George Lucas has said from the beginning that “Star Wars” was made for kids, and he took that to heart when he unveiled “Episode I: The Phantom Menace,” 16 years after finishing the groundbreaking original trilogy. The movie introduces viewers to Anakin at the age of 9, as he’s deemed by Qui-Gon Jinn as the “chosen one” who will bring balance to the Force.
While the first prequel features a lot of tame action, the best part of the movie is its villain, Darth Maul, who has a thrilling duel with the Jedi at the end of the movie. It’s one of the only goosebump moments in the whole movie — and sadly, you have to wait over an hour to get to it.
Despite its flaws, and giving the world Jar Jar Binks, “The Phantom Menace” has grown on me more since having kids and watching them enjoy it. Yep, George was right all along.
