Luke has come a long way since the first movie. Now he is a smart and tactical Jedi who does not let his anger and frustration get in the way too much. His personal conflict as he is both confronting Vader and himself is incredibly engaging, and it all shows when he shares scenes with his father and the Emperor. Han Solo, another character who has seem to come a long way, has become a noble hero in this film and is all in to helping the Rebellion. His scenes when he is fighting the Stormtroopers are fun and I find myself rooting for him the whole way through. Leia has interesting arc in this film. We find in this movie, without giving anything away, that there is a certain change in Luke and Leia's relationship as it gives her something to get used to coping with. This also allows the audience to learn so much more about her that can be explored and looked into. Yoda appears briefly in the film, but his scenes are still mesmerizing to watch and he continues to be that wise and philosophical teacher that I love. Darth Vader has an arc surprisingly similar to look, as with Luke is confronting with the Dark Side personally, Vader seems to be confronting with his good side personally. It just adds to the deep conflict and contrast the two characters seem to have. But a new character almost entirely steals the show, and that is the evil Emperor. I just love how sinister, diabolical, and conniving he is. He loves to show off just how evil he is, and I adore the way he loves to mess with people's minds, even sometimes making his enemies think they have the upper hand over him. For example, like how he tempts Luke to strike him down with his lightsaber because he himself is defenseless and unarmed. That is a guy who know his business, and knows he can ruin anyone at anytime. He doesn't even need to move an inch. He proves to be an awesome villain, and Ian McDiarmid as always does an excellent job in portraying him. In some ways these characters have changed, and in some ways they have not, but in a very good way. I just love watching them!
Return of the Jedi proves that these film's effects just get better and better. Though they were impressive in The Empire Strikes Back, small momemts proved to be obvious that some of it was just effects. Here they incredibly hold up and like the last movie, they make the world of Star Wars seem a whole lot more real. This is greatly shown in the a lot of the action scenes. The scene in which Luke is fighting the monstrous Rancor in Jabba's palace is immense and thrilling. The battle around the Sarlacc pit and on Jabba's lift is a whole lot of fun. The final space battle in which the Rebellion fleet is trying to destroy the second Death Star is epic and grand. The stakes have never been higher and the effects give these scenes a whole lot of weight and scope.
The story feels like a more than satisfying conclusion to this trilogy. Though there is a beginning detour with the team rescuing Han, there is still a lot of fun scenes like Rancor and Sarlacc pit. Plus, Jabba is a marvel to watch, his size, effects, and of course his character all around. But the real focus is our heroes' final attempt to defeat the Empire once and for all. These climatic scenes like the battle in the forest and above in space are heroic, grand, and a whole lot of fun. Of course let us not forget the confrontation between Luke, Darth Vader, and the Emperor which is probably one of the best scenes in not just in this movie, or the Star Wars movies, but out of all movies in general. There is so much darkness and conflict present in these scenes. I know a lot of people like to complain about the Ewoks, but I love the symbolism of nature vs technology and innocence vs the most of all evil, especially when it used in this finale.
Because I have foolishly forgot to mention it in the past two reviews, let us not forget about the master himself, John Williams, and the brilliant music he has composed for these movies. The music of Star Wars gives the scenes so much emotion and weight. It gets the audience involved and engaged in all of these scenes. From the opening theme, to the twin suns of Tatooine, to the Imperial March, to Yoda's theme, to the music of the battle scenes, to the Emperor's throne room theme, and even to Cantina music, the score of Star Wars is like a well developed character in of itself.
And this movie of course serves as a great reminder to why myself and others like Star Wars. In fact, that is a great question isn't it? Out of all the movies that exist, why is the Star Wars ones so beloved. Why is it the most popular and liked movie franchise of all time. What draws people to this world? Why do people go so nuts for it, to the point people are camping out just to see when a new movie comes out. Then I asked myself why I loved Star Wars, why do I have a connection with it? I love Star Wars because to me it is the ultimate fanatsy. Not just in genre but it is the kind of world that is so creative and engaging that I actually want to live in it. I want to interact with this world and its characters that seem so real because of not only the writing, but the portrayal of them. What could have been just a basic good versus evil story, is more than what I think people expected it to be and probably what it was intended to be. People love remembering and coming back to this world. It is an inventive and fantastical world that presents iconic characters, settings, and ideals. Whenever you ask a Star Wars fan what there occupation would be in that world, most people would say Jedi, Rebellion fighter, smuggler, bounty hunter, or even an Imperial officer. Why? Because this world is real to them, and all aspects of it are just as marvelous as we see it. Star Wars isn't just a series of sci-f fantasy movies, it is a cultural phenomenon that presents audiences around the world a fantastic story, fantastic characters, fantastic themes, and a fantastic world taking place a long time ago in a galaxy, far, far away. Until Tbe Force Awakens, see ya next time, and may the Force be with all of you.
GRADE: E
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