Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi Review: A Crowd-Pleasing Conclusion

Noah Miller
MoviesSci-FiAdventureAction
Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983)

8.5/10 — Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983)

Pros

  • Great Emperor duel
  • Fun opening act
  • Williams's score

Cons

  • Cutesy Ewoks
  • Repeats the Death Star plot

Luke, Leia and Han rescue Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt and then join the Rebel assault on a second Death Star as Luke confronts Darth Vader and the Emperor. Richard Marquand directs.

What works

The Jabba’s palace opening and the speeder bike chase are great fun, and the climax, with the Emperor tempting Luke while the space battle rages, is thrilling. Ian McDiarmid is wickedly good, and Williams’s score is excellent.

Where it falters

The Ewoks are cutesy and the second Death Star repeats the original’s plan. The ending’s celebration has been altered by later edits.

Verdict

A fun, satisfying end to the trilogy, though not quite the equal of Empire.

Noah MillerBy Noah Miller