Been watching StarWars a lot the last few days. My theory is "The Force" was
overstated in the movie (I'm an atheist). The way I look at it:

1. R2D2 stored the DeathStar plans.
2. He ejected in the pod and landed on the planet to find Obe One.
3. He escapes from the SkyWalkers to find Obe One.
4. He gives Luke enough headup of the nearby Sandpeople.
5. Manages to contact Obo One.
6. He locates the Tractor beam controls on the DeathStar.
7. He locates Princes Lea.
8. He shuts down the trash compactor.
9. He opens door to trash compactor.
10. He takes the primary laser blow from Darth Vadar in the last moment
before Luke fires missle to destroy DeathStar. A big thing is made of Luke turning his computer off and using the force but maybe he would have equal results with the computer own. Also its and insult to R2D2 because he is a computer to.

DOnt have alot memories of Empire strikes back but I know he did repair work
on The Melenium Falcon.

In The Return of the Jedi it nearly all came down to R2D2 crossing a field and opening a door so the Rebels could get inside and shut down the forcefeild. He
made it across but Lucus decide to say R2D2 could not hack the door. Thats BS the trillogy would have more consistent if he opend the door. I think I will edit the last movie for my Nephews to relfect how R2D2 not the force defated the Empire. :)

Oh I decide if I strike it rich I will build me an R2 unit.

Oh on the subject of the Force it did great things like tell Luke to run when he was being shot at by several storm troopers. :) My theory its use is to help the dumb and trick the dumb.