So I'm among the minority here that finds redemptive value in the prequels despite my disappointment with each of them and their many flaws. I've been considering TPM lately in particular. There are many juvenile moments, bad acting, the lame midichlorian excuse, and a weak story in many regards. However, I'm starting to warm up to the film, even all those things I just mentioned. It has many beautiful shots (particularly with the aristorcratic Naboo), interesting ships designs, and a fun lightsaber fight. Even more significant to me in recent viewings is that to me it does carry a Star Wars feel to it, perhaps better than the faster paced Episodes II and III. It uses real miniatures and one can easily tell the difference. The lightsabers remind me of the originals with their flicker. The Jedi actually seem to be powerful.

In fact, among all the criticisms of the film, my biggest problem with it is not what most people say. Rather than Jar Jar or intracellular symbionts, my biggest complaint is the strange pacing: it cuts from scene to scene far too quickly, yet still feels too slow. I don't mind slow films if they are cut in a similar fashion, but somehow this movie is fast and boring at the same time.

But at the end of the day, I still feel like I'm watching Star Wars when I see Episode I. That's something I like about it.