Review of The Empire Strikes Back (1980) by John M — 29 Feb 2016

After the destruction of the Death Star, Imperial forces relentlessly pursue the Rebel Alliance to their newly established base on the ice planet of Hoth. Following the Empire's brutal assault on the base and the Rebellion's horrific defeat there, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) escapes to the planet Dagobah to continue his Jedi training with the Jedi master Yoda, who has lived in hiding since the fall of the Republic. Meanwhile, Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), C-3PO (Anthony Daniels), and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) play a dangerous game of cat and mouse with Darth Vader and his Imperial forces!

Three years after the incredible critical and commercial success of 'Star Wars,' George Lucas presented the second chapter of his space saga. In many ways, 'Empire' is a superior film to its predecessor---which is saying a lot since the original is considered as such a masterpiece! But the stakes just get raised to a much higher level with 'Empire' and the bad guys put our heroes through the ringer! Directed by Irvin Kershner, 'Empire' is magnificent! Two thumbs way, way up!