A remarkable ending to such a brilliant franchise.

Rating: 10/10 (2 February 2007)

The Star Wars trilogy is one of those rare feats where all three movies not only form one big plot, but are also each remarkably strong individually. However, Return of the Jedi often gets labelled "the weaker one" in the original film franchise. For the most part, arguments are made that it could've been better: It should've been the Wookies on Kashyyyk, not the Ewoks on Endor; the finale should've have been on the Galactic Capital Coruscant, not a rehashing of the Death Star, etc. It could've been better, but that is saying A LOT, because what we got was terrific in the end.
The epic finale takes place one year after the cliffhanger events of ESB: Luke, Leia and the gang arrive on Tatooine to save Han Solo from the reviled Jabba the Hutt. Meanwhile, the Empire and the Rebellion prepare for an epic battle that will decide the fate of the galaxy, as Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine arrive to see the final construction of the new Death Star.
The film leaves no loose ends, and wraps everything up rather neatly. After two movies of mention and build up, we finally meet Jabba the Hutt, and boy was the wait worth it! The illustrious gangster, that seemed to be the only thing Han Solo worried about, is a slimy, slug like creature who threatens Luke and the gangs very survival. Also, after mention, and a brief holographic cameo, we finally meet the man behind Vader and the Empire: Emperor Palpatine. The definitive embodiment of evil, Palpatine is the only figure Darth Vader answers to, and become the final, ultimate challenge for Luke in his quest to revive the Jedi.
Several things really make this film stand out. Unlike the previous two, which show exuberant, youthful performances by Ford, Fisher and Hamill, the cast seems worn down and tired this time around. While some see this as a detriment, I always viewed it as a sign of how truly serious the peril is for our heroes. The Empire nearly destroyed the rebellion in the previous film, Han Solo was missing, and Luke had just discovered Darth Vader is...well, you know. Such experiences really have hardened our once hopeful protagonists, who have one final chance to defeat the omnipresent enemy, and bring back peace to the galaxy. It really shows great maturity, particularly in Luke, who was a simple, perky farm boy with big dreams when we first met him.
But perhaps the strongest part of the film is the characterization of Darth Vader. For the first time, we really see a tragic, conflicted individual who ultimately comes back from the darkness. A fascinating and fitting ending to one of cinema's most legendary characters.
In all, Return of the Jedi cemented the Star Wars series as one of cinema's greatest feats.