An Entertaining But Slightly Disappointing End to the Franchise

Rating: 7/10 (19 April 2020)

ROTJ is the is the final movie in the original trilogy. Personally, I consider this one to be the weakest in the trilogy, but that does not mean it is a bad film. Bear in mind that the previous two movies in the trilogy are both considered to be the best in all of Star Wars. To top them would be quite a feat, and this movie does not quite manage do it.
The subplot focusing on Luke and Vader is the most interesting aspect of the film. Vader return to the light and the inner conflict that he has both are executed beautifully. Luke's stubborn belief in his father and his struggle against the dark side are also done really well by Mark Hamill, who's performance in this film is the best in the OT. Also, Emperor Palpatine is just a perfect villain and is really fun to watch.
However, the rest of the film is not so interesting. Jabba the Hutt's subplot takes up too much space and could have been cut down. The movie takes a complete halt once the gang get trapped by Ewoks. the Ewoks really drag the pacing down of this film. I think the movie would have been a lot more enjoyable if they had just made it a bit shorter.
The third act is fun when it focuses on Luke and Vader. However, the other two subplots are not as interesting. The Ewoks defeating the stormtroopers through primitive weapons does not give the sense of an epic battle that a film like this should have. The rebellion fighters trying to destroy the death star feels very similar to the third act of A New Hope, except without the emotional resonance. When two thirds of your third act are quite dull, it somewhat lessens the impact of the film. That being said, I really do enjoy the celebration at the end of the film, with Vader's burning body and everyone embracing each other.