Nerd in Another City

Here’s the thing… I like Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Spike TV was having a marathon last weekend… as usual. And possibly in lieu of the 30th anniversary of Return of the Jedi.

And sure… it’s a weak installment in the canon and I could write a list of things that didn’t work for me and nothing beats the original trilogy… duh! But I’m a glass-half-full kinda girl and I like to focus on things I like in a movie.

So haters… move along.

1. John Williams returned to score The Phantom Menace and beautifully scored it was. Duel of the Fates is one of my favorite pieces of music not only in the Star Wars universe but in movie music history. It’s powerful and poignant! And I can’t wait to hear what Williams has in store for Ep. VII.

2. Darth Maul holds up as a super baddie!! Ok, so he’ll never be Darth Vader. No one will ever be Darth Vader. But Maul has a great fighting style. He’s fast, looks scary as all get out and weilds a two-sided lightsaber. Pretty dang bad-ass!!

3. Foreshadowing. I love, love, love foreshadowing.

4. Awesomely wild costumes!!

And finally 5. Qui-Gon Jinn. What a great addition to the Jedi counsel. Liam Neeson’s Jinn is part rebel, part devoted member of the counsel. The force flows through him, but he walks his own path. His death was surprising and tragic for the Jedi and for the audience.

There you have it. Agree or don’t. But I am predisposed to love anything and everything Star Wars. The extended universe, the prequels, Star Wars Clone Wars… even the Star Wars Christmas Special. I love it all and it’s all near and dear to my heart. The future films will be no exception!! Can not wait.