Review of The Empire Strikes Back (1980) by Dbpirate1129 — 30 May 2015
SKIP TO THE END FOR REVIEW SUMMARY.
It's very rare that a sequel manages to match or even best its predecessor. Empire Strikes Back managed to break that trend. Empire Strikes Back is, in every way, more compelling, emotionally involved,SKIP TO THE END FOR REVIEW SUMMARY.
It's very rare that a sequel manages to match or even best its predecessor. Empire Strikes Back managed to break that trend.
Empire Strikes Back is, in every way, more compelling, emotionally involved, and dramatic than A New Hope. We get to see each character develop and face new struggles. I would argue that there is no standout actor in this movie. Each one is equal in their ability and serves their character well. Though, of course, James Earl Jones' Darth Vader must be mentioned. If there was another voice coming through the mask, he wouldn't be nearly as memorable.
Though I'm normally not a fan of slow starts, this one works in the film's favor. After several important character moments, we get to see an epic ground battle followed by an intense space chase through asteroids. Luke goes on a different path from Han and Leia in this film as he trains with the wise and interesting Master Yoda. Han and Leia have their own struggles as they deal with the foreboding Empire, which is at its best in this part of the trilogy. The movie really starts to shine as the climax draws nearer. Luke and Vader's confrontation, Han and Leia's romance, and Cloud City itself are simply amazing. The Empire Strikes Back's mastery is by no means exaggerated (even if it does mean the other films in the series don't get their deserved praise) and easily one of the best and most gripping installments of Star Wars.
Review redone ahead of The Last Jedi.
This review of The Empire Strikes Back (1980) was written by Dbpirate1129 on 30 May 2015.
The Empire Strikes Back has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
