If you're versed in the cinema scene in any way, shape or form, chances are you've heard the phrase "Klaatu barada nikto," either in The Day the Earth Stood Still (where it originates) or in Army Of Darkness, where it was made reference to and parodied. The phrase - a purposely nonsensical one - was used in The Day the Earth Stood Still, of course, as an ingrained preset capable of stopping the giant evil robot from attacking the Earth and destroying mankind. Presumably a fan of the sci-fi classic (and not the Keanu Reeves remake - yuck), George Lucas opted to include three characters called Klaatu, Barada and Nikto in Return Of The Jedi, all of whom appear during the exciting opening sequence that takes place on Jabba's sail barge. Sadly, all three were either murdered horribly by Luke or blown up. So there's that.
Sam Hill is an ardent cinephile and has been writing about film professionally since 2008. He harbours a particular fondness for western and sci-fi movies.
