2. Return of the Jedi (1983))
• Although it's the weaker of the three entries in the
Star Wars episode 4-6 story arc, Return of the Jedi is
still as thoroughly entertaining final chapter as
anyone could have reason to hope for. Lucas
decides to go for more of an emotional feel to the
story, concentrating much more on the
relationships that the middle chapter, The Empire
Strikes Back, set in motion.
3. Return of the Jedi (1983)
As a result, there is a tendency to be a little looser with
the material than the last two films, letting the quieter
moments linger, and injecting a nostalgic feel. Like the
moment when Han looks sadly at the Millennium
Falcon because he senses it will be the last time he will
see it, we too have that sense that the book would
close for these characters and settings we've grown to
know and love over the course of three films. It's a
softer approach, perhaps even a little soggy at times,
but a Star Wars lover's delight through and through.
4. Return of the Jedi (1983)
• This final entry sees the Empire creating a new Death Star,
a feat with such magnitude, even the Emperor himself has
come to oversee the progress. Meanwhile, a rescue
attempt is underway to try to spring Han Solo from his icy
trap in Jabba’s the Hut's lair. Luke has grown in his Jedi
training, but only a confrontation with Darth Vader will
make the transformation complete, and its a showdown
Luke wants to avoid now that familial ties have been
revealed. The Rebellion once again plans to destroy the
Death Star before it becomes functional by eliminating
the force field surrounding it generated by a base on a
nearby planet, but the Emperor isn't a fool, and has a few
surprises up his sleeve.
5. Return of the Jedi (1983)
• For years, I have struggled with some mixed feelings
in regard to Return of the Jedi. While I've always
been content with the film as a whole, there was a
level of annoyance at certain aspects that were
largely absent from the previous two films. Much
of this has to do with a large upswing in the
"cuteness factor," much of which involves the
introduction of the "Ewoks," the cute furry
creatures that inhabit the planet containing the
generator for the Death Star's force shield.
6. Return of the Jedi (1983)
• For years, I had wanted to drop kick every single
one of these Care Bear look-alikes, somewhat
offended that such an already lucrative franchise
would need to stoop even lower to gain our cash by
having every boy and girl want one of these furry
animals for themselves. As big a Star Wars fan as I
am, I even avoided the spin-off film, The Ewok
Adventure out of disdain.
7. Return of the Jedi (1983)
• I must be softening in my old age, because my
tolerance for the Ewoks and for the schmaltzy
aspects of ROTJ have dissipated over the years.
I credit my own growing nostalgia for this
change of heart, and even though I still wish a
different direction had been taken in certain
moments and scenes, they have grown on me in
time. I may never really want to hug the Ewoks,
but the visions of chasing them down with a
riding lawnmower are mostly gone.
8. Return of the Jedi (1983)
• The film starts off with my least favorite
sequence...the rescue of Han Solo amid a grotesque
version of "The Muppet Show." There's a certain
silliness to these scenes, from the funny costumes,
bad music, and obvious puppetry of most of the
characters. Perhaps the worst aspect of the scenes
is that it lasts about 40 minutes, or roughly a third
of the total running length.
9. Return of the Jedi (1983)
• Once they are off Tatooine, the movie finally beings
to heat up, especially in setting up the father/son
confrontation that results in one of the most
exciting battles in all three Star Wars films. Along
the way, there's some funny bits, especially
involving C-3PO, whom the Ewoks think is a god of
some sort. There's a heavy soap opera aspect to
the proceedings, with Han and Leia's romance and
jealousy, Luke's meeting with Yoda and Obi-Wan
(don't ask, just see the movie!), and lots of
wrangling about Luke's destiny.
10. Return of the Jedi (1983)
• While it isn't always pithy, it works, mostly because
we really do like the characters. Then there's a
completely riveting final half hour, and you know
you are watching big time movie magic.
11. Return of the Jedi (1983)
• Return of the Jedi is not a stand alone film, so viewing
Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back is absolutely
essential. Conversely, viewing this final chapter is
also essential to anyone who has seen them, so think
of the trilogy as a complete story. It may not be the
best of the three, but the chemistry is still as strong
as ever. Whatever flaws it may are easily covered
over by the charm and good cheer the movie
generates, as well as the immense intrigue, making
this a goodbye so satisfying, the most emotional
moment in a film full of them comes when the credits
roll and you know it is finally, sadly, over.
12. THANKS FOR WATCHING !
GROUP 6
PIOTR MARCZYK (POLAND)
DAMIAN STYPA (POLAND)
KONRAD SZOTA (POLAND)
DANIEL JIMENO GREGORIO (SPAIN)
NAOMI GUTIÉRREZ FRÍAS (SPAIN)
VIKTOR (GERMANY)
