Star Wars movie ranking after The Last Jedi

Credit: Lucasfilm; original poster for Return of the Jedi (1983)

4. Star Wars: Episode VI — Return of the Jedi (1983)

Make no mistake, I love Return of the Jedi. As the finale to Lucas’ original trilogy, it couldn’t be a more get up out of your seat and cheer crowd-pleaser. At the same time, it’s also a production clearly influenced by marketing and brand recognition in the wake Star Wars‘ popularity and merchandising deals.  Case in point: the kid-friendly, teddy bear-like Ewoks, who were originally supposed to be Wookies. Or how the main plot involves the Rebel Alliance attempting to blow up another Death Star. In other words, Return of the Jedi plays it too safe.

But Return of the Jedi also has some of the most memorable moments in all the original trilogy. The vile, slug-like, intergalactic crime lord, Jabba the Hutt, is another triumph of practical effects. The escape over the Scarlac Pit is pure swashbuckling excitement, and the speeder bike chase is absolute perfection. And nothing in the Saga has yet topped the three-way battle of Endor in terms of its scope and narrative editing.

On that same note, the scenes in the Emperor’s throne room are sublime. Ian McDiarmid’s first outing as Emperor Palpatine just oozes scene-chewing villainy, while Mark Hamill’s Luke, no longer the wide-eyed, immature farm boy, radiates a zen-like gravitas. James Earl Jones’ voiceover for Darth Vader also gives us a look the tragic figure beneath the breath mask. All of this makes the final duel between Luke and Vader, and it’s aftermath, an emotionally charged, satisfying conclusion for Luke’s heroic journey.

Yes, Return of the Jedi is the weakest chapter of the original trilogy, and, if you know the behind-the-scenes making of the film, you can’t help wonder what it could have been.  But would I change anything about it? Not on your life. Well, except the Ewoks, maybe.