Return of the Jedi (1983)

In a galaxy not so far from nostalgia, the Born to Watch crew rounds out the trilogy that changed cinema forever with our Return of the Jedi (1983) Review. It’s May the Fourth, and there’s no better time to jump back into the world of Ewoks, green lightsabers, and the worst security system in the galaxy.

This week, Whitey, G-Man, and Damo dissect the final chapter of the original Star Wars trilogy, the movie that gave us a fully-formed Jedi Luke, Jabba the Hutt in all his slobbery glory, and Leia in the most iconic gold bikini of all time. But this isn’t just a victory lap for George Lucas. It’s a breakdown of when blockbuster storytelling meets merchandising mayhem.

From Jabba’s Palace to the forests of Endor, the boys revisit every major beat and plenty of forgotten moments, too. G-Man brings the pop-up book trivia. Damo relives a childhood trauma involving a pirate VHS and missing the first 40 minutes. And Whitey, as always, holds court with the kind of deep lore and dry banter only a man surrounded by Star Wars paraphernalia can muster.

Naturally, there’s love for the spectacle. The speeder bike chase still rips. The throne room showdown between Luke and Vader is the emotional core of the entire saga. The death of the Emperor (before he didn’t die) is satisfying. And the battle on Endor? Say what you want about teddy bears with sticks, but the editing is tight and the score is pure Williams gold.

But it’s not all glowing lightsabers and happy rebel endings. The crew also takes aim at Return of the Jedi’s weaknesses. The overcrowded special edition visuals. The musical abomination that replaced "Yub Nub." The awkward moments that suggest George Lucas might’ve spent a little too long designing action figures.

We then fully evaluate supporting characters, acting chops, and space-worthy athleticism. Mark Hamill's skiff-running form gets roasted. Leia’s suspicious fingernail choices in the bunker get noticed. And the Ewoks? Well, let’s just say there was strong support for showing them feasting on stormtroopers in the final scene.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• The "Salacious Crumbs" rating scale debuts
• The guys debate whether Jedi is a true ending or a corporate compromise
• Han Solo’s charisma vs. the wet sponge that is Hayden Christensen
• Why Luke might be the last Jedi to actually train for the job
• Whether Ewoks are underestimated warriors or just lucky teddy bears

This is Star Wars at peak fandom, part critique, part love letter, and part therapy session for three men who’ve watched this film dozens of times across decades.

From behind-the-scenes changes to Rotten Tomatoes rankings, from the 1983 theatrical experience to the 1997 Special Edition backlash, the Born to Watch crew digs into Return of the Jedi with reverence and razor-sharp commentary. It’s loud, nerdy, and very, very fun.

And yes, Salacious Crumb gets his due.

LISTEN NOW on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your movie fix.

Join the conversation:

• Does Return of the Jedi hold up or sell out?
• Are Ewoks criminally underrated?
• And who’s the real MVP: Luke, Vader… or the green sabre?

Drop us a voicemail at BornToWatch.com.au and join the rebellion.

#BornToWatchPodcast #ReturnOfTheJedi #StarWarsDay #EwokBattle #MayTheFourthBeWithYou #MoviePodcast #JabbaTheHutt #SalaciousCrumb #FinalTrilogy #NostalgiaCinema