Star Wars: Return of the Jedi | Full Movie | Movies Anywhere

Dramatically, Return of the Jedi disappoints. In a sense, the narrative has boxed itself into a corner -- characters introduced and developed in the first two films are unwaveringly established in this one, so that there is no room for them to grow.

The biblical undertones have never been clearer. Nor has the persuasive storytelling talent of George Lucas, who seems to have an unquestionable talent for giving the audience what it wants.

One may carp, gripe, quibble with "Jedi," but Lucasfilm's special effects subsidiary, Industrial Light and Magic, is in a class by itself as creator of screen magic. And when it is good, "Jedi" is peerless escapist fantasy.

Return of the Jedi is a childlike delight. It's the best video game around. And for the professional moviegoers, it is particularly enjoyable to watch every facet of filmmaking at its best.

"Jedi" verges on overkill but fortunately stops short just in the nick of time... Good going, George. You know when it's time to quit.