Reflecting on the First Viewing of 'Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace': A Journey Through Time and Taste

When you first saw The Phantom Menace at what point did you think to yourself, 'This could be really bad?' This is a question that resonates deeply with enthusiasts of the Star Wars universe. For me, it took about ten watches and three years before I truly disliked the film. As a teenager, I found myself frequently fast-forwarding past scenes of Tatooine and pleading for the story to resemble the beloved chapters 2 and 3. Nevertheless, after acknowledging myself as a mature adult, I revisited the film and discovered a newfound appreciation.

It isn't the least favorite of the Star Wars 1-6 series, but it still holds a special place in my heart. Despite its shortcomings, it remains superior to any of the Disney Star Wars films and reigns as the best film of 1999. This journey, however, was marked by a monumental shift in perspective. For me, that moment of realization came with Jar-Jar Binks, and his insipid character signaled a departure from the Star Wars universe that I had grown to adore for two decades.

From the start, Jar-Jar's presence was an immediate signal that the writing had taken a significant turn for the worse, indicating that George Lucas had lost his touch. The Gungans and other characters further underscored this decline, making it clear that the franchise had moved dangerously close to a territory some might refer to as 'L. Ron Hubbard' territory. The disconnection between the audience and the characters was palpable, and the film's appeal seemed to dwindle with every subsequent viewing.

The Emotional and Intellectual Strain

Initially, my excitement about any new Star Wars content was unwavering. However, as the novelty wore off, I began to question my enjoyment. The character of Jar-Jar Binks, in particular, was a stark reminder of the film's flaws, with his flat-out stupid dialogue and behavior. Even before I switched sides after 'Heir to the Empire' and abandoned my longtime love for the Jabba's palace scenes, I found the Ewoks and the pod racing to be entertaining yet not as engaging as the original trilogy.

The turning point for me was when I realized I had no clear idea what the conflict was about. More importantly, I didn't understand why I should care. The Jedi, the guardians of peace and justice, seemed closer to jerks than heroes. This fundamental disconnect left me confused and emotionally disconnected from the film. While I consider it a great movie and still do, the experience of watching it multiple times has provided me with a unique perspective on its shortcomings.

The Journey Continues

The film's legacy continues to evolve with subsequent entries in the franchise, such as 'Episode VII.' My feelings about this film saw a significant negative shift when I first saw the promotional photo, and they only intensified with each viewing. While 'Episode I' offers a good story that provides a backstory to the original trilogy, 'Episode VII' feels like a reboot with nothing new to offer, leaving a sense of disappointment for fans longing for a continuation of the storytelling that fans of the prequels grew to love.

For me, 'Episode VII' was a stark reminder of the difference between a continuation and a reboot. When you're asking the question of the wrong movie, you're not focusing on the right story. The emotional journey of The Phantom Menace is a reflection of how a film can evolve in the hearts and minds of its audience, offering a unique perspective on the challenges of writing for a beloved franchise.