Mattlog

Return of the Jedi

I probably haven't sat down and watched, in it's entirety Return of the Jedi, since maybe '99. You know gearing up for Ep I.

So I did today. Why not? I'm off I'm cleaning my house... and what the hell. It's on DVD now. Multiple watchings will not ruin it.

I've always kind of put down this film. I love Jabba and I love the Saber Duel at the end... after all it's what the whole sixology hinges on... but the rest of it kinda bugged me.... Can't say why. I always used to heel it's a bit weaker especially coming off Empire which is a much more emotional and personal film. Empire's all character.

But today was probably the most fun I've had watching the film in a long time. And in watching it today (with the entire back story being told in Eps I and II and in 232 days EP III) this film is so much better. It almost proves Lucas knew what he is doing. Yoda dying is a lot harder to watch. The Empeor is drunk on power. Going on 20 (almost 30 really) years of dark side domineering... his overconfidence in his power and his underlings becomes evident. Luke sees right through it. The Emperor has had this all figured from his political machinations in EP I which brought him to power. (Even if he did underestimate one Padme Amidala.) But Luke's got his number. His love and faith in his father is what saves him and redeems Anikin. By cutting off Vader's hand he realizes the path he's on. And in the most exciting moment of my whole day Luke tosses his lightsabre aside and says... "I'll never turn to the dark side. You've failed, your Highness. I am a Jedi like my father before me."

And then in the scariest read of any line ever Emperor comes back almost spitting "So be it, Jedi."

Lightning..... "And now, Young Skywalker you will die."

By the end I actually found myself excited. I was cheering and clapping. I stopped cleaning at some point during the film, I don't remember where.

Highest props now, more than ever to Jedi. Those final 20 minutes are awesome!

I'd also like to ass my appreciation of fixing the Matte lines on the Rancor monster. That scene actually looks like Luke's there with the monster. I though the Special Edition fix actually made it worse.

And one more thing.... I think Jedi is most like Ep I than any other in the trilogy. It starts off with a docking.... the battle sequence is three battles and there's a apoint where in all three battles things look bleak.... It's interesting. I'm eager to compare the rest with the others.

Jedi. **** stars

And just for fun....

Posted by matty at September 28, 2004 05:08 PM