Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

Starring Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, Billy Dee Williams

Directed by Richard Marquand

The Story:
Han Solo (Harrison Ford) is captive of the evil Jabba the Hutt, and Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and Leia (Carrie Fisher) orchestrate a plan to free him.  Afterwards, Luke goes back to Dagobah to complete his training with Yoda, who tells him the truth about Darth Vader and that he has a sister.  Meanwhile, the Empire has begin work on a new Death Star, and Darth Vader and the Emperor plan the destruction of the Rebellion.

The Synopsis:
The original "Star Wars" series has revolutionized cinema, and created the modern day blockbuster.  Before these films, there weren't any huge effects movies on the big screen, and now they're everywhere.  "Return of the Jedi" serves as an adequate conclusion to George Lucas's epic space opera, filled with dramatic moments, dazzling special effects (for the time period), and the conclusion of a rich, structured storyline.

What also set "Star Wars" apart is the brilliant way Lucas managed to pull the wool over the eyes of the moviegoing audience.  With "The Empire Strikes Back," it was the true parentage of Luke.  With "Return of the Jedi," it's the identity of Luke's sister.  I won't spoil it for the very few who haven't seen it, but, well, there's only really one female in the entire series.

Even though it's the final installment, "The Empire Strikes Back" is much better, but that's not diminishing the importance of this one.  However, there are two major issues I have with "Return of the Jedi."

1. The creation of a new Death Star.  Couldn't the Empire have found a different weapon of mass destruction?  It seems like a tired way of creating something terrifying - that even has the same faults as the original one!

2.  The Ewoks.  These are cute little furry creatures that Luke and company come into contact with while trying to stop the second Death Star.  As they fight against countless Stormtroopers, they use rocks and other primitive weapons against an army with lasers and guns, and yet they somehow manage to overcome them.  If it were a real fight, the Ewoks would be an extinct species within five minutes of the battle.

Still, at the heart of the series is the emergence of Luke Skywalker as the next Jedi, who will lead a new generation of Jedi to the light side of the Force.  It's also a redemptive story of Darth Vader, someone Luke is certain he can convince to join the light side.  The inner turmoil of both men lights up the screen, and even today people see Darth Vader as the ultimate anti-hero. 

The Summary:
While perfectly balancing adult tales with childlike innocence, "Return of the Jedi" ties up all the loose ends to George Lucas's spellbinding, groundbreaking, trailblazing trilogy and wraps a pretty little bow on cinema's most iconic science fiction films.

The Score: A+