10 Unpopular Movie Opinions (And How To Justify Them)

10. Star Wars: The Phantom Menace Is A Good Movie

It's widely accepted among Star Wars fans that Episode I: The Phantom Menace is the movie that killed an entire generation's joy for the franchise, but with the movie's 20-year anniversary fast approaching, can we finally start talking about it like rational human beings?

Sure, the RedLetterMedia review is hilarious and all, and The Phantom Menace definitely falls short of the standard set by its three predecessors: that much is true.

However, if you take the fan response at face value, you'd be left to assume that George Lucas personally slapped every single fan across the face after they watched the film.

Removed from its long-vilified rep, The Phantom Menace is a flawed but solidly entertaining film, underscored by its dazzling lightsaber action, appealing performances from Ewan McGregor and Liam Neeson, its staggering world-building, intriguing new villain and, yes, John Williams' unforgettable score.

Lacking the excessive fan service that made Attack of the Clones the true black sheep of the series, The Phantom Menace confidently commits to a bold vision, and though it doesn't always work, the claims of it being an irredeemable trainwreck have been wildly exaggerated by a hyperbolic, over-emotional fanbase.

Just look at the rabid recent response to The Last Jedi to see how Star Wars fans can't even entertain the possibility of approaching an enjoyable if imperfect film on its own terms. The Phantom Menace is just that.