Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi: Review By Josh

Return of the Jedi is the longest of the three original Star Wars films, but it is also the most fast-paced and possibly the most purely exciting. Some people slight the film as the weakest of the original trilogy, which it probably is, but not by much. The element of the film that is most criticized is that of having Ewoks, small furry inhabitants of Endor's moon, banding together to take on the Empire. It is considered unrealistic that such creatures could stand a chance against the Empire's best soldiers. But one has to remember that throughout the films, the focus has been on small people doing big things, that is the nature of the Rebel Alliance. It seems almost ethnocentric to question the Ewoks' intelligence when the film never gives us the impression that they're stupid. For that matter, we are told, on the other hand, that stormtroopers are "weak-minded" (Obi Wan says this in A New Hope). For me, what doesn't work in the film is its more simplistic plot and dialogue that is a little less refined.

What definitely does work in this film, though, is its action. Luke proves in the film's long introduction sequence on Tattoine, that his training as a Jedi has proved him well when he orchestrates a brilliant escape from the clutches of Jabba The Hutt.

Then there's the film's final 45 minutes, a sprawling epic battle in three stages (one that is less successfully but still enjoyably hearkened to in The Phantom Menace), on the ground, in space, and aboard the Death Star, as Luke confronts the Emperor. These scenes look good from a visual standpoint even today. If nothing else, Jedi is the most visually impressive of the three films.

What I like most, though, is the film's depth in exploring the characters it has set up from the start. The theme of dualities is clearly at work here, as the attempt is made to seduce Luke to the Dark Side; he dresses in black in this film in contrast to his white dress of the first film. There are also effective parallels made between Luke and Darth Vader, especially in the choices they have made and how that can affect their destinies. Emperor Palpatine is portrayed brilliantly as evil incarnate, brilliant and sadistic. And in light of episodes 1-3, it has helped to have the same actor (Ian McDiarmid) portray the character across the board, as he is so crucial. It is against this clear notion of evil that Darth Vader's character is measured against. Indeed, Vader may have (especially across all SIX films) the most complete and believable character arc of any villain in film history.

I can't get away without mentioning John Williams' score. As much as it is a part of all of the films, and among the best work of his long career, his work here seems to hammer home every scene, especially in the last half-hour.

Jedi may not be on its own the best Star Wars film, but as a part of the whole it is a dazzling effort.