Star Wars Week Part 4

Alright everyone, get ready for a long, defensive review on “Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace,” released in 1999. I was 9 years old when I saw this in the theater. My parents let me and my siblings get out of school early so we could go see this movie in the theaters. We even bought this film on VHS. I watched it a lot, and I still love it to this very day. I had no idea the Prequels were hated so much until I got older and start hearing reviews of it all over the internet. Well, here's mine and reviewreviewer1’s defensive review:

“Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace” is the first film in the prequel trilogy and it starts it off very well. This film was very anticipated and overhyped, and it was a huge box office hit, but the critical reception was mixed to positive. Fans, to this day, are split on it. “Return of the Jedi” also had quite some detractors, but this was worse. Backlash often happens in the later films of a successful series, and this one was really anticipated, which is probably a part of it. That and such a long time had passed since “Return of the Jedi.” Also, because it is so different, it is really annoying that there is such a taboo against liking the film. Fans get stoned for appreciating the prequels. It is irritating that because Confused Matthew and Redlettermedia made very long negative reviews of them, these are often treated as infallible. The reviews are really biased however, and the disappointment against the films is highly overdone.

People complained about the story in “Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace,” criticizing it for being too political. Many people say politics are boring, which shows they lack sophistication. There is nothing wrong with adding more intellectual layers to the series. As many other fans have noted, this is supposed to be in the time of a peaceful republic. This contradicts the claim these are just mindless action films for kids, made to sell toys. People claim the Star Wars Prequels aren`t about telling a story, but they are. They show how a democracy becomes a dictatorship, and make many historical parallels to things like Nazi Germany and The Roman Republic. People complained about it being similar to reading a history book, but look at the Original Trilogy. You have a dictatorship with rebels trying to change it back into a democracy, the Emperor and Vader being similar to corrupt leaders like Hitler and Caesar, so what's the big deal? This movie is setting up how the democracy was changed into a dictatorship, which I thought was really well done. You only see a glimpse of Senator Palpatine as Darth Sidious (which is derived from the word "insidious," which means "working harmfully in a subtle or stealthy manner, beguiling, but harmful"), but that was only in the shadow, and in a hologram, and he looked nasty. All in all, it may have been too political, but people need to see the Originals first and analyze how political they got at times and even with the similarities to history in those movies as well.

We see that the republic is too obsessed with keeping corrupt bureaucrats happy, that the system is too slow, gossip centered and that corporations have their own representatives. People can form private armies. Also, Redlettermedia found the opening too slow, but it was to build suspense. This is a peaceful time. There cannot be war yet. Look at the slow opening in “Alien.” The Bourne films, Iron Man films, Thor, Captain America, The Dark Knight trilogy, and even Harry Potter all had political and corporate elements. In fact, the political subtext of a corrupt system destroying itself, being mixed in with fantasy and action, in “The Dark Knight Trilogy” and the “Harry Potter” series was clearly inspired by the Star Wars Prequels. People say these films would be made for children, but they are films for broad audiences. Again, look at Harry Potter. Those films became increasingly dark, had political elements, but also slapstick comedy. “The Lord of the Rings” had this. Look at “The Incredibles.” The Star Wars Prequels actually inspired sophisticated fantasy films for families. Pixar and “Pirates of The Caribbean” showed children can handle a lot more than people think. In fact, kids shows like “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” it`s sequel “The Legend Of Korra” and even “Digimon” were inspired by the prequels.

Also, many people complained the film was too light. Again, this is the happy beginning. “A New Hope” was one of the lightest science fiction films at the time.

Redlettermedia complained there was no main character, saying that this is different from the typical fantasy, science fiction and superhero film formula. He also complains this is different from the Original Trilogy. Later, in his “Attack of the Clones” review and his “Revenge of the Sith” review, he hates on both films for supposedly ripping off the Original Trilogy. He hated on “Star Trek: Nemesis” for not taking risks. This film was like “Fellowship of the Ring” or “Alien.” It was supposed to be an assemble film, where a main character slowly materializes. Just look at “The Avengers.” Also, “X-Men” had no real main character and neither did “American Graffiti.” Look at “Jurassic Park.” This again defeats the claim these films are assembly line productions.

They often criticize the plot, but they merely show they don`t grasp the complex material. Redlettermedia asks why the Jedi are sent to deal with tax disputes. They were meant to deal with the blockade and intimidate the trade feds. Confused Matthew says that the chancellor of the republic sent two Jedi knights working for the republic to deal with the trade federation of the republic, blockading a republican planet, saying it is like a person talking to himself. THE REPUBLIC IS NOT A PERSON. When you see a news segment about an American police chief sending two American Cops to arrest an American criminal, America isn`t arresting itself. He asks why the republic is trading with itself. I guess he doesn`t get the fact that there is a thing like national trade. Redlettermedia asks why they don`t just go meet the Jedi…maybe because they fear mind tricks. Why they don`t just keep them locked in the gassed room? Well, because they wanted to see if they were dead. He complains the Senate will not like the fact they killed the Jedi. Yeah, but they can hide it. They remove the ship wreckage and clean up the docking bay. He thinks Qui-Gon shouldn`t have wanted to split up, as they wouldn`t be able to aid each other in battle, even though both are trained Jedis. He says it doubles their chances of getting caught, where hiding individually is easier, as you can maneuver more freely.

He asks what Palpatine offered the trade feds. Well, what did he, as Emperor, offer his general? Do we really need to know what the bad guy pays his henchman? I thought you already found the politics too boring. Confused Matthew asks what the consequences are if the negotiations fail. The blockade won`t be lifted. He asks why the trade federation is blocking Naboo, which is to protest against unjust taxation. He asks why the Republic has a queen, but she rules a local world. Redlettermedia asks how the Jedi can hold their breath for so long, while later using the breathing machines to go to the Gungan city, which was because the city was rather deep. That is why nobody could see it from above! Matthew remarked they could all swim there without dying from exhaustion or water pressure. Yeah, they are Jedis, and Jar Jar is native to the water.

Redlettermedia asks why they go with the invasion to warn the Naboo…because he wanted to get to the city first. He asks why they landed on the other side of Naboo. Well, because they wanted to occupy the whole planet. He asks how Qui Gon wanted to get to the city. He arranged a transport! He says Qui-Gon doesn`t know they will attack the Naboo, even when they sent out an invasion force, that Obi Wan jumps to conclusions, saying they will occupy the underwater cities. Assuming invaders try to conquer as much as possible is common sense.

Also, he asks why they don`t immediately force the queen to sign the treaty. She said she wouldn`t, and they wanted to pressure her by showing her people suffer. He complains they didn`t keep her in the palace. They wanted to send her to a prison camp. He says it is pointless to force someone to sign a treaty. Then why is this done during so many invasions? Forging signatures isn`t easy.

He complains we never saw anyone dying. Yes, and we never saw Alderaan, or how the empire treated it`s populace. We never saw the Aliens hurt any citizen in The Avengers. We never saw what happened to the citizens in “The Lord of the Rings” films either. Maybe that`s because showing people suffer is neither entertaining nor exciting. It is rarely the focus of a movie. He says they can`t just be dying from a lack of space supplies. Well, they were also thrown in camps. Maybe that added to it? He says it makes no sense Qui-Gon tried to run the blockade, as the point of a blockade is to stop ships from getting through. Yes, and he tries to defeat them. The point of the security on the Death Star was to prevent sabotage, yet Obi-Wan still shut the magnetic field down. The people of prison guards were to prevent an outbreak, but they still freed Leia. Just because someone has a security plan to stop you doesn`t make it full-proof. In fact, she had a first class cruiser and the blockade was meant to prevent trade. Redlettermedia asks how the ship could get hit while the shields were up. A laser passed through a weak spot. He complains it makes no sense. They wouldn`t be sitting ducks with a shield generator. Again, they would simply have a chance, just as Han hoped to escape with a Hyper Drive in “Empire Strikes Back.”

Confused Matthew complained that the Republic doesn`t exist on Tatooine. Maybe because they aren`t expansionistic dictators! He asks why the Jedi don`t free the slaves there. Because it is outside their jurisdiction! He complains they instead solve tax disputes, but the American police also arrest people for driving too fast. They don`t go and free slaves in Africa. Redlettermedia complains they can`t just get the part at a larger dealer. Because it was rare! Matthew suggests Qui-Gon should reveal himself as a Jedi. On the crime ridden planet? That is smart. Matthew also complains Anakin could build all such things, like C-3PO and a Pod Racer, but he clearly used old materials that isn`t nearly as specific, as a part of an advanced ship. Redlettermedia suggests they could just hire a transport. Take the queen into the open? That is smart. Both complain it makes no sense Anakin built C-3PO, but Protocol Droids can talk with machines, making repairing them easier. Uncle Owen, who lived on Tatooine, bought C-3PO for just that purpose. Redlettermedia complains he could have just built one, based on his own imagination. I guess Anakin was smarter than that.

Now, I agree the Midi-chlorians are under explained. I also wonder whether they come to you, based on your connection with the force or the other way around. The latter scenario, indeed, making the force more based on natural selection. So, fair enough. Also, they should have left Jar Jar on the ship.

Redlettermedia and Matthew claim Queen Amidala should have had the Jedi testify. They went there, in secret, on an illegal mission from the Chancellor. Matthew complains one vote of no confidence ousts Valorum, played nicely by Terence Stamp, but that is always how it works. The majority needs to support it. Many were already dissatisfied with Valorum. They just needed someone to take the risk of destroying the status quo. He also says she should have gone back to sign the treaty, as proof of the invasion. They probably would detain her, and it would be written in a not too clearly illegal way.

Now Redlettermedia made a fair point that they should have taken more Jedis along and not Anakin. Fair enough. However, he makes many more nonsensical arguments. He criticizes the Trade Feds for sending the troops out of the city. They rely on numeral strength. They need space to deploy them. He wonders why the Viceroy is hiding in an obvious place. Because, like Governor Tarkin in “A New Hope,” he is rather confident the Queen will lose. Remember: “Evacuate? In our moment of triumph? I think you overestimate their chances Admiral.” He suggests maybe the droids will take orders, even if the Viceroy is captured. As mentioned, he could get a new force. Capturing the leader is never a bad thing. People question why the droids didn`t have an independent power source. Because they were mass produced! Anyone remembers “The Avengers?” Redlettermedia claims Padme contradicts her pacifism by starting a war. She actually had experienced a character arc believe it or not. The guns in the armrests were for security purposes, not warfare.

Now it is a fair question how Anakin just flew into the hangar. Wasn`t there a shield?

Matthews complaint is ridiculous about them not explaining who the Sith are. They clearly are the users of the Dark Side. People complain this wasn`t literally said. I guess they hate subtlety. People complained the term wasn`t in the Original Trilogy. There, the Dark Side users are never named at all. Just because the Original Trilogy didn`t define the identity of the Jedi`s enemies doesn`t mean it now needs to be spelled out unnaturally. Matthew also complained the prophecy about Anakin is never mentioned in the Original Trilogy by Yoda (It's great to see Yoda when he is calm and pulled together, since he plays a great leader and is played wisely by Frank Oz) and Obi-Wan. They were constantly hiding stuff from Luke. They said he was destined to face Darth Vader and that no one could defeat him. If there was nothing special about him, it would make no sense at all. Vader didn`t mention it because he didn`t believe in it. Same goes for the Emperor.

Also, AVGN complained the story didn`t tell him what he wanted to know. Many wanted the story to start with the Clone Wars. Again, this shows people criticize Lucas for taking risks and doing different things. This trilogy is supposed to show the transition from peace to war and an inside takeover. We see this with how Palpatine becomes Chancellor, and we see the beginning of the corruption of the republic.

Plinket also challenged to describe the characters in Episode I. Now, as many fans showed, this is rather easy if you are not one of Mike`s actors. People argue the point wasn`t whether they had personality, but whether they were memorable. This is a purely subjective concept. Just showing that people working for you doesn`t describe the characters isn`t an argument.

Qui-Gon is very much focused on the here and now, very practical, sometimes even arrogant, yet also a fair mentor to Obi-Wan. He is very stubborn for an old master, which was a unique twist, and a risk taker and unconventional figure. Redlettermedia and his fans thought this was a backwards written character, as he is supposed to be the wise master. Apparently they don`t grasp originality and three dimensionality. Redlettermedia finds his moral values questionable as he mind tricks people to get his way. That is what makes him interesting. He thinks the ends justify the means. He thinks lying to free a slave destined to be a hero is ok, and he thinks that lying to warn people of an invasion is ok. Also, he is a warm supportive mentor, and he always tries to rely on himself, but puts more trust in Obi-Wan at the end of the film. He is forced to trust in him when he is dying. It is weird people say he served no purpose, when he taught Obi-Wan his more unconventional free thinking when he lead the escape from Naboo, and when he opposed the Jedi council. Qui-Gon Jinn is a great Jedi Master, but does seem rash at times, but he knows what he is doing.

It is strange people say Liam Neeson is wooden in this role. Like in “Batman Begins,” he really shows the savvy, confident, authentic, intellectual, warm, yet overconfident sides of his character. Liam Neeson, as always, is awesome.

Queen Amidala is also really underrated. How is she less-developed then Princess Leia? Why is she bland and not worth mentioning, according to Confused Matthew? We see she is pacifistic, hesitant, yet protective of her people, brave wanting to stay with them. She is somewhat childish when opposing Qui-Gon, but also sweet and understanding to Anakin and Jar Jar. She is also rather humble for a Queen and is naïve, being manipulated by Palpatine. We also see she is idealistic and very heartbroken over what happens to her people. She becomes more proactive, deposing Chancellor Valorum, and then returning to her planet. She becomes more culturally open-minded, allying with the Gungans, and accepts violence when it is needed. Padme is nice, since she does show signs of her being a ruler, and does reveal herself at the end being the Queen, which was a nice twist in my opinion.

Also, Natalie Portman was great. She was just more subtle and talked with a more soft tone then Carrie Fisher, but she is really caring, sweet, warm, understanding, also stubborn and outspoken. Natalie Portman also showed some signs of a ruler and her power, and it was shocking when she revealed herself in the end.

Plinket hates on Anakin, saying nobody likes little kids. Maybe mean-spirited, frustrated teenagers, who don`t see the beauty of innocence, yeah, but all religious, moralistic or sane people do. Some people said it was a cheap way of making Anakin sympathetic, instead of tough, smart writing, or clever characterization. It made him substantially different from Luke. It allowed us to get to his roots more and it allowed for a more detailed connection with his mom. Anakin is just like how Luke was in Episode 4, so why do people complain about him being too whiney? He did a great job. Remember, he's only 9 in this movie, so lay off of him. We see he is open, playful, curious, and warm, a builder, attention-seeking and a real dreamer. Matthew complained he had to be way too many things: A pilot, love-struck, Mama’s boy, a suppressed slave, a builder, and a dreamer. He claims this means they are all rushed, which is odd, as he we spent a lot of time with Anakin on Tatooine, like we did with Luke. He describes his desire to free slaves and visit other planets. He talks about being a Jedi, we see how he shows interest in Padme, how he built his Pod Racer, and his problems of saying goodbye to his mother. We see his openness to strangers, his insecurity in front of the Jedi, and his admiration of the Jedi. How is it rushed? This makes it strange that Confused Matthew complained we were on Tatooine for far too long, and that it was boring and uninteresting, as we learn of the origins of the Sagas main character. It is like Luke on Dagobah, or Bruce in Asia, or Tony Stark in Afghanistan. Also, it is the same setting. We spent a lot of time in the Original film, which was more of a side story as well.

He also claims they are contradictory, given the setting. He complains that he cannot be both a slave and a pilot, but he was clearly a pilot for Watto. He treats them well enough for them to have an ok life. Not all slaves are brutally extorted. That is a PC caricature of slavery. He builds using used materials. The third complaint is he wouldn`t be any one of these things. Clearly he was. We really saw his attachment to his mother, his skills as a builder and his feelings for Padme. People complain he wasn`t being a great pilot in the Pod Race, even though they hover. That is flying. Hovercrafts move without touching the ground. As he finished first, clearly he was a great pilot. Someone even said this wasn`t heroic, as he won his freedom with it, even though he didn`t know that at all. Also he was courageous, needy and very scared of loss, even for a kid. This also formed the basis for his turning to the Dark Side with his inability to accept loss. People complained he was too sweet in this film. Ironically, they complained he whined too much in Episodes II and III. I don`t see why Darth Vader couldn`t have been a sweet kid. Do these people think you are really just shaped by nature? Don`t they realize that you aren`t born evil? That would be one-dimensional.

Actually, we see his Dark Side developing, when the Jedi, mainly Master Mace Windu, played amazingly by Samuel L. Jackson (It was strange seeing him outside of his usual swearing roles, but it was nice to see him calm and pulled together), are very cold and harsh to him. Mace Windu is wise and loyal to the council. We see that with Qui-Gon dying, it causes the inexperienced Obi-Wan to train him, which is crucial to the Saga. This clearly also inspired “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” Plinket complains the Jedi allow Obi-Wan to train Anakin after their prediction of grave danger.  Actually, this was only an assumption. Obi-Wan said he would, regardless of what the council said, and they wanted to keep him in the fold.

Jake Loyd is indeed sometimes a little forced and awkward, but he did the goodbye scenes, and the scenes with Qui-Gon, very well. Jake Lloyd does share similarities to Mark Hamill.

I agree Obi-Wan could, in some ways, have been handled better. I like that he is very stern and by the rules, which, like Qui-Gon being a rule breaker, makes the characters more real. It makes sense for someone young and self doubting, as Obi Wan wants to follow the council. The idea that all young people are defiant is again a childish assumption. Look at all the young SSers. He is also more cold then Qui-Gon, yet courageous, loyal, somewhat whiney, yet caring for his master, but also more critical and calm. I disagree that his whining was out of place. He is much younger and has much to learn. Obi-Wan Kenobi is still young and knows that there are things that he needs to learn, since training to be a Jedi doesn't end. However, he does learn quickly and does a great job, being the loyal Padawan to his master. His relationship with Qui-Gon is great. It is also interesting that he becomes more open to Qui-Gon’s ideas and more passionate during the duel. There, he takes on the rule of the knight. We see that the sadness over the loss of his master makes him more independent. All of that is great. The idea that Obi-Wan should have been wise from the beginning is again too simplistic, and that he should have been a rebel is again asking for Michael Bay’s filmmaking. Not all characters are Han Solos.

In fact, comparing Qui-Gon to Han Solo is really weird. Shouldn`t you compare him to old Obi-Wan and Queen Amidala to Princess Leia. Also, shouldn`t you compare C-3PO to C-3PO in this film.

What I found the most problematic with Obi-Wan is that his role in recruiting Anakin is too underplayed, which does seem to contradict what Obi-Wan said in “Return of the Jedi.” The complaint that he should have had a love triangle with Padme is stupid, as it makes him the villain. I find it ironic people call the love story between Anakin and Padme clichéd when they wanted him to go seek revenge against Darth Maul (maul means "scratching or tearing" when referring to animals). That is clichéd. “Star Wars” is not “Kill Bill.” All these criticism are so contradictory. In fact, people constantly complain about the “Star Wars Prequels” being unrealistic and the Jedis being overpowered. Victor from the junkyard complained that they left in a temple. I guess he never heard of the Templers. He wanted them to communicate telepathically, a power not hinted at in the Original Trilogy, in the least. People also complain Qui-Gon trains Obi Wan, even though it is shown in “Attack of the Clones” that Yoda trains the younglings. Distressed Watcher argued it was clear from what he said in “Empire Strikes Back” that Yoda’s teaching was very important. Well, our teachers in our child years are just as important as those when we are teenagers.

Many people complained he wasn`t the main character, but the prequels show that Star Wars is a father-son story, which also ties into the theme of how history repeats itself.

Ewan McGregor plays the role very well, as he is very serious and dry, yet can also show courage and insecurity. Ewan McGregor is naive and arrogant but does grow.

I liked the fact that Confused Matthew was fair on Qui-Gon, but Anakin and Padme were also done very well, so the characters aren`t wooden or underdeveloped. On top of that, Matthew in his Episode II review says Anakin and Padme had just ten seconds of screen time together. Plinket said they just kind of met each other. Ok, look guys. If you got bored and fell asleep for more than half the film, be honest about that. The Nitpick Guide called the scene on the ship between them “child obscene art,” which just shows they have issues. Obscene art involves making love. Two people caring for one another is “A-OK.”

Also Palpatine is very well developed here. We see that he is very two faced, manipulative, charming, relaxing, dishonest, controlling, subtle, power hungry, and vengeful. Senator Palpatine does show how two-faced he is, showing the nice side that wants to help, but on the flip side how evil he is and he wants to rule the Federation when he's Darth Sidious. Ian McDiarmid played the part very well, being mysterious, intense, multi-layered and does a great job being two-faced.

I don`t see why people suddenly say C-3PO was annoying in the Prequels. He is awkward, whiney, yet obedient, and innocent, just as he was in the original trilogy. He is also quirky, cynical, and polite. It was also nice to see how C-3PO and R2-D2 meet. Anthony Daniels has the same funny voice and mannerisms here as in the OT.

I don`t see why Nute Gunray would be a bad villain. He was sneaky, corrupt, cruel, pragmatic, cowardly, seductive, power-hungry, and obnoxious. Nute Gunray is evil and you want him off your screen whenever you see him. Silas Carson was great in this role.

I can see that Darth Maul should have had a lot more development, although he was mysterious, dark and brooding. Darth Maul wasn't a lame villain as people made him out to be. He was still a great Sith, even though he didn't do much, but when he did do something, it was the typical Sith way. Ray Park was creepy and intense.

Shmi, I think, is also an underrated character. She is sweet, worried, ultraistic, sad, yet hopeful, protective, strong, and spiritual. Shmi is the worried mother, since she is a single mom and really wants Anakin to be safe and not hurt himself. Pernilla August played the role very well with sweetness, charm, dramatically and does get the concerned mother down.

Sebulba is just cruel and a bully, but Anakin does overcome him in the end. Sabe does a great job disguising herself as the Queen for almost the entire movie, and does know what she is doing when she is making decisions. Boss Nass is a great leader, cruel to the Naboo, but does come out in the end as friends, and does have moments of hilarity in him as well. Captain Tarpals is a loyal captain to Boss Nass. Captain Panaka is a loyal captain to the Queen. Now the casting was just great. Keira Knightley played great as the decoy who did a great job being a leader, Brian Blessed also did a great job and also had his moments of hilarity, Lewis MacLeod mean, Hugh Quarshie and Steve Speirs loyal.

I can understand people find Jar Jar too over the top, but he fits the lighter tone and is a reference to classic Disney and “Who Framed Roger Rabbit.” He is reminiscent of the foolish Samurai in “The Seven Samurai.” He does more than lead them to his city. He also tells them of the Gungans strength. He is also caring, loyal, cowardly, awkward, and playful. I thought Jar Jar Binks was funny and I laughed at every single line he said, even though I do know he is racist, but he's not as bad as other racist characters in other movies. I thought Ahmed Best was hilarious.

People unjustly criticized the Jedi council scenes, calling them too boring. Ok, so are these films too mindless or not enough? They complained the Jedi acted too political and serious. Well that is part of trying to run a galaxy.

The film has a lot of thematic depth and has many themes that go throughout all 3 films. It inspired many of the themes in films like “Finding Nemo,” “Spiderman 2” and “The Dark Knight Trilogy.” It really has a lot more substance than a mere mindless action film.

Also, almost all of the themes in The Prequels are developed in all 3 films, and are build upon in each next film, so that really makes them one story. They had the very deep themes about society being destroyed by people being pragmatic and letting evil slide, like in “The Dark Knight.”

In Episode I, Chancellor Valorum sent two Jedi Knights illegally to force The Blockade to be put to a stop. This only accelerates the invasion and only makes the situation worse. The blockade isn`t stopped because the Senate is too decision-less to decide. Many senators are corrupt and under the influence of the Trade Federation and the commerce guilds, so some let evil slide because of money. Valorum uses some smaller evil himself, out of lack of ability, to get the Senate’s support. He later on can`t immediately do something about the invasion because he doesn`t have enough authority in the Senate, due to being accused of corruption. He wants to wait, allowing people to die, to not offend people, stay in charge, get the best out of the situation, and being able to solve it that way because if he offends people, he might lose all of his power. The politicians are corrupt and only care for money. As a result, they let evil slide. The non-corrupt politicians have less power due to this corruption, and use evil themselves to do something. This only makes the situation worse because it only creates escalation. As a result, they can only try to compromise with the corruption. As a result, the only way Padme can save her people is by betraying Valorum, her good ally, and allowing Palpatine to take over. Apathy and corruption makes it that people can`t trust the system. Good people have less power, and it only leads to escalation. Then the good people compromise, leaving the innocent without support. Therefore, they have to betray their allies. In the end, Palpatine gets power because it is only someone evil who is willing to act, take the risk of getting criticized and not get money. It is apathy that is the problem.

Another theme that is brilliant, which inspired “Batman Begins,” “The Dark Knight Rises” and “Finding Nemo,” is the theme of fear. In Episode I, Anakin is very scared to lose his mother, and has great trouble letting go of her. He quickly starts to be overly attached to Padme as well. He becomes stressed, a bit angry, his fear causes him to become very sad, insecure, and not feel comfortable. His new environment made him almost unable to pursue his dreams and very attached to others. Fear made him unhappy, and to attaching. As a result, it made him enjoy his life less, constantly worried, made his relationships with others less healthy and stable, and more vulnerable. His was simply of change and not constructive simply with his inability to let go. As a result, he enjoyed his own life less. His relationship with others became less about love and it completely made him too unstable, as he allowed the emotion to control him. He wasn`t properly able to move forward in life, as he even feared the most normal things, as saying goodbye to people, and he had it overshadow his actual love. He wasn`t able to accept normal changes even when they happened, he allowed it to make him completely depressed. We see that if we can`t accept the course of fate, our love can just be painful. We can allow it to consume us and make us unhappy. It is the inability to accept life the way it is, something we really saw analyzed in “Finding Nemo” as well. In “Batman Begins,” we see that fear holds people back and makes them less loving. The casting of Liam Neeson as an ambiguous mentor was no coincidence. What is very subtle is that the Jedi act out of fear, as well they mistreat Anakin, as they fear what he might become. This causes him to be angry and they almost don`t train him, which would have prevented him from stopping Palpatine. By actually arranging these emotions does make sense as they aren`t as interchangeable as Plinket says. Emotions can lead to varying other emotions, but some paths are a lot more likely than others. Fear and just anger isn`t dark enough to cause someone to suffer deeply, only hate does that. Arranging emotions is done in Ancient Philosophy, which The Prequels are based upon. Thucydides once said, “Self-control is the chief element in self-respect, and self-respect is the chief element in courage,” so there you go. The theme about fear ties closely into The OT, where Luke has to overcome his own fear that he won`t be able to do anything, trust his own skills, overcome his own self-doubt and fear of not being able to help his father.

There is a great theme on pacifism. We see that Padme at first wants to maintain peace at all costs, but her planet is conquered and her people suffer. We see the Gungans try to stay out of the conflict, but are also attacked. We see Padme tries to rely on the authorities, but lacks resolve. This makes her vulnerable to manipulation. She eventually decides to depose Valorum. We see that political debates often take too much time when people’s lives are in danger. This convinces Padme to go back to her planet to fight the Federation, doing what is needed, and teaming up with the Gungans, as they need each other to survive.

It was wrong of Redlettermedia to say they waited till they got to the planet to discuss that they had no plan at all, when she was telling them she had her plan already all worked out.

With all of this subtext, the Prequel Trilogy aren`t mindless action films like everyone has debated. They added new social, political and historic subtext, and people at the same time complain this makes them too boring. Note that at the beginning of his Episode II review, Plinket complains there aren`t enough exposition scenes. Then why was the opening of this film too boring? At the same time, he praises Episode IV for having the story built up slowly. Then why was it a problem that this film started off building suspense? Many people rightfully praised the Original Trilogy for paying homage to so many films, which Tarantino, De Palma, and Scorsese all did also. At the same time, they criticize the Prequels for borrowing from other films and being clichéd? Other people claimed the Prequels failed to homage classic films, but the Decoy subplot references “The Hidden Fortress.” As many people pointed out, the Princess learned more about her kingdom because of that, but they complained it served no purpose here. In reality, we see Padme becoming more humble, proactive and nice through it. Also, the underwater world referenced “The Abyss” while making the world more stylish and light. The Gungan palace under the sea was just awesome. The underwater monster referenced Godzilla and people complained the Pod Race referenced “Ben-Hur,” which is simply part of the series tradition. The Pod Race scene was one of the best moments in the movie. That part was like watching a Nascar race, and you know Anakin would win since he is the main character.

A lot of people complained about the poetic similarities between the Prequels and the Originals, but at the same time they complain the films are too different. This is part of the themes of history repeating itself. We see that Padme, like Leia, has to learn to be more firm, yet humble, and that Anakin must overcome his fears. We see that the Jedi make the mistake of being too dogmatic. This shows many mistakes are often repeated, but that we can learn from them also, as Obi Wan learns to trust his heart. The idea of poetic repetition was started by “Temple Of Doom” continued by “The Last Crusade,” and copied by “Terminator 2” and “The Back to the Future” sequels. Only Confused Matthew complained about this in “Back to the Future Part II.” Even “The Dark Knight trilogy” adopted this.

There was a very smart theme on cultural understanding, that luckily didn`t become PC. The Gungans feel discriminated by the Naboo, but were discriminative themselves. We see that Qui-Gon decides to be nice to Jar Jar, even though he is an idiot, showing that often a peace starts with someone being the Good Samaritan. Also, we see that heroicness can come from anywhere, as Anakin helps them, and that often it’s the rulers who do the least for the weak, as the Senate is more concerned with power. We see that humility, as shown with Padme, and honesty are the basis for understanding.

People complained the film was too slowly paced, which is strange as these films would just be mindless action films. Indeed, it is slow in the middle, like “The Empire Strikes Back” or “Fellowship of The Ring.” Confused Matthew complained about the scene in the underwater city, saying that it was 10 minutes long, while it didn`t further the story at all (Even though we saw the Gungans hostility, Qui-Gon stealing the Bongo, and Qui-Gon standing up for Jar Jar, as well as Obi-Wan predicting they would attack the underwater city), that it would not introduce us to the characters (even though we learned Jar Jar`s back story), and that it was not menacing because the Jedi acted too calm about the fish monsters. Yes, and Luke and Han acted so scared when they were attacked by Tie Fighters. This is another complaint: the action would be unexciting, even though the fish monsters that came out of nowhere are huge, simply because characters would react too calm. Did Batman, Thor or Captain America ever act scared? Does Spiderman act scared in either of his franchises? Redlettermedia also complained the droids were too ineffective. Right, but he uses the expression “Klingon bird of preys” are reduced due the durability of a tie fighter in his Star Trek (2009) review. The term “Storm Trooper effect” exists for a reason. Remember, all the prison guards are easily killed. Look at how easily Orcs are killed in “The Lord of the Rings” films. They made a game out of it. They complained the Pod Race was too long. Just how long was the trench sequence in “A New Hope?” CM`s complaint the film is just an effects demo reel is silly, as this film has less action then the original films. The movie didn't use the puppetry and animatronics like the Originals did, and this was all CGI, but I thought that's what made the world so lively. Everything looked so intense and great, so I personally think everything in here looked nice, despite the fact that it's CGI. The robots, holograms, fighting scenes, everything that involved CGI really got me into the movie.

Which is why many people also complained the film would be boring. People complained C-3PO and R2-D2 were in this, saying they didn`t need to be. You could also say this about “Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi.” The troll Garamonde once said all R2 did was save the ship. Yeah, and helped Anakin fly the plane. What else did he do in “Empire Strikes Back” other than save the ship? C-3PO did nothing in that film either. People complained the film was too slowly paced, which is because so much time was spent developing the characters. This can also be said of “Spiderman 2,” which is very slow in the middle. The action really serves the story and furthers the narrative. The fight on the Trade Ship causes them to flee and go to Naboo, which by the way looked similar to Endor, but not completely, and I liked that. The fights with the Droids on the planet allow them to free the Queen and take the ship. Running off the blockade caused them to get stranded on Tatooine (which looked similar to the Originals, but was changed up, which I thought was very nice), and the Pod Race caused Anakin to win his freedom. Also, the film really merges multiple genres. Again, it combines action, science fiction, fantasy, samurai and comic relief, but it now adds mystery and political elements, as well as sports movie elements. People complained about the 4 storyline ending, saying it was less engaging, as we couldn`t focus on the one thing, which actually keeps it fresh and unpredictable. “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” had 3 separate ending threads as well. “The Two Towers” also had 3. Both films also went back and forth between comedy, suspense and drama. What is wrong with the film taking risks? Just look at “Inception.” Redlettermedia shows Lucas and the production team felt uncertain about the film, saying they looked just as shocked, but that was the rough cut screening. Lucas later explained he stylistically designed the ending to be this way, but that you could diminish the effects of this. Plinket questions this, but it means you can pull off any concept well in execution. I loved the effects on the creatures, which looked completely nice, which I did see a behind the scene footage of it before the movie started on my VHS copy. Also, more on the Sith. Matthew says he first thought they were a race. The Viceroy said now there are two of them. Clearly, those that use the Dark Side are the Sith. It isn`t a rank, they are just Dark Side users, those that were unnamed in the Original Trilogy. He also complains we don`t know what they want revenge for, but this is intentionally kept subtle. The Jedi happily mention the Sith would be extinguished for a millennium. They whipped them out, and the Sith want revenge for that. It is a subtle back story. Their primary motivation is seizing power and some people complained that was too simplistic. This was also what the Emperor and Vader wanted in the Original Trilogy. Sauron just wanted power, so did Loki. The motivations of Thanos were also kept ambiguous. Skynets and the Aliens’ back stories were kept purposely vague as well. Look at how much “Casino Royale” kept a mystery about its villains. People complained it was too reliant on the Expanded Universe, which is mostly untrue. No one complained about all the details you need to know to get the Marvel Cinematic Universe films or the Harry Potter films, as they are multimedia franchises.

Oh, and let`s quickly, on a side note, rebuttal a couple of Chris Stuckmann’s criticisms. He complains the politics detract from the excitement of Star Wars. No, because there is still action and adventure. Star Wars was always about deeper philosophy. He complains about the Green Screen. That is just a modern form of creating a more complex setting, and ILM created the effects with great direction from George Lucas, and a high budget. It looks great. I mean, Qui-Gon actually walks alongside Watto (who, by the way, is just so mean and cruel, since he doesn't want anything to do with Shmi and Anakin and wants to keep them as slaves, but doesn't have a choice once the Jedi come in. He’s played awesomely by Andy Secombe), and really looks at him. The Jedi hit through the droids with force. Just look at the spaceships of the Trade guys. They have mass and size. Just look at the Senate. It is rough and rendered. Compare it to real spaceship pictures or just the sets in The OT. There is no difference.

They say the dialogue is cheesy, but most people never really commented on what would make the dialogue bad. They just say it is. They say it is corny. What you mean is sweet sentimental. That is true, but that is natural, as the characters are very sentimental and idealistic people. What matters is if the dialogue is deep and natural. It is certainly in this film. Let`s analyze some lines and conversations:

Obi-Wan: “I have a bad feeling about this Master.”
Qui-Gon: “I don`t sense anything.”
Obi-Wan: “It is not about the mission Master, but something else, elusive.”
Qui-Gon: “Don`t center on your anxieties Obi-Wan, keep your thoughts in the here and now where they belong.” 
Obi-Wan: “But Master Yoda said I should be mindful of the future.”
Qui-Gon: “But not at the expense of the moment, be mindful of the living force.”
Obi-Wan: “Yes Master.” 

Plinket calls the dialogue awkward. I don`t see how this is awkward. Obi-Wan is more pessimistic. As a result, he is doubtful of the mission. He can`t immediately tell what he is worried about, showing he is naïve. Qui-Gon tells him to keep his thoughts in the here and now, as that is what he finds important. It is deep because it reveals a crucial part of his thinking. Obi-Wan bringing up Master Yoda showed he cared greatly for what the higher ranking Jedi fought. Qui-Gon simply rebuttals it, showing how free minded Qui-Gon is. I don`t see how it is boring. It shows the characters differing views, and it isn`t passionless. It clearly stresses the importance of these views of both characters, by constantly questioning each other. It sets up the theme that you need to live in the here and now.

People complain about the humor in this, with lines like, “The negotiations were short.” It is sarcasm. How is that any different from any humorous dialogue like in “Lethal Weapon,” “Die Hard” and “Indiana Jones.” Sarcasm is all of a sudden lame now? C-3PO being surprised his parts are showing and being scared for being sold are the same kinds of jokes as C-3PO being afraid of being destroyed. Sarcasm is funny, as it is understating, and thereby parodying the situation. Anakin talking about C-3PO being sold is fun character-based humor, as it shows he is, as a kid, very straightforward.

People complain the music in this wouldn`t be as memorable, which is completely wrong. The theme of Anakin and Tatooine manages to be warm, and relaxed, while also have some subtle somberness, and indicating really intense pure emotion by being very loud. The music with the Trade Guys is very mysterious and feels like it builds towards something worse, which fits Palpatines. The music in the battles on Naboo is stressful, rhythmic, very fluent, and builds well. The music around the personal scenes of Padme and Qui-Gon has a sense of loveliness, while some higher pitched parts add to the feeling of intensity. The duel of fates is intense, dramatic and epic, as well as operatic, fitting of the drama of the Sith working their way to taking over. As always, the music had great Musical Scores. It had the traditional music, like the opening theme and the fight scenes, but the emotional music was great, the opera music in the fighting scenes were just perfect, and the action-packed moments were nice and really got you into it.

The sound adds to the film also. It’s epic and sharp while sounding very clean and fluent, adding to the sense of beauty of this withering paradise. The laser fighting, flying sequence, Gungan war, lightsaber duels, and even the space battles were intense, like Anakin said.

The costumes are elaborate and stylish, adding to the more expensive feeling, except for Anakin’s clothes, which are more broken down. This adds to his sense of him having a rougher life.

People complain about the sets being very clean and pretty, unlike in The Original Trilogy. This is a time of peace and prosperity, which is going to be destroyed and set into The Original Trilogy. In III, many of the sets, like the platform on Utapau and The Jedi temple after the Clone Wars, they look rough, dirty and broken down. The sets are different from most science fiction films, in that they use ancient styles and warm materials, like stone instead of metal more, while also having sophisticated technology, indicating a hybrid of warm culture with futurisms and real sense of prosperity. This contrasts with “The Alien Films,” like the bleakness of the Trade Feds ships. Coruscant resembled how a city would look like in the future, high-tech and everything technology run, which is what it slowly is coming to.

The CGI really gets way too much hatred. It is first class. The underwater world is detailed and complex, the water monsters natural, the Pod Race had weight and detail, and the Senate is rough and hard. Jabba look excellent here also. His skin is just as natural and moist. The droids are tough and three-dimensional. The CGI is even better than in the Spiderman, X-Men, The Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter films. The use of CGI to that extent in all those films was inspired by the Prequels. Yet the Prequels Special Visual Effects still look even better. People complain CGI looks fake, which is silly. It is easier to manipulate and computers are always more precise then people. They complain nearly the whole film is CGI. No one complains that a whole film is shot on location, on set, or using matte paintings. They claim puppets and animatronics are actually there, but they have to be manipulated a lot. Matte paintings are a completely different dimension. The backlash against CGI is the same as people had against digital editing and sound back in the day.

Redlettermedia complained there is a lot to see in one shot. This adds realism, as it fits the vastly populated aliens worlds and complex technologies. It adds re-watch value. This was also copied by “The Lord of the Rings,” “The Avengers,” “Pirates of the Caribbean” and Harry Potter films. You know it`s interesting that even though the Prequels get hated all the time and negatively compared to other Blockbusters, they inspired most recent Blockbusters, both on the level of visuals, characterization and storytelling. Unlike these horrible big video games we see now.

The Star Wars Prequels are criticized in so many inconsistent, biased ways. The anticipation was far too high for them, and the backlash greatly overblown. “Return of the Jedi” received many biased complaints also. The complete character assassination that is done to Lucas shows that people are very mean-spirited as well.  As Matthew pointed out with “2001: A Space Odyssey,” people really perpetuate taboos that you cannot like these films, which is just silly.

The claims these films were just made for money is silly. The fact that Lucas retired for 16 years after “Return of the Jedi” indicates he wasn`t trying to milk the series. If he was doing that, he would have just released a film every two years and he would have outsourced it. Why would one privately finance your own films to have complete control over them, write and direct them yourselves if you are just a businessman? People complain “Star Wars” sells lots of toys, but Lucas finances these films privately. He needs a backup source for money, especially when they are so ambitiously made. On the DVD Commentary, Lucas constantly talks of the historical parallels and themes he wanted to convey. He rarely talks about how much money the film will make. Ridley Scott talked about this when he described how he had “Thelma and Louise” re-written. Francis Ford Coppola often talks of his salary and Spielberg always claims to not be the driving force behind his unpopular films like “Temple Of Doom” and “1941.” Lucas honestly said he just makes these films for himself and he would be ok with it, if no one went to see them. He said that was lucky. That is very honest and brave. Confused Matthew argued he should take responsibility for the fact people didn`t like the films, completely ignoring the fact that Episodes I and II got mixed too positive reactions and Episode III got a great reception. Moreover so, that is called argumentum ad populum. If it`s popularity doesn`t make 2001 good, the Prequels being unpopular doesn`t make them bad. Matthew thinks they are bad, but he cannot expect Lucas to agree. He cites Sylvester Stallone on Rocky 5, but again not all filmmakers agree with the public. If you claim the Prequels were made for money, Lucas succeeded. However, if Lucas is an artist, he doesn`t need to care. Art is self-expression, it is individualistic. The Nostalgia Critic pointed out with his reviews of the Doctor Seuss films, that following popular trends is often cheap. Art isn`t decided by the masses. Matthew says the masses go see the films, but they freely chose to, and they go and watch a film from George Lucas. If I go to a restaurant, I go to eat their food. I don`t decide the menu. The laity don`t decide what is preached in Church. Well, they shouldn`t. Many ideas were furthered by people being free thinkers that were the basis of the Renaissance and the Enlightment.

Overall, “Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace” is an excellent and underrated film and gets a 9/10 from reviewreviewer1, but I think it deserves a 10+. Like I already said, it's really underrated and doesn't deserve all the hate that everyone gives it. It's not the worst in the series, it's still enjoyable. It might be the least Star Wars film, but it is still a great film.

There you go our first defense on the “Star Wars Prequels.” Stay tuned tomorrow when we look at “Attack of the Clones.”