Review of Return of the Jedi (1983) by Kevin P — 08 Dec 2017

Capping the original trilogy was a tall task after the success of the first two films. This film did it right, with a gloriously exhilarating thrill ride. It gets bookended by two great action sequences. I loved the opening scenes, picking right up where the cliffhanger of Empire ends. The action at Jabba the Hutt's made for arguably the most exciting start to any Star Wars, including the later films. Combine that with the battle of Endor and Darth Vader vs. Luke Skywalker II and you've got a tremendous start and finish to this installment. Like Empire, this had several big plot moments, including Luke and Leia being revealed as twins, as well as more great performances.

There are several issues that keep it from reaching the levels of the first two films. The Yoda/Luke scene and the early Endor sequences both seem to drag on a bit. I also understand the gripes I've heard with the Ewoks being a little too cartoony. I get it. Return of the Jedi more than makes up for it with Vader's redemption story. They waited just long enough to pull the trigger that you think it might not happen. When it finally does, it feels earned. I also found Han Solo's evolution to hero, while still remaining a scoundrel, to be great. The score was one again one of the best pieces of the film, as John Williams continued to be an unheralded hero of the saga. All in all, while it has flaws that prevent it from being an all-time classic, it remains a fitting conclusion to the original trilogy.