Ridiculous

Rating: 4/10 (9 August 2003)

Even when I saw it in the theaters as a kid, I thought this was a bit silly. Sappy stuff with the Ewoks, overlong, new creatures not that fantastical (Jabba), an emphasis on the chase scene over the dramatic thrust, a bit of self-importance, and a touch of weariness - the actors look tired and bored, as if publicly greating each other is the way to get audience cheers. Carrie Fisher really needs to quit smoking - sounds like they have too many Marlboros on that planet. Mark Hammill is starting to look, well, not-so-good. Not bad overall, but a clear sign of decline - not as precipitous as the next installment, but the first crack in the Jedi's armor.