Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace is historically significant for many reasons: it was the first Star Wars movie in nearly 16 years, the last Star Wars movie shot on film, and a polarizing, pulpy entry in the storied space fantasy franchise. It debuted on May 19, 1999, 25 years ago almost to the day, and earned over $US1 billion at the box office, despite mostly mediocre reviews. Its legacy is an interesting one: One of its characters, Jar-Jar Binks, was so detested that the actor who portrayed him, Ahmed Best, faced what he told The Hollywood Reporter was “the first textbook case of cyberbullying.
” Several racially insensitive aliens featured in the film remain a mark on the series to this day. The dialogue is weak and often incredibly grating. Yet its late-stage lightsaber battle is the stuff of legends, its production and costume design is intricate and beautiful, and the infamous podrace scene is exhilarating.
It is a Star Wars movie full of contradictions, so when my partner asked if I wanted to go see The Phantom Menace at our local Alamo Drafthouse, I jumped at the chance. I was nine years old when The Phantom Menace first released, and despite insisting upon being Natalie Portman’s Padme Amidala for Halloween that year, I never saw the film in theaters. At 34, this would be my first time seeing it on the big screen.
As I settled into my chair, the opening text crawl burst onto the screen with John Williams’ iconic fanfare, and I felt my stomach flip with.
