Review of Back Roads (1981) by Mbm — 24 Jun 2009

This film is a near masterpiece, it refuses to age and is capable of giving the most cynical viewer goosebumps if they give it a chance. It is a film that transcends genres, it's more than a kid's sci-fi yarn.

For starters Kasdan's script is beautiful and makes the characters so much more than two dimentional cutouts. The look of the film is visual ambrosia from start to finish, especially the Bespin section of the film.

The story evolves to mythological proportions. Mark Hamill's contribution is often underrated, his interaction with Frank Oz's Yoda helps give the puppet a heartbeat that the prequel version can't get close to.

Of course John Williams tops it all of with a perfect moving score. In short, If you've ever wondered what the fuss is about the Star Wars franchise, all you need to do is watch this. On a personal note it is my all time favourite film, there is a time for Orsen Welles and Kirosawa, but there's always time for Empire.