Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)

Second viewing. I first viewed it on September 26, 2006. On that occasion, I wrote in this blog:

[quote]
Synopsis: The Trade Federation establishes a blockade on planet Naboo. Two Jedi
knights are sent by the Senate of the Galactic Republic to try to settle the
conflict.

Appraisal: There is no denying the visual beauty of this film. The screenplay is
mediocre though. Things that rubbed me in the wrong way: an entire robot army is
controlled by one central device, without which it simply ceases to function
(you don't have to go to Engineering School to realize this is plain stupid, not
to mention hardly necessary technologically; on the other hand, it is very
convenient dramatically; see also my review for 'Reign of Fire'); on the other
hand, it becomes clear that the concept of descentralization is not alien to the
screenwriter, and he is willing to employ it as long as it is advantageous to
the 'good guys': a queen uses a double who (implausibly enough) is prepared to
speak for her when it is necessary, while she parades along as a maid (does no
one know what she looks like?).
[unquote]

Except for the misspelling of 'decentralization', I am very pleased with that text. Even though this is not a particularly remarkable film, one has to bear in mind that it was intended for a younger audience, and also that it is part of a greater set of films, and is better judged thus. I am planning on seeing the subsequent films in the cycle, and of course posting my considerations here.

Rating: 50 (down from 51)