"Wars not make one great."

Rating: Null/10 (19 June 2003)

The best of the Star Wars films and the most mature. Lucas was greatly aided by the writing of Lawrence Kasdan and the direction of Irvin Kershner. The characters have grown and so has the story. The tone is darker and more exciting; and, even though this has a cliff-hanger ending, the main elements are resolved by the end.
Thankfully, George let other people play in his sandbox this time. Lucas showed great promise in American Graffiti and shepherded Star Wars, but he doesn't have the same ability with actors as he does with the more technical elements. According to Harrison Ford, his direction usually consisted of "faster, and more intense." Kershner is a more seasoned director and was able to draw out the performances from the actors.
Kasdan adds greater depth to the story by introducing a romantic element to Han and Leia's relationship, while bringing Vader to the foreground. Plus, we have the new character of Yoda to dazzle us. Frank Oz is able to bring life to this muppet and delivers one of the best performances; although it was weird hearing Grover's voice in a Star Wars film!
This is the model that Lucas should have followed for the later films, but didn't. As a result, the ending of this trilogy falls flat and the prequels are shallow and unengaging. Maybe if Lucas had ceded more control in the creative process, the results would have been better. Regardless, this film stands as a testament to his and his cast and crew's vision.