Return of the Jedi MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +3 1/2 Content: -1

In this rousing finale to the enhanced Star Wars trilogy, the evil Emperor and his Imperial forces have constructed a huge "Death Star" space station in outer space, and his first priority is to eliminate the rebel forces headed by Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). He lures the Alliance space ships into a trap and intends to destroy them, but his plans are foiled by Luke, Han, Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) and a tribe of furry creatures called Ewoks who inhabit a nearby planet. In a series of ferocious battles, they destroy a heavily guarded power source which provides a protective shield for the space station. This clears the way for the rebel space ships to mount a massive attack on the Death Star. The aerial and ground battles are immensely exciting, and an encounter with a grotesque creature known as Jabba the Hutt and his cohorts provides even more unique adventures. In the final scenes, Darth Vader and the Emperor try to win Luke over to the dark side of The Force, but he steadfastly refuses and clashes fiercely with Vader in a light saber duel. Like the preceding two films, Return of the Jedi is old-fashioned adventure at its best.

Also like the previous episodes, this one features the mystical concept of "The Force." This supernatural power has a good and evil side, and both Luke and Vader are Jedi Knights who make use of it. Luke uses it to levitate objects and to give him strength in battle. In essence, it's portrayed as a mystical deity. Battles rage throughout the episode, as many men are killed and much property destroyed, although no bloody wounds are shown and the violence isn't sadistic. However, some near nudity turns up as Leia is shown in several scenes in a bikini-style outfit. The filmmakers should be given credit for showing good winning out over evil, and Luke convinces Vader to renounce the dark side of The Force before Vader dies. However, Vader comes back as a spirit and appears to Luke. In spite of its commendable elements, Return of the Jedi portrays eastern mysticism and communicating with dead spirits in a favorable manner.

Preview Reviewer: John Evans
Distributor: 20th Century Fox Film Corp., 10201 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036