80s Review - Star Wars Episode VI - Return of the Jedi

Director: Richard Marquand
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Science Fiction/ Fantasy
Runtime: 130 minutes
Year: 1983
Starring: Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Peter Mayhew, Frank Oz, James Earl Jones, David Prowse, Alec Guinness

Description: After a daring mission to rescue Han Solo (Harrison Ford) from Jaba the Hutt, the Rebels dispatch to Endor to destroy the second Death Star. Meanwhile, Luke (Mark Hamill) struggle to help Darth Vader back from the dark side without falling into the Emperor’s trap.

Review: To start off, this is my least favorite of the original three “Star Wars” films, but by no means do I hate this movie. I love anything “Star Wars”.
This was, at the time, the last chapter in the “Star Wars” saga. And it is for most people their least favorite and it’s noticeable not the best in this series. When it comes to the story, the characters and the setting, it’s just as good as the other two. But those Ewoks really bring this film down. And although they look pretty adorable, they are actually a bit creepy and annoying and take all the tempo out of the film.
That final fight between Luke, Darth Vader and the Emperor is really cool and this is what all “Star Wars” fans want. And this fight has many layers, since it’s between a father and son. They are trying to get Luke to join the dark side, but Luke still knows there is something good in his father and he tries to do the opposite. Luke is a Jedi now, he has come a long way since the first film.
“Star Wars Episode VI – Return of the Jedi” is a great end to a wonderful saga, which we all know eventually continued, but it tied all these storylines together and rounded them off. It’s the least of all three, but still a joy to watch.

Rating: 4/ 5

80s Movie Review - Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

Director: Irvin Kerschner
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Science Fiction/ Fantasy
Runtime: 124 minutes
Year: 1980
Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, David Prowse, James Earl Jones, Peter Mayhew, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Frank Oz, Alec Guinness, Jeremy Bulloch, John Hollis, Jack Purvis, Des Webb, Clive Revill

Description: After the rebels have been brutally overpowered by the Empire on their newly established base, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) takes advanced Jedi training with Master Yoda, while his friends are pursued by Darth Vader as part of his plan to capture Luke.

Review: The rebels have found the perfect hiding place on ice planet Hoth. The location is discovered by Darth Vader anyway and he attacks the planet. Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Chewbacca and Princess Leia manage to escape. Luke goes to planet Dagobah to train with master Yoda, to become a Jedi. Han, Chewbacca and Leia go to Han’s friend Lando for help.
The second film in the first “Star Wars” trilogy is probably the most popular one of all and seen as the best film of the franchise. The atmosphere is darker, there is more action and no unnecessary side plots. There is a love story here, between Han and Leia, but it never dominates the story.
It still amazes me, after so many years and so many viewings. This world created by George Lucas. I really wished I came up with all this. “Star Wars Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back” is a fantastic film and a must see. Not just for movie fans, for everyone.

Rating: 5/ 5

Oldies Review - Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope

Director: George Lucas
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Science Fiction/ Fantasy
Runtime: 125 minutes
Year: 1977
Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness, Peter Cushing, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, David Prowse, Kenny Baker, James Earl Jones, Phil Brown, Shelagh Fraser, Jack Purvis, Alex McCrindle, Eddie Byrne

Description: Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) joins forces with a Jedi Knight (Alec Guinness), a cocky pilot (Harrison Ford), a wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle-station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) from the evil Darth Vader.

Review: If you’re young or old, a fan or not. Everyone know the “Star Wars” series. The franchise knows many unique characters and all the great adventures. The first film, “Star Wars Episode IV – A New Hope” is a legendary and timeless science fiction film and the start of what probably is the most popular movie franchise ever.
After Darth Vader intercepts Princes Leia’s spaceship, she asks Jedi knight Obi-Wan Kenobi for help. Together with the young Luke Skywalker and pilot Han Solo, Obi-Wan goes after Leia who is the leader of the rebel alliance.
In 1977 there was no advanced technology, something many film makers use nowadays. George Lucas had his fantasy, imagination and a creative crew. Although you can see that it’s an older film, the visual effects are still stunning.
Although the performances feel somewhat forced, it never bothers you. The interaction between Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher is fun to watch and it adds a lot of humor to the film.
“Star Wars Episode IV – A New Hope” is a joy to watch, every time.

Rating: 5/ 5