STAR WARS: EPISODE V —
THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK
BY CHRISTOPHER HASKELL
JULY 13, 2013

“The Empire Strike Backs” one of the best “middle” films in a trilogy to date. The second film in a trilogy is often a throwaway, carrying on what the first film started but ultimately only leading into the third and final film. “The Empire Strikes Back” builds off of the first film, carrying on the characters wonderfully. Han Solo takes a step down from being the center of attention, as I feel every single character shares the stage nicely. The conflicting emotions in all the characters are present throughout and cause for the most beautiful of drama.
The action never stops. From the moment we step foot on Hoth to the second, we jet into hyperdrive with Leia, Lando, and Chewbacca. I especially love where this film leaves off, creating the perfect launching point for the final film. Had Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) not been such a complicated character to follow, this could have been an excellent film. Still, with the constant whining and frustration caused by his unpreparedness, you start to wonder how much Luke mirrors his creator, George Lucas, who I feel is often ill-prepared for his ventures. Regardless, “The Empire Strikes Back” is a staple in science fiction fantasy and continues to be one of the best films in the series.

RELEASE DATE
May 21, 1980
DIRECTOR
Irvin Kershner
WRITTEN BY
Leigh Brackett
Lawrence Kasdan
George Lucas (story)
STUDIO
20th Century Fox
PG
(for sci-fi action violence)
ACTION
ADVENTURE
FANTASY
SCI-FI
124 minutes



CINEMATOGRAPHER
Peter Suschitzky
COMPOSER
John Williams
EDITOR
Paul Hirsch
CAST
Mark Hamill
Harrison Ford
Carrie Fisher
Billy Dee Williams
Anthony Daniels
David Prowse
Kenny Baker
Peter Mayhew
Frank Oz
James Earl Jones
PRODUCED BY
Gary Kurtz
BUDGET
$33 million
