Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back

Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back continues the storyline established by its immediate predecessor and follows Luke (Mark Hamill), Han (Harrison Ford), and the rest of the rebels as they attempt to stay one step ahead of the villainous Darth Vader. The first Star Wars installment not directed by George Lucas, Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back nevertheless falls right in line with A New Hope and effectively expands on the universe established in that film – with the narrative boasting more of the elements that made Episode IV such a success. It’s just as clear, however, that the movie suffers from as uneven a vibe as its forebear, with, especially, the midsection lacking in elements designed to wholeheartedly sustain one’s interest. This proves to be especially true of Luke Skywalker’s ongoing (and less-than-captivating) training at the hands of Frank Oz’s Yoda, as such interludes suffer from a lack of momentum that bring the proceedings to a dead stop at each and every turn. There’s little doubt, however, that Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back benefits substantially from a continued emphasis on absolutely enthralling images and sequences, and it’s impossible to deny that the movie, past a certain point, moves like a rocket all the way to its impressively downbeat finale. (It’s worth noting, too, that the climactic lightsaber battle between Luke and Vader is just about as engrossing as anything contained within this venerable series.) By the time the cliffhanger ending rolls around, Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back has lived up to its place as an erratically-paced yet consistently entertaining installment in a not-quite-great sci-fi series.

*** out of ****