Pop Culture Movies and More: Star Wars: Episode VI

After a daring rescue of Han Solo from the clutches of Jabba the Hutt on Tatooine, the rebel alliance moves to the forest moon of Endor to attack the Empire's new satellite battle station. Han leads a ground force against a shield generator protecting the Death Star so that when deactivated, Lando and the rebel fleet can destroy the planet-killing weapon. Luke Skywalker meanwhile, surrenders to Darth Vader and is taken to the Death Star before Vader's Master, Emperor Palpatine, who hopes to corrupt young Skywalker to the dark side. From battles on the ground, in space and the clashing of lightsabers, this battle will determine the galaxy's fate in the hands of the Empire or peace and freedom. This is the final film in the original trilogy and it's another great one at that. This is a climactic finish to an amazing trilogy and still delivers that incredible 80's sci-fi vibe that I love so much. We get to see some explosive action and battles too, from the space battle above the forest moon and also the battle on the ground with the rebels alongside the aid of the cute (but fierce) teddy bear like Ewoks, who take on the Empire to free their planet. The Ewoks were so popular that they got two TV-made movies in the form of, Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure (1984) and Ewoks: The Battle for Endor (1985). The confrontation between Vader and Luke on the second Death Star is also so iconic and memorable with some heart-stopping moments that have you on the edge of your seat. The entire cast is extremely enjoyable, as always, with some superb interactions, heartfelt moments, comedic witty lines and engaging performances making this film so fun and emotional. Each character shares some development as they battle against the Empire, which furthered their stories. I loved how the story began with rescuing Han from Jabba where we get a fun break-out mission with a fight against the stop-motion monster, the Rancor and a fight above the Sarlacc Pit on Jabba's sail barge. Going on from there, the rebel mission on Endor is equally fantastic with some exceptional action, even a huge space battle. Once again, George Lucas didn't direct this feature however, like Star Wars: Episode V - Empire Strikes Back (1980), he wrote the story, script and produced this magnificent instalment. He has made such an impactful series of films and created one of the most beloved franchises ever and it was all from his vision. I have to thank him so much for creating my favourite universe and all that came later from this. John Williams' music continues to make Star Wars what it is and without his work, these films wouldn't be the same. The final song, 'Ewok Victory Celebration' is my favourite from this movie mainly because it is so happy and uplifting, always managing to bring a smile to my face and a tear to my eye every time I hear it. During the film, the Emperor tries to turn Luke over to the dark side of the Force and become his new apprentice, as he did Vader, pinning them against one another for his amusement is sure to have viewers watching with bated breath. Their rematch is a phenomenal sequence that has some beautiful imagery, with a magical score to match it. This film manages to evoke all emotions throughout and is a satisfying conclusion to this trilogy. I love this movie alongside 4 and 5. The whole of this trilogy is just so nostalgic for me and I have nothing but love and respect for them. Star Wars was a big part of my childhood. Without this film and the two before it, none of the later movies or series of this franchise would have come to be. For that, they will hold a very special place in my heart. Not only is this a fabulous Star Wars movie, but also an iconic 80s movie and sci-fi classic. Truly one of the highlights of the decade! Overall, Return of the Jedi is definitely a worthy end to an extraordinary trilogy that has brought such wonder to millions of people over the decades and will no doubt continue to do so for years to come. This concludes my review of the original trilogy with many more still on the way with the prequels, with the first in the trilogy being: Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999). As always, may the force be with you.