The 97th, & 342nd film I have seen in theaters…

Fewer films were more hyped that 1999’s first new Star Wars film in 16 years. It is a little insane to realize that it’s already been 25 years since the prequel trilogy began. This weekend, on May 4th, Star Wars Day, I travelled to my local theater, the same one I went to in 1999, and watched Episode I on the big screen for the 15th time. Yes. I saw it a lot in 1999. lol

Now, why is this the 342nd and not the 97th film I have seen in theaters? Well, its not the same movie as 1999! This has undergone at least 2 rounds of revisions/special editions since 1999. This is, technically, the 2012 3D cut of the film, with the CGI Yoda added. Also removed were several of the added scenes featured on the home video release, but not all. Therefore, it is my 2nd viewing of the 2012 edition, just not in 3D. lol

It was followed by a short scene from the upcoming Star Wars series “The Acolyte”. By all appearances, this looks to be the first Kung Fu Star Wars show. Hell yeah.

The following review is an update of my Star Wars revisited series from 2014. (review)

Two Jedi Knights, Qui Gon Jinn and Obi Wan Kenobi, are dispatched to defuse a situation where the powerful Trade Federation is blockading the planet Naboo over a trade dispute. The Sith, a supposedly extinct nemesis of the Jedi, have been manipulating these events to start not only a blockade, but a full on invasion.

The Jedi rescue the beleaguered Queen Amidala of Naboo and find brief respite on a planet named Tatooine. While repairing their ship, they meet a young slave named Anakin Skywalker, who is unusually strong with the force. With this boy’s help, they repair their ship and escape the desert planet just as the Sith Apprentice catches up to them.

After deliberating with the Galactic Senate, to a standoff, the heroes return to Naboo to thwart the invasion and free the planet. There follows a Duel of the Fates which sets into motion events which will change the Galaxy.

Liam Neeson plays Jedi Master Qui Gon Jinn. He is the main character of this ensemble. Neeson brings huge presence to this role. 25 years on it stands as one of the best in the entire saga. It was wonderful to see him appear in the role during the “Obi Wan Kenobi” mini-series in 2022.

Already on the rise, the role of Obi Wan catapulted Ewan McGregor into stardom. This was the most inspired casting of the trilogy. They have gotten more mileage out of McGregor as Kenobi than anyone could have imagined. I’d even go as far to say that he is the definitive actor in the role. My apologies Alec Guiness.

Natalie Portman, already an established actress of huge acclaim is cast as Queen Amidala/Padme. Portman was able to exude tremendous authority and made a believable character. An early success in a great career.

Sadly, the weakest casting of the film. This has been beaten to death, so I shall not pile on this guy. He was a kid and did the best he could.

Ah, Jar Jar. So many bad decisions led to this character, but ultimately it was one- “make him silly”. If this was a noble character, similar to Chewbacca, he would be remembered fondly. Instead they made him a fool, had him speaking some kind of crazy old-time double talk, and surrounded him with fart jokes. He is barely used at all in the sequels…for good reason too. I will stand up to defend Ahmed Best, the actor. He brought a lot of character, literally, to this role, and did an excellent job given the material.

Ian McDiarmid was 38 or 39 when he first played Palpatine in Episode VI. He is now the perfect age to play the 50-something Palpatine. Nothing more needs to be said. He’s an icon.

The amazing Terrence Stamp plays Chancellor Valorum, leader of the Republic. A small role, but this actor knows how to bring weight to the most minor of roles.

Ray Park is Darth Maul. This martial arts expert brought a raw physicality to the role that was astounding. Some of the best sword fighting ever captured on film. I love what they have subsequently done with this character. I hope we see him again.

So, here we are again. Did I like Episode I after 15 viewings in a cinema?

Hell yeah! The movie holds up well. The faults remain present, but the sting lessens with time. While I enjoyed the sequel trilogy, particularly the first 2 of those film, I must admit that they needed something: George Lucas. Whatever one thinks of the prequels, Lucas brought his own style to it. It had something to say. Based on the fandom’s reaction to Last Jedi, the makers of Star Wars seem trapped to be forever imitating Lucas’ vision rather than pushing it into new territory.

Happy Birthday Episode I!