A mixed tone of both Star Wars and Empire Strikes back

Rating: Null/10 (9 May 2011)

Once again the cast reunite to bring the ultimate ending to the Star Wars saga. This time rebels must rescue Han Solo and bring to an end the Emperor second Death Star to free the galaxy once and for all. However, will Luke (Mark Hamill) chose to join Darth Vader and become one with the dark side.
With more laser guns, light sabres and spaceships Return of the Jedi has a mixed tone of both Star Wars and Empire Strikes back, which leaves the final instalment less balanced than its predecessors. Cardiff born director Richard Marquand does a good job at handling so many locations, effects, characters and so on. However, and I'm not sure why some effects are not executed well compared to aforementioned instalments. That said, there are multiple setups action scenes, the attack on the Death Star, the battle on Endor and showdown between Vader and Luke.
The scenes involving Mark Hamill and Vader (David Prowse) give weight and emotion to ROTJ but are few and far between. Also the moments on Dagobar with Yoda, faultless Alec Guinness (as Ben 'Obi-Wan' Kenobi) and a revealing scene between Luke and Leia feel hurried.
The make-up is excellent and the score once again is stirring. Both Anthony Daniels C-3PO and Peter Mayhew Chewbacca are given the chance to shine a little more. The supporting cast are solid, Ian McDiarmid is outstanding as the The Emperor and the puppeteers do a fantastic job of bringing the droid and alien-like characters to life.
There are stand out moments notably the speeder chase, and there's atmosphere created especially in Jabba's palace segments and in the stark Death Star scenes. There are humorous one liners within Lawrence Kasdan's dialogue and some family friendly fun courteous of the Ewoks, pint size bear like creatures.
Nevertheless, there's contrast in look and nature to Return of the Jedi that at times makes it feel disjointed, crammed and rushed, as if George Lucas is trying to hastily tie his story up.
Overall, it's great entertainment and everything you'd expect from a sci-fi including laser guns, light sabres and spaceships.