Favourite Parts Of The Return Of The Jedi

[matrixman]

For me, it's telling that I can immediately think of many inspiring scenes from A New Hope and Empire. Yet when it comes to Jedi, only a few great scenes stand out in my mind amid the movie's almost relentless blandness. Fortunately, these few great scenes are among the most exciting Star Wars moments ever, IMHO:

-The Sail Barge Battle

I remember the edge-of-my-seat suspense I felt the first time I saw Luke do his gangplank walk. And you know what? It's still a thrilling moment. Everybody is in their place, it's all up to Luke...then he jumps, and all hell breaks loose! The instant Luke ignites his lightsaber, one of the best executed Star Wars skirmishes ensues. The sheer excitement of the struggle almost makes you forgive Boba Fett's lame demise in the Pit of Sarlaac. Almost.

-The Speeder Bike Chase

This is a no-brainer. How can this scene not be exciting? Not even those darned Ewoks can ruin it. Nice moment when Luke stood his ground against the oncoming speeder firing at him. (That Stormtrooper actually had accurate aim?? And he was racing at blinding speed no less!)

-Luke vs. Vader

I agree with TOM C. This is one of the most powerful scenes in the Star Wars saga. It's mesmerizing when Luke explodes in rage and goes berserk on Vader under darkness and shadow, all to the accompaniment of a low, ominous chorus. I can imagine the Dark-side energy that must have radiated from Luke. He probably didn't need his lightsaber to defeat Vader at that point--he could have torn Vader apart with the Force. But I guess in his rage Luke wanted to physically beat the crap out of dear old dad.

-The Final Space Battle

We're so spoiled by today's digital visuals, but back in 1983 I was dropping my jaw over this special effects extravaganza. The now-defunct periodical Universe said of Jedi's space battle:

No space combat before or since has taken such consistent advantage of all three axis of movement. The scenes are exceptionally well choreographed, and it's always clear what's going on. Compare Jedi's battle with the confusing mess of planes and spaceships that zip around aimlessly in the final scenes of Independence Day.

-The Falcon's Run

What an adrenaline rush it is to see the Millenium Falcon racing inside the Death Star! What an even bigger rush to see the fastest hunk o' junk in the galaxy out-race the fire of the exploding core!

[Worm of Despite]

Princess Leia. Bikini. Although, it didn't makeup for Satan's gift to Star Wars, the Ewoks.

[dlbpharmd]

My favorite scene is when Luke is captured and brought to Vader, and the conversation that follows. I know it's a very slow scene but this is when we start to sympathize with Vader.