of the most memorable villains in Star Wars.

6. The Final Duel: A Lightsaber Battle for the Ages

One of the most exciting parts of The Phantom Menace is the final lightsaber duel. 

This battle features Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Darth Maul. 

Unlike anything seen in the original trilogy, this duel is fast-paced and visually stunning. 

Darth Maul’s double-bladed lightsaber is a unique and memorable addition. 

The fight choreography is intense and showcases the skills of the Jedi and the Sith. 

Watching this epic battle, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and drama. 

7. John Williams’ Score: The Epic Musical Heartbeat

John Williams’ score for The Phantom Menace, especially “Duel of the Fates,” is a standout element of the film. 

The music enhances the film’s epic feel and adds emotional depth to key scenes. 

“Duel of the Fates” plays during the climactic lightsaber battle and perfectly captures the intensity of the moment. 

Williams’ use of a choir in the piece adds a dramatic and almost religious quality to the duel. 

The soundtrack as a whole is a testament to Williams’ talent and remains one of the most memorable in the Star Wars series.

8. Expanding the Star Wars Universe with Stunning Worlds

The Phantom Menace expanded the Star Wars universe by introducing beautifully crafted new worlds. 

Planets like Naboo and Tatooine are visually stunning and add depth to the galaxy far, far away. 

Naboo, with its lush landscapes and underwater cities, provides a unique and exotic setting. 

Tatooine, with its vast deserts and bustling podracing events, offers a glimpse into the harsh and adventurous life on the outer rim.

These new locations enrich the lore and visual appeal of the franchise. 

The detailed world-building in The Phantom Menace helps to create a more immersive and expansive universe.

9. Palpatine’s Dark Schemes Begin to Unfold

The Phantom Menace lays crucial groundwork for the overarching narrative of the Star Wars saga. 

The film shows the beginnings of Palpatine’s political manipulation and Anakin’s journey toward the dark side. 

Palpatine, secretly the Dark Lord of the Sith, manipulates his way into becoming Chancellor. 

This sets the stage for his eventual rise to power as Emperor. 

Anakin Skywalker’s introduction as a slave boy with extraordinary potential hints at his future transformation into Darth Vader. 

These foundational story arcs are essential for understanding the broader Star Wars narrative.

10. Jar Jar Binks: A CGI Pioneer and Underrated Hero

Jar Jar Binks, despite being a source of criticism, was a groundbreaking character in terms of CGI and motion capture technology. 

Ahmed Best, the actor behind Jar Jar, brought the character to life with his energetic performance. 

Jar Jar’s creation marked a significant advancement in digital effects, blending a fully CGI character seamlessly with live-action actors.

While many older fans initially found Jar Jar annoying, younger audiences embraced him, finding his antics amusing and endearing. 

Over time, perceptions began to shift as people understood the technical marvel Jar Jar represented and the innovative work Ahmed Best put into the role. 

Best’s performance, initially met with harsh criticism, later gained appreciation from fans who saw beyond the surface-level annoyance and recognized the pioneering effort behind the character.

Despite the backlash, Ahmed Best takes pride in his role as Jar Jar Binks. 

He has expressed gratitude for the younger generation’s support and the evolving views of the character. 

Jar Jar Binks not only showcased the potential of CGI in films but also highlighted the importance of resilience and pride in one’s work, regardless of initial reception. 

To learn more about the actor’s perspective, check out our article on How the Actor Behind Jar Jar Binks Takes Pride in His ‘Star Wars’ Role.