Return of the Jedi's narrative unfolds in a straightforward, chronological fashion that picks up right where its predecessor, The Empire Strikes Back, left off.

There are no showy flashbacks or flash-forwards. There's no wistful voiceover from a nostalgic narrator. Jabba is subtitled, but that's about it when it comes to narrative devices, and we're grateful for it. We don't know about you, but our Huttese is pretty rusty.

The movie is equally practical when it comes to managing its two storylines. The action simply cuts back and forth between the Empire and the Alliance. Later, when the Rebels break into two teams, one in space and one on Endor, the narrative is fractured further. While Luke has his showdown with Darth Vader and the Emperor on the Death Star, Lando leads the Rebel fleet in space, and Han, Leia, and the rest of the crew fight to destroy the shield bunker.

Following three storylines at once can be frenetic, for sure, but the overall effect only ratchets up the intensity of the on-screen action. As a bonus, it makes the Rebels' victory party extra satisfying. The whole gang's back together, the music is jumpin', and, best of all, nobody's frozen in carbonite.