Review of The Empire Strikes Back (1980) by Markus M — 01 Dec 2015

If Episode IV was a sign that Star Wars for me is at its best when it's fun, action-packed and adventurous, then The Empire Strikes Back in its more toned down approach further confirms that for me because - and here comes my unpopular opinion that will probably get me lynched - it's easily my least favorite film in the original Star Wars trilogy. Right off the bat when Episode IV instantly drops you in the middle of the action and the story is already in motion, the first fifteen or so minutes of Empire have nothing to do with the main plot, and end up being pointless. All the necessary character building could've been done without having the whole "Luke disappears" plot piece take up the start of the movie before the actual plot kicks in. I think the film should've started with Luke and Han finding the Empire's scout droid and realizing the Empire knows they're on Hoth.

As for the film's more serious nature, it's just not as much fun as the adventure of Episode IV. The good thing is that it means character and world-building worthy of applause, and Darth Vader transcending from being the cool villain of the previous film to outright terrifying in his obsession to achieve his one goal to the point where he's murdering his own in cold blood left and right for every failure. But plot-wise Empire just isn't among my favorites in the Star Wars saga. And even some of the character development I think could've been handled better - mainly the relationship between Han and Leia. The foundation is there but instead of utilizing all the potential in the script for a complex relationship, the film goes more for the "uptight woman succumbs to the charms of the guy who doesn't take no for an answer" approach. I know that's not a completely fair assessment, but you know. The final moment between the two though is one of the single greatest romantic exchanges in any film ever. "I know." Right there, one of the best lines in cinema history. If only the build-up was as good as the payoff.

In the end though what The Empire Strikes Back is is a film about subverting expectations, which is both it's greatest strength and it's greatest weakness. Sure it might not be as fun as some of the other more action-packed films in the saga, but it is incredibly clever with not only how it takes you completely off-guard with what Yoda is like when you finally meet him, but also the ending which might just be the greatest plot twist in the history of cinema. Or if not the greatest then certainly the most iconic. And the fact that the film is in no way a copy of its predecessor but instead actually progresses the story and stands as its own thing is worthy of praise. Is it my favorite Star Wars movie? No, not even close. But that doesn't mean that it still isn't a damn good movie. Sure runs rings around Episodes I and II, I'll tell you that.

8/10.