Full Movie Reviews
Rating of
4/4
Best sci-fi movie ever made!
Logan Bangerter - wrote on 10/22/2015
Empire Strikes back, simply put, just has everything that you could ever want in a sci-fi movie. The story lefts off with our heroes in a hideout away from the empire. Pretty much, the entire movie is them trying to escape from said empire, while Luke learns more about the force from a new teacher. All of this is extremely gripping and will have you on the edge of your seat. Some of the visual effects and action scenes look so real, that they can still hold up well today, you get to know more of the world of Star Wars and the force, and like the first movie, this one has some very good humor. This movie is done so well, the 2 hours go by just like that! I can think of nothing wrong with this movie that stood out to me. Not only is it the best of the series, this is movie-making at …
Rating of
4/4
Classic, fun sci-fi thrills.
memento_mori - wrote on 08/21/2013
Okay, where to begin about Star Wars?
Star Wars was a revolutionary contribution to the medium of film for its time, exceeded all expectations then, and still exceeds them today.
And honestly, it's hard for me not to like it. It has just about everything I want to see in a fun sci-fi movie, and I understand why it is so beloved.
The director Irvin Kershner was chosen to direct The Empire Strikes Back, an odd, yet extremely effective decision by George Lucas. That was back then when he was actually making good decisions and not altering every little iconic moment in the movies that he could.
This is one of those films that is perfectly cast. I love every single line of dialogue, especially the scenes between Yoda and Luke and Han and Leia. They are the most quotable.
'Why you stuck …
Rating of
4/4
"The Empire Strikes Back" by Yojimbo
Yojimbo - wrote on 01/24/2012
The second part of the ONLY Star Wars trilogy cannot match the original for sheer entertainment, but is a rather more sophisticated story with the more adult themes of torture, betrayal and self sacrifice. Han and Leia's "will they/won't they?" romance blossoms, Luke matures from fresh faced idealist into fledgling Jedi and most importantly of all, Darth Vader, surely the greatest movie villain ever, takes his rightful place centre stage (the fact that one of the great cinematic revelations is spoiled forever is yet another reason to hate those wretched prequels). The darker tone is highlighted by the fact that the good guys are roundly beaten on all fronts in a daring move that definitely had the desired effect; I literally could not wait find out how the story would continue. Add …
Rating of
4/4
Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back review
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 08/11/2011
A cat and mouse chase ensues between the Galactic Empire and Rebel Alliance since Darth Vader has sent droids and bounty hunters to capture Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and his friends. Luke is distraught after finding out that Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) and Han Solo’s (Harrison Ford) predicament; he abruptly decides to end his training with the sage Yoda. Lando Calrissian (Billie Dee Williams), Han’s friend who is responsible for Cloud City, has sided with Vader to capture Han, Leia, Chewbacca, and C-3PO. Unfortunately, Han is still captured while Luke gets his hand cut off in a duel with Vader. Some striking quotes: Obi-Wan - “Don't give in to hate. That leads to the Dark Side.” Yoda - “Yes, a Jedi's strength flows from the Force. But beware of the dark side. Anger, …
Rating of
3.5/4
Better than the 1st Star Wars.
mdtinney - wrote on 08/19/2009
One of the rare sequels that arguably tops it's own classic predecessor, the second film in the original STAR WARS trilogy manages to seamlessly combine the cliffhanger thrills and good-natured humor of the original with a darker and more adult-oriented storyline. Producer/writer George Lucas (who also directed the first film) decided to pass the directorial duties over to semi-avant garde director Irvin Kershner which proved to be an ingenious move. Kershner's dramatic background serves him well in helming the complex plot, and he pulls fully-rounded characterizations from the entire cast. The merging of Kershner's storytelling talents with Lucas' mastery of the film-making technique is the very heart of this, which is arguably the greatest space adventure ever. The film works in …
Rating of
4/4
What can I say?
richtersaurus - wrote on 12/02/2008
This film is the ultimate in popcorn movie entertainment, and at the same time, a monumental film that has changed the way stories are told in films (especially in sequels, but I'm looking at this film as its own monster). We open with a giant battle, still holding up 28 years later, with animation that still holds up 28 years later. We see the for all intents and purposes first incarnation of Buddha on the big screen in Yoda. We see one of the greatest movie villians appear and disappear for just the right amount of time for us to fall in love with Boba Fett. We see an amazing light saber duel and a huge twist that has rocked the film industry forever.
The one thing though about this film that makes it so good (though it is a little oxymoronic of me), is that all the heroes …
Rating of
3.5/4
part 2... no no no episode 5
Owtkast - wrote on 08/26/2008
FINALLY, the un-"improved" theatrical realease! I didn't hate the CGI enhancements of the re-release as much as some people did, but it always really bothered me that the original film of my memory might be lost. I'm so pleased that this is available, albeit apparently not in the "perfect" format according to some fans. "The Empire Strikes Back" is a daring and moving sequel to the original "Star Wars." Lucas could've gotten away with giving us more of the same explosions and spaceship chases as in the first movie (and there's plenty of that, don't get me wrong!), but instead of getting lazy, he offered up a film that expanded the Star Wars universe and allowed the characters to change and grow. It's very impressive storytelling, and unfortunately not something Lucas really ever quite …
Rating of
3.5/4
A really strong follow-up to "Star Wars"
The M.O.W. - wrote on 08/02/2008
Time has past since the "Death Star" had been destroyed, and the "Imperial Empire" is determined to enact revenge on those responsible. And those who are responsible are now hidden on the snow and ice covered planet in the "Hoth" system.
As "Luke Skywalker" (Mark Hamill) and "Han Solo" (Harrison Ford) are surveying the area around the hidden "Rebel" base, "Skywalker" sees what he thinks is an asteroid impact the planet surface near him and goes to investigate as "Solo" returns to the base. As "Skywalker" is about to go to the impact spot, he is attacked by a large "Hoth" creature and is dragged away to the creature's shelter where the remains of previous meals are strewn around the cave floor -- including "Skywalker's" "tauntaun". "Solo" then goes back out as night falls, as does the …
Rating of
4/4
Best of the Star Wars Films
Arek - wrote on 04/14/2008
The Empire Strikes back is hands down the best of the Star Wars franchise. The story is intriguing; the characters believable and well acted. The dark mood of the film sets a superb underlying tone to the movie, helped in no small part by one of the greatest movie scores of all time. However, the real reason this movie shines is because of its character development. Stars Wars was not a great franchise because it was an action-packed sci-fi flick (there are plenty of those), but because the characters it introduced were some of the most original and memorable ever produced on film. Who can't immediately place Darth Vader's voice? Who can’t picture the black cloaked form of Vader, marching down the corridors of his star destroyer? Who can't remember the infamous lines from the …
Rating of
4/4
A Dark Cliffhanger
TheWolf - wrote on 07/30/2007
Let me start by saying that this is the first film I remember seeing in a Movie Theater. While I had no idea at the time about what went on behind the scenes of a movie, today I can say that I am glad that George Lucas decided to give the reigns of control to his former teacher Irvin Kershner. While the majority of people will agree that Empire was the best of the Trilogy Lucas himself feels that it was the worst.
Personally I will disagree with Lucas on a number of things, and that this being the worst is one of them. The reason I believe he doesn't like it as much is because it is an incredible "Tie-in" movie. Lucas's idea of the actual trilogy was to have an action/fantasy romantic adventure in space. The worst part is that Lucas is a horrible romance writer! As we see in the new …
