Review of Return of the Jedi (1983) by James S — 04 Dec 2015

Eschewing the dark tone of Empire, Return of the Jedi opts for more fun, more character development, and a very satisfying third act.

The first 40 minutes of the movie are really the end of the previous one. Luke and co. have to rescue Han from Jabbaâ??s palace, a good warm-up for the the big fight to come. We then lead into the actual plot of this film: thereâ??s another Death Star, and we once again have to go blow it up. Along the way, we also have to resolve Lukeâ??s daddy issues with Vader (you canâ??t possibly be mad for putting in a spoiler for the previous film in the sequelâ??s review, can you?).

We see a different Luke Skywalker in this movie. Heâ??s more calm, collected, and willing to take action. He has some experience under his belt, too. This is Mark Hamillâ??s best performance in the series: he is not dour, whiny, or apologetic. Heâ??s here, deal with it.

The rest of the cast also gives great performances. Harrison Ford is a master of the reaction shot, serving as an audience stand-in at times. Carrie Fisher also gives a great take on Leia, showing her human side as well as her willingness to jump into the fray. Newcomer Ian MacDiarmid is appropriately creepy as the Emperor. Billy Dee Williams really sold me on Landoâ??s renewed commitment to the Rebellion, and Anthony Daniels is great comic relief, as always.

A fitting end to the trilogy, RotJ concludes the story of Anakin Skywalker with equal parts fun and suspense, with a good deal of meaty character to boot.