Return of the Jedi (1983)

After a daring mission to rescue Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt, the rebels dispatch to Endor to destroy a more powerful Death Star. Meanwhile, Luke struggles to help Vader back from the dark side without falling into the Emperor's trap.

Entertaining conclusion of the Star Wars trilogy is more of the same (exciting action, some humour, great special effects, simple story).

Halliwell*: "More expensive fantasy for the world's children of all ages, especially the undemanding ones."

Maltin***1/2: "Third installment in the STARS WARS saga is a sheer delight...Some routine performances are compensated for by ingenious new characters and Oscar-winning special effects. More sentimental and episodic than its predecessors, but carried out in the best tradition of Saturday matinee serials, from which it draws its inspiration."

The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

After the rebels are brutally overpowered by the Empire on the ice planet Hoth, Luke Skywalker begins Jedi training with Yoda, while his friends are pursued by Darth Vader.

Second installation of the series has all the production quality one expects, but despite all innovative specials effects this remains an old-fashioned sci-fi swashbuckler, still as dated as on the day it was released.

On rewatching:  maybe a bit more entertaining than the first part, since it has more hrills - and humour.

Halliwell***: "More exhilarating interplanetary adventures, as mindless as Star Wars but just as enjoyable for aficionados."

Maltin***: "Smashing sequel to STAR WARS manages to top the original in its embellishment of leading characters' personalities, truly dazzling special effects...and nonstop spirit of adventure and excitement."

Star Wars (1977)

Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle-station while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader.

The legendary very first movie of the Star Wars series has always been a silly, but quite effective space opera.

On re-watching: Entertaining sci-fi epic that offered spectacular special effects for its time successfully recreates the excitement and fun of the early space opera serials - and on the same intellectual level.

Halliwell****: "Flash Gordon rides again, but with timing so impeccably right that the movie became a phenomenon and one of the top grossers of all time. Good harmless fun, put together with style and imagination."

Maltin***1/2: "Elaborate, imaginative update of Flash Gordon...It's a hip homage to B-movie ethics and heroism in the space age..."

Murder by Death (1976)

 

 

Five famous literary detective characters and their sidekicks are invited to a bizarre mansion to solve an even stranger mystery. 

 

Likable crime mystery spoof with some occasional good jokes; somehow the motley star cast make it happen. 

Halliwell*: "Sometimes thin but generally likable spoof of a longstanding genre; the stars seize their opportunities avidly, and the film does not outstay its welcome."

Maltin***: "...enjoyable all-star comedy..."

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

On the set: David Lean and Alec Guinness

Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

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

Second installation of the series has all the production quality one expects, but despite all innovative specials effects this remains an old-fashioned sci-fi swashbuckler, still as dated as on the day it was released.

Halliwell***: "More exhilarating interplanetary adventures, as mindless as Star Wars but as just as enjoyable for aficiandos."

Maltin****: "Smashing sequel to STAR WARS manages to top the original in its embellishment of leading characters' personalities, truly dazzling special effects...and nonstop spirit of adventure and excitement."