A fitting end to the original trilogy

Rating: 8/10 (26 March 2009)

After "The Empire Strikes Back" Lucas & company concluded the "Star Wars" saga with "Return of the Jedi". The film picks up where the last one left off, with the gang descending upon Jabba the Hutt's palace to rescue Han. Of course, there's also the Empire to contend with, including Luke's father, Darth Vader.
The cast is virtually unchanged from the previous film and the characters had been quite refined by this point. Lawrence Kasdan, the screenwriter for "The Empire Strikes Back", returns here and brings Lucas's story to life with more of the same energy and humour. While some may consider the Ewoks to be a little too kiddie-oriented I don't see them as being particularly out of place.
Richard Marquand took over the directing duties this time around and turned in a workmanlike effort that's not particularly worth remarking upon. Once again the special effects won a special achievement award from the Academy. Obviously, the effects are no longer as impressive as they once were but they haven't aged badly either.
John Williams provided the score once again and was again rewarded with an Oscar nomination. Also, like its predecessors, the film features Oscar-nominated sound courtesy of Ben Burtt and his crew.
In the end, the film provides a satisfying conclusion to the "Star Wars" saga. However, for most people it's their least favourite of the trilogy and I'm inclined to agree. Nevertheless, the film does contain elements that strengthen the quality of the trilogy when viewed as a whole.
By the way, I strongly recommend that you watch the original version instead of the 1997 or 2004 'Special Editions'. Casual fans may not care much but those who grew up with the films may find some of Lucas's 'improvements' questionable, to say the least.