[parcelbombsmurf]

One thing Chefelf does in his analysis of the prequels that I appreciate is debunking the argument that Jar Jar Binks is the only reason that the prequels are horrible. If you've ever seen the Phantom Edit, for example, you know that it's still a horrible movie without Binks. However, he contributes heavily to the prequels' failure, especially Phantom Menace.

Before I give another "Reason to Hate Phantom Menace," I'd like to say that Star Wars has gotten away with zany so-called-comedic characters in the past i.e. C3PO and Salacious Crumb with average success. However, C3PO's antics were always in moderation. Also, the idea of an uncharismatic language and culture droid has some good intrinsic irony and humor. And the other characters appeared to recognize C3PO's lameness, for example, when Leia shut him off at Han's request.

Binks has none of these elements that makes C3PO a decent character. The worst part is that NO ONE appears to notice Binks's ineptitude within the fabric of the movie. And even if they do (such as when, perhaps, Obi-Wan suggests that Binks is a pathetic lifeform, which by the way, is very Jedi--I thought Jedi respected all life), no one tries to keep him out of trouble. In fact, the other more important characters even put him in positions of responsibility where he can make trouble. For example, he is made a general in Phantom Menace and then a senator in Attack of the Clones. And there is a third time he is given some responsibility, a more subtle situation, which is the crux of my complaint in this post (finally):

Reason #X to Hate Phantom Menace
Taking Jar Jar to Mos Espa
Why did Qui-Gon, when forming the party to head into Mos Espa, choose to take Jar Jar Binks? For each of the other companions, there is a reason for their presence, but not Binks.
Qui-Gon Jinn: He's the Jedi in charge. He has experience. He's a good choice. He's the leader of the expedition.
R2D2: For everything technical, the Astromech droid seems the obvious choice. At the very least, he is able to show what the spaceship looks like to possible merchants in order to get the proper parts.
Padme: Padme has to come because the "Queen" insisted. Also, she has to meet Anakin.
Jar Jar Binks: There is no reason why Binks should have been included in the outing to Mos Espa. In fact, there are plenty of reasons not to bring him: (1) Binks has no talents to help the group (2) Tatooine is a dry desert planet with a harsh climate whereas Binks comes form a temperate climate and lives underwater (he only complains once about the murder to his skin or something) and (3) he is a complete clutz in a town of miscreants and thugs, which Qui-Gon knew having been told that Binks was exiled for being clumsy (and Binks does get into trouble at some point with Sebulba, but unfortunately, allows Binks to escape after being bluffed by Anakin). The only reason left for bringing Binks along is outside the "reality" of the setting, which is like so many of Lucas's poor decisions--sacrificing the intrinsic story for extrinsic considerations. Ostensibly, this is Lucas's shot (as Chefelf puts it) to do some CGI masturbation.
Panaka would have been a better choice, especially since Padme was going. Plus, he actually had the potential of being a cool character.

Happy critiquing!

[Sailor Abbey]

(2) Tatooine is a dry desert planet with a harsh climate whereas Binks comes form a temperate climate and lives underwater (he only complains once about the murder to his skin or something) and (3)

Maybe Quigon was secretly hoping the dry heat would kill him. That would have been... I'm speechless at the thought.

[Cyzyk]

Frankly, they could have fixed everything that was wrong with Jar Jar if Lucas had taken a page from another Japanese film: Sword of Doom.

Make him a ninja. No, I'm not kidding. If Jar Jar had only been pretending to be a complete doofus in order to detract attention, it would have worked. Well, it would have been workable; Lucas might have messed it up anyway. Not even a ninja neccesarily; just competant at something and hiding it.

[Sailor Abbey]

You know what would have helped a lot? If Jar Jar had been mute. He may have been tolerable then.

[parcelbombsmurf]

You know what would have helped a lot? If Jar Jar had been mute. He may have been tolerable then.

he was kind of a ninja when he fathered the empire ...

[jerfus17]

he was kind of a ninja when he fathered the empire ...

He was kinda like a ninja when he did that quadruple back-flip swan dive into that pond screaming "WESA GOIN' HOME AAAYYY-YYEEEE-YEEEE-YEEE-YEEEE!!!!!! too.

But, yes .. there were plenty of other things that ruined Episode 1 besides the infamous antics and bad animation of Jar Jar Binks.

[Despondent]

He was kinda like a ninja when he did that quadruple back-flip swan dive into that pond screaming "WESA GOIN' HOME AAAYYY-YYEEEE-YEEEE-YEEE-YEEEE!!!!!! too.

I'm smiling and laughing at that.

[TruJade]

You know what would have helped a lot?
If Jar Jar had been mute.
He may have been tolerable then.

You know that if he'd been mute
Lucas only would've made him even more

ridiculous to remind audiences
of his conastant presence.

But, yes .. there were plenty
of other things that ruined Episode 1 besides
the infamous antics and bad animation of Jar Jar Binks.

Jar Jar was poorly animated?
Hmm i hadn't noticed

Becuse Yoda looked like
a dried prune frog!!!!!