STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI (SPECIAL EDITION)
A film review by Michael Redman
Copyright 1997 Michael Redman
*** (out of ****)
As I have mentioned before, the "Star Wars" trilogy makes much more sense as one work than as three separate films. "Jedi" ends the tale and, taken with the rest, is a part of one of most successful films of all times. By itself, it is something of a weak ending.
When I saw this during its original release, I couldn't help but feel disappointed. By that time, the great god "Merchandising" had reared its ugly head and much of the movie seemed to exist to sell toys. The teddy bear Ewoks would have contributed much more to the mythos with their tribal teamwork versus the technology of the Empire if they weren't so damned cute. But then they wouldn't have sold so many t-shirts.
Some of the problems exist for no reason. One of the strengths of the project has always been the spectacular special effects, yet someone must have been asleep when some of the "Jedi" scenes were executed. The rubber-masked pig-men guards at Jabba's headquarters look like big kids out trick or treating =97 and are just as convincing. The insipid blue elephant creature appears as real as someone waving a stuffed animal back and forth. In an unfortunate decision, the musical number has been extended for the Special Edition and works even more poorly than it did in the original.
The attack on the new Death Star is remarkably similar to the attack on the first one in "Star Wars".
I will also have to admit that I enjoyed the film much more this time than during the eighties. Not having such high hopes, I was able to concentrate on its strengths. Luke has his third (or is it fourth?) father killed and must stand on his own. The character of the Emperor is wonderful and the scenes with him, Vader and Luke are filled with tension.
"Jedi" may be the weak link, but it is still better than 90% of the other stuff out there.
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