Chad’s Grade: A
Is there not a more perfect sequel than “The Empire Strikes Back?” The 1980 follow-up to the pop culture smash “Star Wars” was far from a sure thing. Director/Writer George Lucas had captured lightning in a bottle with its mix of technical wizardry and myth-inspired storytelling that redefined the science fiction film genre. There was doubt that he could pull off the same magic trick twice.
In the late 1970s, sequels were seen as quick cash grabs and were typically inferior to the originals. The one exception was “The Godfather: Part II” in 1974, and many critics agree it is either as good or even better than Part I (and received equal love from the Oscars as well.) Of course, James Cameron would work his sequel magic with “Aliens” and “Terminator 2.” And the superhero genre in the early 2000s would produce superior follow-ups with “Spiderman 2,” “X2: X-Men United,” and “The Dark Knight.”
The first “Star Wars” was a massive success on every level, including marketing and George Lucas was brilliant (or just plain lucky) to secure the residual profits from the toy and merchandise deals, which were through the roof. This allowed Lucas to fully finance the sequels and keep studio interference to a minimum.
Burned out from directing, Lucas decided to hand off the reigns to acclaimed director Irvin Kershner. Lucas also deliberated the script duties to Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan based on his plot, as the multi-generational saga was mainly mapped out. This allowed Lucas to do what he does best, produce and help guide Industrial Light & Magic to create ambitious visual effects.
“The Empire Strikes Back” is the second chapter of Luke Skywalker’s becoming a Jedi Knight. In the first “Star Wars,” he answered the call of the hero’s journey, and in this chapter, he begins his training and realizes the sacrifices involved in becoming a Jedi.
After their triumph against the Empire in destroying the Death Star, the rebellion is now on the run and hiding on the ice planet of Hoth. When they are discovered by an imperial probe droid, the rebellion flees after failing to hold off the mighty imperial army (including some imposing AT-AT walkers.) Han Solo and Chewbacca help Leigh and C3PO escape in the Millennium Falcon during the ensuing chaos. Luke Skywalker and R2-D2 also make a daring escape, but Luke travels to the swamp planet of Dagobah to train with Yoda, a former Jedi teacher who instructed Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Unfortunately, the Millennium Falcon’s hyperdrive engine is broken, leaving Han with only his fancy piloting skills to avoid the hotly pursuing Star Destroyers. Overseeing the chaos is Darth Vader, obsessed with Luke Skywalker, the pilot responsible for destroying the Death Star. Vader captures Han, Leia, and the others to lure Luke away from his Jedi training, hoping to turn him to the dark side of the force. The film culminates with one of the most intense lightsaber duels in the Star Wars saga, with an outmatched Luke facing off against the fierce Sith lord. And one of the biggest and most shocking reveals in film history: That Darth Vader is Luke Skywalker’s father!
The secret to this sequel’s success is director Kershner, who brings a polish and shine to the film. George Lucas was never the strongest director as he was aloof from actors and more concerned with the technical side of things. By contrast, there’s a maturity to Kershner’s style, and the film has a dark, sleek look matched with perfect pacing and editing. There’s a focus and momentum, especially during the climactic battle with Luke and Vader, moving away from Lucas’s herky-jerky cross-cutting style.
Another striking difference is the unusually strong performance of the cast. Kershner worked intensively with his actors, having cut his teeth on dramatic films, and it shows. The many arguments between Han and Leigh now have real nuance, their hostility masking that they’re crazy in love. And the tragic “I Love You” and “I Know” exchange between the pair is probably the most romantic moment of the franchise. The most significant improvement is Mark Hamill’s take on Luke Skywalker. Gone is the whiny teenager but a young man eager to take his place as a Jedi, only to be consumed by the sins of the father. The pain engulfing Luke’s face when Vader makes his dramatic reveal is Hamill’s finest acting hour.
And, astonishingly, the wizards at Industrial, Light & Magic were able to push the envelope with the visual effects yet again. The motion-controlled camera gets a workout with the Millennium Falcon swooping past Star Destroyers and flying into an asteroid field to avoid pursuit. The stop motion puppetry of the AT-AT walkers is fluid and gives a sense of scale to the stomping giants. Lucas brought his good friends Jim Henson and Frank Oz to develop and perform Yoda as he teaches Luke. Yoda is an inspired creation; the prickly Jedi Master never once registers as a puppet. This allows their scenes, which form the backbone of Luke’s story arc, to carry dramatic weight. (Do or do not, there is no try.)
The first “Star Wars” had a fun, high adventure tone reminiscent of a Flash Gordon serial; “Empire” is a far richer and frightening experience. Our heroes are deconstructed, broken down, and knocked on their asses. I remember the gasps in the theatre when Vader ferociously chops off Luke’s hand. Han Solo is betrayed by his friend Lando Calrissian (a charismatic Billy Dee Williams), tortured, then frozen in carbonite in front of Princess Leia. Even our lovable C3-PO gets blown to bits on Cloud City, only to be clumsily put back together by Chewbacca.
“The Empire Strikes Back” opened big and was another success for George Lucas (ironically, it’s the lowest-grossing Star Wars entry.) While the film did huge business at the box office and got lots of love from the critics, some fans were divided over the sequel. The sudden shift to a darker tone was jarring, and the film ended with a cliffhanger and the fate of our heroes, especially Han Solo, uncertain. The divisive reaction was not unlike 2017s “The Last Jedi,” which split the fan community with its cynical, deconstructionist take on the Star Wars saga. Rian Johnson’s sequel entry was heavily inspired by “Empire,” and the revelation of Rey’s “nobody” parentage is an inversion of Vader’s “I am your Father” moment to Luke.
Over the years, “The Empire Strikes Back” grew in stature and is now regarded by many fans as the saga’s high point. While I greatly admire “The Last Jedi,” “Rogue One,” and “Return of the Jedi,” nothing can top my love for the best sequel of all time.
1997 SPECIAL EDITION:
Thankfully, the changes made to “The Empire Strikes Back” were minimal as it was already a well-shot film. There was little that Lucas could alter that would improve the movie. But the detail-oriented director couldn’t help himself.
When Luke is attacked by the Wampa creature (the Star Wars version of the Abominable Snowman) and hangs upside down in the ice cave, we get a clear shot of the Wampa eating the Tauntaun. This was the most pointless addition as the snow creature is much scarier when kept offscreen. It also removes the suspense from Luke struggling to reach his lightsaber.
We also get a redesigned Cloud City, sprucing up the floating metropolis with larger buildings and more background activity. There’s a snazzy new shot of the Millennium Falcon flying through the bustling city. And as Lando gives Han and Leia a city tour, the marble walls have been replaced with windows that feature stunning views. This was mostly a cosmetic change with no storytelling value, but it gave Industrial, Light & Magic a chance to show off.
There were a few more snips and cuts, including shots of Vader entering his shuttle and flying to his super Star Destroyer. Fortunately, of all the 1997 special editions, “Empire” was the least affected and mainly left intact.
And if you curious to see “The Empire Strikes Back” moment that blew my 7 year old mind, just watch the clip below.