The Empire Strikes Back Movie Review

In the second film of George Lucas’ trilogy, the characters become more firmly set. Luke continues his training–now with the wonderful Yoda (created by Frank Oz); Han and Leia begin to sort things out; Lando Calrissian enters the story; Darth Vader becomes creepier and more important. The stop-motion and creature effects are terrific, but the real key is the never-a-dull-moment script from veterans Leigh Brackett (her last work) and Lawrence Kasdan. Despite the fact that the film is a second act, it stands on its own and has a terrific conclusion. The remastered tape released in 1995 looks great. Followed by Return of the Jedi. Also available on laserdisc with The Making of ‘Star Wars’.

1980 (PG) 124m/C Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, Billy Dee Williams, Alec Guinness, David Prowse, Kenny Baker, Frank Oz, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, Clive Revill, Julian Glover, John Ratzenberger; D: Irvin Kershner; W: Leigh Brackett, Lawrence Kasdan; C: Peter Suschitzsky; M: John Williams; V: James Earl Jones. Hugos ‘81: Dramatic Presentation; Academy Awards ‘80: Best Sound, Best Visual Effects; People's Choice Awards ‘81: Best Film; Nominations: Academy Awards ‘80: Best Art Direction/Set Decoration, Best Original Score. VHS, Beta, LV FOX, FCT, RDG