You Rebel Scum... I finally watched Return of the Jedi for the first time! STAR WARS reaction

STAR WARS: Return of the Jedi (1983) – First Time Watching | Movie Reaction & Review
I’m finally completing the Original Trilogy, and today I’m watching Return of the Jedi for the very first time. This is the third film in George Lucas’s landmark franchise, directed by Richard Marquand, starring Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, Ian McDiarmid, and James Earl Jones as the voice of Darth Vader.
This movie was always part of the cultural conversation, but I somehow made it into adulthood without actually seeing the trilogy. Watching these films back-to-back has been a full pop-culture education for me, and Return of the Jedi ended up being my favourite of the three. I found it more fun, more accessible, and surprisingly family-friendly while still wrapping up the Skywalker storyline in a meaningful way.
The practical effects, puppetry, and creature work are a huge part of this film’s personality. Phil Tippett, Stuart Freeborn, and the legendary ILM effects teams helped bring Jabba’s Palace, the Endor creatures, and the final battle to life. (Jim Henson’s company did not work directly on this film, though the influence of his puppet innovations is clearly felt throughout.)
If you’re new to my channel, I watch everything blind and offer my honest reactions, commentary, and review throughout. No spoilers going in, no exaggerated expectations—just a genuine first-time viewer finally stepping into one of cinema’s biggest cultural pillars.
Completing the trilogy also means I now fully understand dozens of references, jokes, and iconic lines I’ve heard my whole life. It’s been a long time coming, but I’m glad I finally brought this story full circle.