Star Wars: The Phantom Menace – what was wrong

20 December, 2009
By Raphael Fraser

… or alternatively, my fantasy version of TPM.

First I should say I love The Phantom Menace. While it’s not my favourite STar Wars film, that’s just because I love others more – not because I don’t think Phantom Menace is great. That said however, with a few changes (which could easily be done even now ;) ) it would be a much greater film.

1st: ditch the  Gungans’ ridiculous jive talk, and the horribly offensive bad-Chinese-accent voices of the Trade Federation. Re-voice them in a created alien language + subtitles … in true Star Wars style, duh.

2nd: similarly, but not a language thing per se, stop the damn battle-droids saying “roger roger”. Ever.

That said, we should realise that Lucas wasn’t aiming the prequels exclusively at we adults who’ve grown up with Star Wars – and have forgotten how cheesy parts of the original trilogy are. The films are aimed at kids as well as adults – and that, I think, is why there are some – yes – childish parts in the prequels: an audience of just us old farts isn’t much worth it; they need to have something for the young’uns too.

I re-watched Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones today. Great films … though being thru them is even better, as I’m therefore that much closer to seeing ep.s III and IV ^_^ The stuff aimed at kids is quite obvious, but there’s heaps for the grown-ups too, so lets not begrudge the kids their kid-ish moments; surely we all want them to enjoy Star Wars and keep the movies alive for longer.

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6 Responses to Star Wars: The Phantom Menace – what was wrong

  1. Jenesis on 21 December, 2009 at 7:05 am

    Only two changes? Where's the rest of the list? ;)

  2. Raphael Fraser on 21 December, 2009 at 4:09 pm

    :P Think about it: those dreadful language/accent clunkers make the biggest impact on the coolness of the film. The rest of it … ok the midichlorians thing waskind of wet, but it wasn't really thaaaaat bad ;) And Jar-jar wouldn't really be annoying at all, hardly, if it weren't for his stupid voice and speech. 8)

  3. Rhonda Arney on 7 May, 2010 at 12:28 pm

    I must get the recent star wars theme on my Tom Tom GPS. Seems like It's cool!

  4. Vanna Jardon on 10 June, 2010 at 9:24 am

    I really like the new star wars adidas film. It definitely made me laugh.

  5. Ali Marineau on 27 July, 2010 at 7:21 am

    Did you hear about the thief in NY dressed as Darth Vader who held up a bank? Seems like the opening of a gag but it was true!

    • Raphael Fraser on 27 July, 2010 at 3:56 pm

      I did vaguely. Didn't actually read an article about it though. There's some weird stuff around ;-)

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