Now it’s time to look at my personal favorite in the Star Wars franchise, “Star Wars Episode VI: Return Of The Jedi,” released in 1983. I have to say that this film is the definitive cap on the original trilogy and is an outstanding masterpiece, like the first two films. In fact, it is even better and extremely underrated. I thought that all loose ends were tied and everything was resolved, as it should be with every last film in the series. It has been criticized from many angles, often contradictory and biased. “Film Threat” made The 50 Reasons Why Return of The Jedi Sucks article, and it`s so ridiculously one-sided.
They complain the Ewoks are annoyingly cute, but this complaint is so often used and is nonsense, as Star Wars is a fantasy series. This is supposed to be the happy conclusion as well, where we go through the dark tunnel, but end up at the light at the end. Also, Chewie was always very much like a fluffy bear, and look at the mouse droids. The series was always PG, this wasn`t The Godfather trilogy. Their physical comedy is criticized, but if you look at the jokes revolving around C-3PO in the first two films, and also R2-D2, that is just silly. They look fake, but some of the effects in the first Terminator are outdated as well, as are some in the Indiana Jones trilogy. People complained it would be unrealistic that the Ewoks (one of them played by Warwick Davis) could defeat the Empires best legions with primitive weapons, but they used guerrilla tactics. Indians and Khozaks have also been real threats to more advanced armies. They are small, they blend into their environment, move through trees, are fast and they shot arrows in the cracks of the armor. When they got on Endor and the Ewoks came in and captured all of them, I really started to feel scared for everyone. I would say the design on Endor was beautifully done and I have a defense with people saying the Ewoks do look like stuff animals, probably resembling the Care Bears. Leia is looked at as their queen and the rest get welcomed in.
People complained they would just be there for the merchandising, but they just naturally became really popular. Fantasy, Sci-Fi and superhero films often sell toys based on cool and cute creatures. Again, let`s not forget Lucas funded his films himself so he needed an income other than his movies. In that case, he could take no risks, as one flop would kill him.
They complained the tone was too inconsistent, and many have complained it was too light, not following up on the darkness of The Empire Strikes Back. The throne room scenes are emotional and intense, all of the Vader and Emperor scenes, the death of Yoda and the creepy stuff in Jabbas palace. The film has many dark moments. Film Threat complains there are too many feel good clichés, but look at the C-3PO humor in The Empire Strikes Back, and Yoda hitting R2-D2 with his staff. Also, like in The Dark Knight Rises, this film combines elements from the previous two films, mixing light and dark to show the conflict between good and evil reaching its climax.
They complain the costumes would be too polished. Even though the Storm Troopers often had clean armor, as did Vader. Metal and plastic tend to be reflective. Jabbas palace is still dirty, and the throne room is also gritty. The whole palace of Jabba is detailed and gross, and the ships still look high-tech and detailed. The complaint that the sets look like sets is silly. They also complain there are Muppets in this film, which is no different from the first two. Mainly the complaint is that these would look fake and calling Jabbas guards almost as fake as a bad Halloween mask, even though they have moist skin, moving eyes, and organic noises. The blue elephant (which was also in "Captain EO") has skin texture, Jabbas right hand comes off organic, and they are all really creepy.
The beginning sequence with Jabba the Hutt was just enjoyable. I liked how Leia disguised herself to come in and save Han, but putting her in that slave uniform was not suitable for kids. However, looking at it now, she did look hot in it. I liked how Luke, Han, Chewbacca, C-3PO, and R2-D2 come in to save her and that part in the sand pit where Luke almost fell was just pitch perfect. The light saber fight, strangling Jabba, fighting off all his men was just enjoyable and the perfect way to start off the film.
They complain it reuses the Star Destroyer opening, which The Empire Strikes Back also did. I loved the space battles in this one. It was perfectly built up to it. Another complaint is that it reuses the Death Star, which was the ultimate weapon, and was no different from Terminator 2, Rocky or even Aliens. They borrowed the framework from the original. They also complain that many Cantina Aliens reappear, but such universe consistency was also present in Toy Story 2, X2, and even Back to the Future Part II.
Then they complain the writing would be bad. They say that in the first two films, the humor revolved around throwaway lines. How is that better? They also say the personality quarks are off of well written characters. Well, we have that here also with Luke remarking about Tatooine. There isn`t much to see when Han is blind because he used to live here, and Han is as cynical as always, remarking “Now you are gonna die here,” (convenient) or Darth Vader telling a General the Emperor is not as forgiving as him, or Leia saying “I know” to Han. But he complains Return of the Jedi’s overly contrived “humor” seems too often inspired by the setup-to-punchline wordplay, which can be found in a typical episode of “Three’s Company.” That is no different from the humor in the acclaimed Iron Man, Men In Black, or even Terminator 2. Remember Han Solo’s “We`re all fine here now, thank you. How are you” in A New Hope? Or how about the conversation between Han and Leia in The Empire Strikes Back in the tunnel on Hoth, where they are bickering over the fact that he is leaving? Yes, this started the tradition of arbitrarily hating on the dialogue in the later Star Wars films.
They complain about the physical comedy. Apparently they didn`t see anything involving C-3PO, R2-D2, or the tossing the head scene in the first two films.
They complain they reused the Tatooine and Dagobah settings from the first two films, even though The Empire Strikes Back set up that they would go to Tatooine and Luke would meet Yoda again. They also claim the forest of Endor is uninteresting, even though it`s filled with giant trees, just remarking, “So that`s what a tree looks like.” Well you could also say about Hoth, “So that is what snow looks like.” A desert being more interesting than a large forest is largely dependent upon your point of view, (whether you live in Egypt or North Canada), it is a very subjective complaint.
They complain the Ewoks traps are improbable, as apparently they are too precise. Even though they often used vines to swing against the Storm Troopers, took over a Walker, they simply rolled tree trunks in front of a Walker. They only used really precise ones, where Strom Troopers are on a glider hitting a rope, which they also had done in Captain America. This is an often used trick: Two tree trunks hitting a walker simultaneously. This is done in real life. The Two Towers also had the march of the Ents. Again, this reflects environment based warfare. Germans defeated the Romans this way in the disaster of the Teutoburg forest and the Parthians beat the Romans and Seleucids, even the Maccabees defeated the Seleucids like that.
People have complained Solo was apparently too goodhearted, even though he experienced an arc in the first two films. Tony Stark grows in the Iron Man films as did Riggs in Lethal Weapon. He stills act possessive over the Falcon, bargains with Jabba, is rude towards him when offered the chance to beg for mercy. He’s also stylish when luring the Storm Troopers out. Han as always is just a joy to watch. He is strong-willed, saves his friends, does act skeptical at parts, even with Leia, but does become strong and accepts everyone as part of his family. They and others also say that Harrison Ford look bored, when really he just acts more seasoned and kinder. He still acted very intense when meeting Chewie again and was really witty and authentic when he told Chewie to fly casually and Luke to relax. Chewbacca is the same loyal companion that helps out with everything.
They also claim the movie offers no new great music, in spite of the really emotional theme when Luke fights Vader, the dark throne room theme, the sad music when Yoda dies, the epic space and Endor battle music, and the dramatic music when Vader dies. In fact with Luke redeeming his father but him still dying, how is this film too light? Also, with the cremation scene, they really did give it weight. The music was just creative. The original sounds are there again, like the opening sequence, the fight music, the love moments between Leia and Han, and even some new tunes which really made this film a treat. Also, back to the locales. We also saw a lot of new parts of Tatooine, with the creepy dungeons, the monsters, the sale barge, and the throne room was a much creepier environment also. We finally return to Tatooine after a long time, and it looks just the same as before. However, we see a part that we didn't get to see, and that was Jabba's fortress, which looked great.
They claim C-3PO was bearable in A New Hope as he and R2 had an important role in the plot, when really only R2 did. They say he was annoying in The Empire Strikes Back, but we could sympathize with the humans who were stuck with him; even though they give no reason why he stayed on Hoth so long, but that in Return of the Jedi is along by choice. Yeah, maybe because he is still a friend, and you don`t just dump your friends because they are annoying. Should they have just written him out? People crucify Alien 3 and X Men: The Last Stand for doing such things. The whole point of the trilogy is that they become nicer, more selfless people and grow as friends. C-3PO becomes serious, still has the jokey side of him, but does do his part completely with the Ewoks, as they can speak their language. R2-D2 is a strong companion and really helps out a lot with everything that he does, like giving Luke the saber, helping him fly to his destinations, etc.
They complain Obi-Wan appears more visibly then in the first two films. In A New Hope, he only appeared as a voice. It was in The Empire Strikes Back that he could partially be seen. This is because Luke’s connection with him and the force grows stronger so obviously, when he felt lost and really needed Obi-Wan, he appeared more clearly.
They complained the conversation ties up too many loose ends at once, even though that was essential at this point. Also, they complain Mark Hamill doesn`t have the dignity to play a wise Jedi master, even though he acts very calm, spiritual and courageous when dealing with Jabba and when talking with Vader. Now, he also walks and moves in a more stealthy way, and also showed real strength when deciding to surrender to Vader. He really showed his confliction, and they whine about his haircut. These Padawans still must learn to stop whining. Luke is now fully grown, doesn't complain, and now faces his fears and gains the meaning of being a Jedi. After being taught a little by Obi-Wan, some by Yoda and even somewhat from Vader to join him, I thought really completed his arc into becoming a Jedi.
They also complain about the twist of Leia being Luke’s sister. Now many people say there are intimately charged scenes between them in the first two films. Some even infer a love triangle. Also, Luke calls her beautiful in A New Hope and she kisses him. She only does this on the cheek, and there is no tension or excitement. It comes off more as the familiar brother and sister love. Luke reacts slightly jealous when Han asks if she`d be in to him, but he mostly just ignores their romance. They are far too comfortable around each other and Leia already showed force potential withstanding torture, and they admit themselves. Yoda said there was another Skywalker. She kisses him on the mouth in Empire Strikes Back, but that was to make Han jealous, which she wouldn`t do so casually if she really had feelings for him. The emotional connection at the end of the film again seemed like that of a brother and sister, as they just hug. People also complain Leia said deep down she always knew, but she meant subconsciously. Also, they complain that the force guided guesses were creepy but that showed their deep connection. Leia is now a very strong female lead. She gains all the respect from the Ewoks, they worship her like a queen, they acquiesce to everything she says, and she learns about Luke and finally admits everything to Han.
Also, they call the exposition horrible, but Han Solo’s carbonite remark just indicated he hadn`t been unfrozen and C-3PO told the Ewoks the saga in their language as part of a joke.
Then they complain Jabba isn`t scary. What, because he is a Muppet? Now, Yoda was a Muppet and Vader wore a suit, but apparently Muppets can only be wise mentors, even though Jabba is drunk, corrupt, powerful, sadistic, authentic, and intense. Also, his body is so detailed, organic and moist and the complaint about Jabba’s eyelids looking unreal is just nonsense. Jabba the Hutt was very dastardly, mean, and gross. Larry Ward, who voiced Jabba, really sounded gross, which is what Jabba is. Even though his part wasn't utilized in here as much, he felt necessary to the plot, since we didn't see him before in the original version of A New Hope, but was only added in the Special Editions, which I will admit I have never seen.
They complain about very small coincidences in a science fantasy movie. Yeah, whatever! They complain that Boba Fett`s (Jeremy Bulloch) death was stupid. Now, his defeat by Han Solo was, but it`s cool he got to fight Luke, and it is weird they expected his role to be expanded, as he was so minor in Empire Strikes Back. Other nitpickers complain they did expand his role in Attack of the Clones, and they expected an awesome escape by a frozen Han Solo. Oh, I thought Empire Strikes Back set up Luke was going to save him.
They also complain about bad effects, which is real nitpicking as many are amazing. The first two had some outdated effects also. Look at the speeder chase, the sail barge fight, the Emperors lighting and the light at the carbon unfreezing is part of such an unfreezing process. They complain the explosion on Endor was unrealistically large. Really, have they ever seen any action film? Endor reminded everyone of a forest. That part was really exciting. The world just looked fascinatingly creative, and everything about it was just beautiful to see. The worlds, as always, look great.
They complain Han and Leia act more openly romantic, which is part of growing closer and being more open. Another is Han throws a hissy fit. Really, did they see the first two films? They also claim it isn`t adult. Really, do they really think constant bickering and sarcasm represents maturity? That`s a male virgins vision of love, based on cheap subpar guy films.
They complain about Carrie Fisher’s acting, even though she played the conflicted sad scenes between her, Luke and Han really well. Carrie Fisher has always had something flamboyant.
They complain it`s a missed opportunity Lando didn`t die, even though this film is again supposed to recapture some of the happiness of A New Hope in the assault on the Death Star. At this point, why aren`t Alien 3, Spiderman 3, X-Men: The Last Stand and Blade Trinity acclaimed masterpieces?
They complain Yoda is too cute in this. Well he might be more sentimental to Luke, AS HE IS DYING. Also, they complain he looks and sound different. HE IS FLIPPING DYING. Yoda is wiser in here than in Empire Strikes Back, but it was sad that he died. However, he was 900 years old and he really completed everything that he needed to do around the time that we did see him.
I have to say that the rest of the film did not disappoint. Having Luke go back to complete his training shows that he is no longer weak and has now fully come into his own and wants to become a Jedi. However, Yoda dying was sad, but Obi-Wan coming in to explain what he really meant when he said that Vader killed Luke's dad and revealing that Leia is his sister, I thought was a nice tie up to the suspense that we all were feeling at the end of Empire Strikes Back.
They complain the opening scroll is the low key, even though once again Empire Strikes Back set up this would start off with the mini-adventure of Luke saving Han. Did they ever watch the first two films?
They complain a single X-Wing takes out a large Superstar Destroyer, when it crashed into the bridge and the shields were down! Let`s move on. Every fight sequence, like I had mentioned before, was just great. The speeder chases, the space fights, the light saber duels, killing Jabba's men, everything in this movie was exhilarating, adrenaline-rushed, edge of your seat excitement.
They complain that the Jedi afterlife is like Catholicism, where you can always have forgiveness. Well, what a way to be anti-Catholic, but yeah, it is, in part, based on the Christian religion. Star Wars was always optimistic and ultraistic so yeah. He looks better. He had bad luck enough getting disfigured, and now we have seen the Prequels. He was a slave, lost his mom and wife, was burdened with immense power and lost Qui Gon.
They complain Prowse isn`t the unmasked Vader and Sebastian Shaw is. Well, they often use multiple actors for one part in movies. Also, they complain Luke says nothing while Yoda is dying, even though he says, “Master Yoda, you can`t die” and Yoda rebukes him. Yoda was giving him his important last lessons and telling him about Vader.
They say there would be bickering at the rebel meeting. When? They say there was a medical droid. Well, as all the rebels took part, all were invited. Luke breaks up the meeting, which broke up anyways. Look at Leia’s speech in Empire Strikes Back.
They call Vader saying Luke completed his training. This is dumb because asking if putting together some electronics makes one a Jedi, not realizing it is the making of a knight’s sword. They complain that Yoda repeats basic force lessons to Luke that were repeated plenty of times in Empire Strikes Back. Any Eastern master will tell you repeating the basic is crucial. Just ask reviewreviewer1’s dad, who is trained in kendo and hapkido. Darth Vader isn't really as evil as the first two, which is evident since Luke and him have grown close to one another, but he is still obedient to the Emperor. However, when he turns good at the end, I thought was just great. It came out of nowhere, but Vader did help Luke finally bring balance to the Force, and peace is restored.
The last moments of the film really got me into it. I will never forget that fight scene in space where all the space fighters come in to destroy the Death Star, Luke facing Vader and Vader throwing the Emperor out of the Death Star. Those scenes still linger in my memory as I think about it to this very day. As a child, I was blown away and perfectly accept this as one of the best films ever made.
They complain Lando constantly overrides Ackbar’s (Timothy M. Rose) orders, even though arguments between generals often happen. About the funny name of his fish race that isn`t even in the film: there are more of his species in the alliance then colored people, even though that is a race not a species. There were no colored people at all in the first film, but I guess that is ok, as long as there are no aliens or something like that, the hierarchy of minorities.
They complain the secret backdoor at the shield generator was a weak resolution, even though “IT WAS A TRAP.”
They complain R2-D2 made frightened sounds, which he did on Tatooine in A New Hope as well. He is brave but not fearless.
They complain about The Wizard of Oz homage with Yoda dying, even though the film series homages plenty of films, which I mentioned in my “A New Hope” review. They claim far less people noticed it with the first two films, which is again subjective, as many more simply saw Oz.
People also complain Vader and Luke talk more civilly, even though their relationship grew. The Emperor would be a cackling idiot, even though he is power-hungry, a great planner, manipulative, sadistic, authentic, menacing, creepy and simply over the top, like the Joker or Voldemort, who his character clearly inspired. The Emperor was worse than Vader. He has the entire Sith fleet at his fingertips that they have no choice but to follow him. He was so dastardly and cold, that Vader could not stand him hurting Luke, since remember, family always comes first. Ian McDiarmid was just perfect for this role. He really embodies the evil side of the Emperor down just perfect; that he is up there with Vader as one of the best villains we have ever seen portrayed.
Of course, the story was just perfectly well ended. Everyone’s arc was completed, peace is restored, they reunite at the end, become a family, and Luke is happy to see Obi-Wan, Yoda, and his father (played in the original version by Sebastian Shaw (who is also a character in X-Men: The First Class) as the unmasked Vader and the ghost, but replaced by Hayden Christensen in the 2004 DVD release) back watching over him, knowing that he is never alone. Balance is restored to the Force, the government is now a democracy again, and peace has finally returned to the nation after the Sith has fallen. In the end, I say the characters are all perfectly completed.
So yeah, this film is really underrated. Don`t listen to the haters, it is actually the best film of the original trilogy and one of the best films ever made. Return of the Jedi is my personal favorite in the entire series, and it definitely deserves a 10+.
We are halfway home now, but look out tomorrow for reviewreviewer1 and I will be making long posts defending the Prequels, which aren’t as bad as everyone says they are, but are actually amazing films that everyone should look it. Stay tuned tomorrow to find out what we mean. In the meantime, check out reviewreviewer1’s YouTube channel.
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