10 Unintentionally Funny Moments In Star Wars

Few people, if polled, would list The Phantom Menace as their firm favourite among the nine Star Wars flicks. Probably the most divisive entry (sorry Rian Johnson, but whether loved or hated you’re just not that controversial), the first prequel is home to podracing, the much maligned first appearance of Jar Jar, and far more dry discussion of interstellar realpolitik than anyone expected—or wanted.

However it’s not just the intricacies of senate reform which viewers were surprised and dismayed to see on the big screen once the iconic opening scroll faded from view. Another frequent target of fandom ire was Watto, the junk trader/ person seller/ Definitely Not Offensive Ethnic Stereotype.

With his amorality, sizeable schnoz, and obsession with money, Watto was the poster boy for unfortunate implications when the flick was released and remains one of Hollywood’s most egregious oversights alongside J.K Rowling’s shrewd race of hook-nosed mean-spirited diminutive moneylenders.

With this in mind, it’s hard to watch Qui Lon drive a hard bargain without cracking up at the cringeworthy subtext of “Republic credits?! I’m a Toydarian, mind tricks don’t work on me. Only money!”