Retro Review: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

                                       

     
        The Star Wars Saga Bowls A 'Strike' With This Spectacular Sequel
   
          So.......I guess a sequel can not only have what made the original so great, but manage to really surpass the original on every level?

          Story:
          The Empire Strikes Back follows the story of Jedi-in-training Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) who must now be taken under the wing of the Master Jedi Yoda (Frank Oz) in order to take down Darth Vader, who has plans to capture Luke's comrades Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), Chewbacca, and C-3P0 in order to lure him and persuade him to join the Dark Side.

          Ups:
         Much like the first film, the action sequences, as well as the film itself, are well-crafted from every angle from the score to the acting. However, I feel like there was plenty of emphasis on the acting. In particular, the lightsaber fight between Darth Vader and Luke towards the end had emotion put into it. The dark lighting in that scene was also well-done. While I am on the subject of the actors, they all did a splendid job. Harrison Ford amazingly impresses as the hotshot pilot with a heart of gold Han Solo, Carrie Fisher is once again strong-willed yet lovestruck as Princess Leia and Mark Hamill is incredibly sympathetic and determined as Luke Skywalker.

   Another thing I liked was how it took different genres and molded them into a more cinematic achievement.  Not only does it have spectacular action and sci-fi sequences, but it also has a bit of romance thrown in, a tearjerker moment, as well as suspense since it has one of the greatest movie twists of all time. Plus, the main characters are very likable and even the villains, like Darth Vader, are rather complex. So, it has a little something for everyone.
     
       Downs:
        NIL.

       Consensus:
       Overall, The Empire Strikes Back is a grand cinematic achievement that not only manages to incorporate what made the original so great, but improve upon it. It has sci-fi, action, drama, romance, and suspense all rolled into one. It is proof that you can make a movie that can be used as precision filmmaking and entertainment.

     Would I Recommend It?:
     Absolutely. But I would recommend seeing the original first so you don't get lost.

Grade: A+