Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983)

Directed by: Richard Marquand
Starring: Mark Hamill

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Perhaps the most surprising thing about both Empire and Return of the Jedi is that George Lucas didn't direct either of them. This is by the way... a good thing The original Star Wars, which was directed by Lucas was a great story in itself. I hate to say this about some movies but it did, in many ways, make itself good. George Lucas' talents shined elsewhere throughout the film, but it was a great story. Interestingly enough, I've found that Empire is the most liked of the three original Star Wars films. Having now seen all three recently enough to critique, I find it to be the worst of the three (not to say its bad). Return of the Jedi, was suprisingly good. I'm not sure why it was surprising.

Before I get into the good about Jedi, I'll point out that I don't know how great a conclusion to such a large trilogy it was. Not to say it was open ended or there was no conclusion but something about it didn't really wrap things up as I'd hoped. I guess it is easier to end a movie than it is to end a trilogy... expectations are high and one is certain to be disappointed. That having been said... nothing about Jedi disappointed me. I thought that unlike the other films which I'd catagorize as drama/adventure, Jedi was much more action/adventure. That action was fast-paced and entertaining and was a big part of what seperates Jedi from its two prequals.

Part of the action packed excitement stems from Lucas having three plus years more technology to work with since Empire but he doesn't abuse it. Perhaps this is because there was another eye calling the shots but regardless of the reason... the special effects aided the film.

In short, Return of the Jedi follows Luke and the gang making yet another effort to conquer the indestructable empire. Luke is now a full-on Jedi... that is until he faces Vader again, but aside from fighting the most evil character ever, becoming a Jedi seemed pretty easy. Empire and Jedi combined had Luke doing some serious cardio work and some strength conditioning followed by very deep meditation techniques. For something so sacred, becoming a Jedi didn't seem that hard. Of course its a movie and there are such things as time lapses, but even that being the case, I can't imagine that I'm the only one who thinks there should have been significant time spent on showing what goes into becoming the most powerful kind of person in the galaxy.

Now that Luke is a Jedi... he's also not the little woose he once was. It comes out a little bit when he is worried about his friends but I let that slide due to its importance. Understanding that importance now, having seen all six Star Wars films is very interesting. The rise and fall of Anikan Skywalker stems from his passion and feelings for his friends. That which he can't control is what Luke is successful in doing. Lines of dialogue suggest this in Jedi but there is nothing concrete. Things like that make me appreciate the series more than the movie.

Return of the Jedi, like all the Star Wars films has too many muppets running around serving no purpose. The opening scene in Jaba the Hut's lair is littered with weird looking creatures. I feel like things would have been more bareable if there were a select amout of species in this galaxy far, far away rather than one of every thing imaginable. In other words... I think since there seems to be a lot of humans, there should be a lot of wookies, and a lot of Jaba the Huts... something like that. Its weird having to adapt to a different creature every two minutes and wonder whether or not its critical to know who or what that creature is.

Overall, despite the problems I appear to have with the film, Return of the Jedi is a quality action/adventure film. Its an acceptable conclusion to a strong franchise and an entertaining movie start to finish.