Although Star Wars is one of, if not the most popular movie franchises in the world, most of the individual movies themselves are quite divisive.
Almost all of the series theatrical releases have received at least modestly positive reviews from critics, but only the first two entries are unanimously acclaimed among the majority of the audience, with different factions of viewers frequently noting what they see as significant flaws with one or more of the later installments.
Collectively, the series Original Trilogy is by far the most popular subset of the group, but individually, the third entry, 1983sStar Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi, is subject to more skepticism, with some viewers having placed itbelow some of the more recent films in rankings.
Custom Image by Zanda Rice
That said, the film also has plenty of supporters who view it as being of similar quality to even its lauded predecessors.
Franchise starMark Hamillcontributed to the everlasting debate about the films quality by describing his own less than enthusiastic initial reaction to its script.
While part of Hamills statement echoes a common complaint about the film,his skepticism of the portrayal of his character, Jedi Luke Skywalker, is noteworthy given that Lukes role is generally cited as a highlight of the filmeven in less favorable appraisals, with strong material leading to arguably Hamills best performance in the role.
Image via 20th Century Fox
Even Mark Hamill Questioned the Creation of Star Wars' Ewoks
During the Mark Hamill Live panel at Fan Expo Chicago,as shown in a TikTok, the actor described how the script forReturn of the Jedididnt meet his expectations following the dark ending of the previous film,Episode V The Empire Strikes Back, saying:
“I read the third one.
I, sort of, was thinking that the plot would be- because Luke lost a hand, he has a black glove, hes now dressed in black, and, as we all know, villains dressed in black.
Its a rule.
So I thought the third one would [show] Luke struggling to decide between the light and the dark, and I was reading it and thinking Ewoks?!'”
The end of his comment refers to the teddy bear-like aliens that help Lukes Rebel Alliance unit in their mission to sabotage the second Death Star during the films finale.The Ewoks are arguably the most divisive aspect of the film, with detractors saying that their scenes are frivolous and their success in fighting the evil military forces of the Galactic Empire is unbelievable, while others feel that their comedic cuteness is fitting for the mostly family friendly franchise and their underdog qualities make them natural allies for the similarly scrappy Rebels.
Luke’s ‘Return of the Jedi’ Arc Is Better Than Hamill Initially Thought
Not a lightsaber in sight.
After rescuing Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt, the Rebels attempt to destroy the second Death Star, while Luke struggles to help Darth Vader back from the dark side.
Lukes introduction into the film, which comes as part of a mission to rescue his friendHan Solo(Harrison Ford) from crime lord Jabba the Hutt (Toby Philpott, Mike Edmunds, David Barclay, and Larry Ward) in particular, highlights a newfound ruthlessness in the usually heroic character.
During the mission he offers to trade his beloved droids to Jabba (though this admittedly seems to be a ploy),repeatedly threatens Jabbas life, and, perhaps most tellingly, uses the Force to choke a pair of guards the same way Anakin famously did to his subordinates in the previous films (although Luke stops short of killing the guards, which Anakin didnt always do).
Although this is all arguably justified in the name of rescuing Han, and Jabba and company are themselves vile criminals, it does seem to go against Yodas (Frank Oz) teachings fromEpisode V, in which he noted that A Jedi uses the Force for knowledge and defense.
Never for attack.
During Lukes confrontation with Anakin and his Sith masterSheev Palpatine/Darth Sidious(Ian McDiarmid),his good intentions again put him in danger of turning to the Dark Side.
Although initially refusing to fight Anakin as part of his effort to turn him back to the Light Side, Luke eventually does take up his lightsaber against his father when Palpatine reveals that he has manipulated the Rebels into launching their current attack so he can kill them all.
Luke becomes even more enraged when Anakin threatens his twin sister, Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher), relentlessly attacking his father until he seems to be within seconds of killing him, before looking at his own robotic hand and noticing how similar hes becoming to the cyborg Anakin and stopping himself.
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After rescuing Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt, the Rebels attempt to destroy the second Death Star, while Luke struggles to help Darth Vader back from the dark side.
Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jediis available to watch on Disney+ in the U.S.
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