The film opens with our heroes led by Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) attempting to rescue Han Solo (Harrison Ford) from overgrown slug Jabba The Hutt. Meanwhile, the Empire have begun construction on another Death Star that will culminate in a three front battle on the forest moon of Endor, in space, and the final confrontation between father and son with the Emperor (Ian McDiarmid) as an active audience.
Return of the Jedi is a fine adventure film, full of fun and excitement. The problem really boils down to the fact that it seems that the story seems to rehash the previous two entries, especially the first one. The Cantina scene returns with the numerous alien creatures hanging around Jabba’s palace. The Death Star once again becomes the powerful weapon that can destroy the Rebellion. I would add the final duel between Luke and Darth Vader, but this time it feels different. Luke has matured into a contemplating Jedi, not a head strong young man just wanting to save his friends. There is a nice arc to each character in this film. Luke’s arc from farm boy to the last of the Jedi Knights. Han from smuggler to war hero. Leia (Carrie Fisher) no longer seeming as regal, but more revolutionary. It’s magnificent that this trilogy actually has character grow instead of being set personalities, never to change. Once again, praise must be heaped on writer Lawrence Kasdan. This may be George Lucas’ story, but Kasdan makes it a living piece.
Even though the film isn’t as great as Star Wars or Empire, Return of the Jedi is a fitting end to the original trilogy and the saga up to that point. Conclusions usually aren’t the greatest things to see, but with Return of the Jedi the film makers do this franchise justice. A fitting ending for the adventurous characters created by George Lucas.
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