The Empire crumbles..., for now...

Rating: 10/10 (20 July 2017)

Chronologically Return of the Jedi was meant to be the last we saw of Star Wars, until Disney poked their nose that is.
All the loose ties were resolved and the story reached its inevitable climax, Darth Vader redeemed himself and the Empire is no more.
Many people slate this installment labeling it the weakest in the saga, but if that is true and Return of the Jedi is the weakest, then that simply illustrates the overall quality of Star Wars, it is still a world class film.
If Empire Strikes Back was a dark and gritty film, then Return of the Jedi is the polar opposite, it is more palatable and aimed more at a younger audience, Ewoks anyone?
The first portion of the film, taking place back on Tatooine, is well worked, staving off the main focus momentarily to indulge in the disgusting world of slug-like Jabba the Hutt, yes there is a reason woven into the main story for this, our heroes have to regroup and save Han Solo from his imprisonment encased in carbonite. The whole first act is a slow burner, hooking the audience before the second portion of the film begins.
During a brief visit to the swamp world of Dagobah, Luke witnesses his little green mentor, Yoda, die, but not before a huge revelation is made, that he in fact has a sister (wonder who that could be huh?)
The second portion of the film is then staged, our heroes alongside the Rebellion hatch a master plan to take down the new Death Star and cripple the Empire for good. But of course it's not that easy, hiccups along the way there are but alas somehow the Rebellion pulls it off, the second Death Star is destroyed, the Empire is indeed mortally crippled..., but that isn't the biggest story.
Luke confronts his father one last time in the presence of the Emperor, mortally wounded and inches away from certain death, Luke calls out to his father, grasping tightly at any goodness that may be left in the half-man half-robot, just as you think it's all over, Vader rises up and throws the Emperor to his death, fatally wounding himself in the process.
The cycle is complete, the former Anakin Skywalker has come good and redeemed himself, dying in his sons arms.
Like all three of the original Star Wars films, Return of the Jedi has an ace plot and a very simple story that doesn't take much to understand.
The visual effects are, as should be expected, at a very high standard: Jabba's sail barge, his palace in the desert, the design of the second Death Star, everything is immaculately polished and just looks REAL.
Han and Leia's love cycle is wrapped up at the end, and we wish them a very happy life together (until The Force Awakens came along and completely spoiled it)
A lovely film there by George Lucas, and not even the obligatory tampering and changes he has to make to all his film's could spoil it.
You want a genuine film that can make you smile and fill you with a satisfying sense of nostalgia, well my friend just watch Return of the Jedi.