50 REASONS THE PHANTOM MENACE DIDN'T SUCK

Seeing Episode I opening day at the Mann's Chinese Theater in Hollywood was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I'll never forget the excitement of the fans (many in costumes), the media everywhere, the Trekkie protest (seriously) and the moment when the trailer for The Beach came on before the film and the audience booed Leo.
Time has somewhat dulled my enthusiasm for the movie, but I still think it's very underrated - hence this list.

1. The Title - probably the best of any Star Wars movie. It sums up the mysterious plot perfectly.

2. Qui-Gon Jinn - a classic character and everything I thought a Jedi should be. Neeson played him perfectly, even making the philosophical waffle sound convincing.

3. ILM's Visual Effects - okay, this goes without saying. But it amazes me how many people still dis them. They were the best FX in any movie up to that time (yes, better than the overrated Matrix). 99% of them were totally convincing, and even the ones that weren't were still awesome to look at. Plus you have to see the movie several times to spot all the hidden treats in the background. So feck the Oscars.

4. Obi-Wan Kenobi - I know a lot of people didn't like Ewan McGregor's dodgy accent or hair, but this character still left a big impression on me, even standing in the background. I believed he would mature into Alec Guiness, and he handles his lightsaber with real style (no pun intended).

5. John Williams' Score - his best since Jurassic Park. Duel of the Fates is the standout of several classic new themes.

6. Queen Amidala - Natalie Portman is the most beautiful creature to appear in any Star Wars film. Okay, so she was a bit stiff as the Queen, but she played her dual role of Padme very well. And what a smile! Now if we can just get her into a slavegirl outfit in later Episodes . . .

7. Jar Jar Binks - don't get me wrongo, he's far from my favourite character. But his animation was very well done, and his 'Steady, steady . . .' line still cracks me up. Jar Jar, you know, for kids. As for the racism issue - some people have WAY too much free time.

8. Otoh Gunga - the underwater bubble city was one of the most spectacular locations in any film.

9. The Sea Monsters - seeing a succession of increasingly large monsters consume each other was inspired. I love the way Lucas just casually throws in these setpieces.

10. Qui-Gon Stabbing His Saber Through a Blast Door - that was cool. They must have 1001 uses.

11. Destroyer Droids - those things are mean.

12. The Queen's Palace - nice waterfall.

13. The Queen's Handmaidens - they're babes and the kick ass.

14. The Bit Where the Droids are Getting Blown Off the Queen's Ship - that was cold, man.

15. R2D2's Introduction - the biggest cheer I ever heard in a cinema.

16. Darth Maul - he may not have Vader's charisma, but he makes up for it with sheer cool. Nuff said.

17. Watto - a classic Star Wars alien. Well-animated and humorous.

18. Meet C-3PO - okay, so he didn't get to do much but it was still cool to see him, even without a covering.

19. The Jedi Mind Trick Fails - "What, you think you're some kind of Jedi, waving your hand around like that?"

20. The Sad Look on Qui-Gon's Face After Anakin Says "No one can kill a Jedi." "I wish that were so."

21. Qui-Gon Saying "May the Force Be With You" - one of the many moments that brings a tear to my eye.

22. The Pod Race - not only was it possibly the most spectacular race scene in movie history, it was also essential to the plot.

23. Aurra Sing - I don't know who she is or what she does, but she looked cool watching the race.

24. The Bit Where Qui-Gon Grabs Jar Jar's Tongue - the one scene that always gets a laugh.

25. Tusken Raiders Taking potshots at Pod Racers - one of the most surprising and hilarious cameos.

26. Sebulba - the best CGI character after Watto.

27. Seeing Jabba the Hutt at the Podrace - especially when he played with his food.

28. Jedi Vs. Sith Part I - when Darth Maul leaps off his bike to attack Qui-Gon, that rocked.

29. "Anakin Skywalker Meet Obi-Wan Kenobi."

30. The Coruscant Scenery- The Fifth Element may have beat it to the screen, but Lucas thought of it first. And it was still awesome.

31. The Jedi Council - a hilarious collection of freaks (Yoda and Mace Windu aside) in one of the best pads in the galaxy.

32. The Galactic Senate - even the political discussions have mind-blowing visuals.

33. Wookies in the Senate - ggrrwwwlll!

34. E.T.s in the Senate - does this mean the one in Spielberg's film was a Jedi?

35. Senator Palpatine's Scheming - Lucas portrayed the future Emperor's rise to power perfectly. Shame most critics were too stupid to get it. Ian McDiarmid gives the most subtly brilliant peformance in the film.

36. The Gungan Army and Their Shield - more impressive than a bunch of Ewoks.

37. Battle Droid Army - when they unloaded from the tanks, it was the only time they seemed threatening.

38. The Naboo Fighter That Gets Hit and Spirals Down Far Below.

39. The Bit Where the Doors Open and Darth Maul Appears to the Duel of the Fates Music - Qui-Gon goes "We'll handle this" then Maul ignites his double-bladed lightsaber. That was cool.

40. Jedi Vs. Sith Part II - the most awesome frickin' lightsaber duel in history. Two on one, amazing acrobatics. It doesn't get any better than this.

41. Those Droids that Transform into Space Fighters.

42. OB1 Goes Postal After Qui-Gon's Death - when the energy barriers drop and he attacks Maul . . . brilliant! Get him with your ninja, OB1!

43. Anakin Blows Up the Droid Control Ship - cool splosion, man.

44. Maul Gets Halved.

45. Palpatine Telling Anakin "We will watch your career with great interest."

46. Seeing Yoda Walk, and not look like a puppet.

47. End Parade - after the ridiculously exciting climax comes the other essential Star Wars ingredient: a ludicrously happy ending. Only this time it's tinged with sadness. Plus the fact that Palpy is the real winner and has manipulated all the good guys into thinking they've won is too cool. Even the music is the Emperor's Theme sung by a children's choir. Genius!

48. Multi-layered Plot - I discover hidden depths to the story and characters every time I see it. Screw the critics!

49. The Free Tibet Message - The Trade Federation bad guys speak in Chinese accents (well, they're supposed to be Transylvanian) and they invade a peaceful world. The leader of that land, Amidala (or Dali Lama), then has to flee. Don't know how all the pretentious film geeks missed it. OK, that was a joke.

50. Its Frickin' Star Wars, Stupid!

And just to show I'm completely objective . . .

10 Things I Didn't Like About The Phantom Menace

1. The Trade Federation were ludicrous villains. This may have been the point, but I found their lip movements off-putting as well.
2. Boss Nass shaking his jowl. More annoying than anything Jar Jar did.
3. Corny dialogue. I know its part of the appeal of Star Wars, but I could have done without lines like "The biggest problem in this universe is that nobody helps each other"
4. The most expensive fart joke in history. I liked the icky, icky goo gag, but this was too far.
5. Not enough darkness, although it is hinted at. Roll-on the more adult Episode II and III, hopefully.
6. The acting is a bit dodgy in parts (again, somewhat part of the charm)
7. The conclusion is too rushed, a problem with most of the film.
8. The slapstick humour is overdone (Jar Jar fainting, etc.)
9. The plot contrivances and coincidences are starting to mount up (Anakin built 3PO?), though you could argue its all the work of the force.
10. Those revolting kids Anakin hangs out with.