When someone starts hating on the Phantom Menace:

The overall story of The Phantom Menace is crucial to the Star Wars universe. I understand a few of your discrepancies with the film and I have my own, but the positives like the plot and education in this movie are still present and paramount.

The Phantom Menace gives us tons of info about Tatooine, an insignificant planet that plays a big role in the overall Star Wars story.

To understand the force and force users, midi-chlorians needed to be introduced and discussed.

Don't forget about the Boonta Eve Classic!

The podrace is epic and it is important to note that Anakin is the only known human to successfully pilot and win a podrace.

The reflexes needed are beyond what normal humans and even other force users have.

It is important that we learn about the Sith.

The Duel of the Fates is amazing and legendary.

We wouldn't see this duel if it weren't for the Phantom Menace.

To truly appreciate the Phantom Menace and its plot you should read the Darth Plagueis book. It gives insight to what Sidious and Plagueis are doing behind the scenes. Their secret efforts are manifested in the movie at various times and you grasp the intent of the invasion of Naboo via galactic politics and Sith ambition.

Also thank you for posting about #starwars ! We definitely need to build the tag with tons of awesome content.