Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi (1983) Dir: Richard Marquand
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This final film in the iconic original trilogy is often coined as the worst of the three, but honestly, I don't think we should be so hasty in that assessment. Yes, it gets a bit weird and wacky in parts - and yes I'm referring to the ewoks, but there is so much genuine quality here too that should not be ignored.
There is a pretty strong narrative which links in really smoothly from the prior films, and allows for some intriguing and heartwarming character developments and dialogues. Another factor that goes in this film's favour is its level of fun.
In that sense, it is the best of the original three. I think it's the most genuinely funny and entertaining of any of the Star Wars films, even if the wacky borders on absolute absurdity at points - yes, I still mean the ewoks.
Mark Hamill stars, of course, and, although his performance can't match Episode V, he still gives a decent showing here.
Harrison Ford is another returning figure, and the way he and his character stick out like a sore thumb at times is genuinely hilarious - it shouldn't work, but it does.
Carrie Fisher is superb in the first half of this film, she ultimately plays one of the best characters in the whole saga, it's impossible to imagine anyone else even trying to play that role.
The domineering voice of James Earl Jones and the ever-imposing figure of David Prowse once again unite to create cinema's greatest villain - and rather wonderfully, we see the character get some much appreciated character developments here, delivered phenomenally well by the two men.
Billie Dee Williams was such a fun edition to Episode V, so I'm sure I was never alone in being grateful for his return in VI. His wit and charisma oozes out of him every time he's on screen.
Ian McDiarmid is known for his role in the prequels, but he actually made his debut as the malignant antagonist in this 1983 release. He seems to understand so well how to make his character as sinister as possible.
Finally, I'll mention some noteworthy supporting cast members; Frank Oz as Yoda, Peter Mayhew as the loveable Chewbacca, Kenny Baker and Anthony Daniels as the iconic droid pairing of R2 & 3PO and a teenage Warwick Davis, who made his acting debut in this very film as Wicket.
Overall, my main take away from this film is just how fun it is. It's almost impossible not to have a good time watching this, especially in the second half, where we see the culmination of one of the greatest cinematic trilogies of all time.
Director Richard Marquand may have taken this trilogy into the slightly bizarre, but he also managed to bring an epic story of heroes and villains to a very satisfying and entertaining close.
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