7 - Good

Rating: 7/10 (22 December 2015)

For my rather lukewarm reaction to the original Star Wars, I was told that I should see The Empire Strikes Back before writing off the series. And it's certainly an improvement. I like it. One of the best films of all time? No. I don't think this sequel has made the series any more intelligent, well-written or well-acted. But it has amplified everything that the first movie did to 11. Better effects, better costumes, better pacing, some interesting air battles, the addition of the legendary Yoda and the iconic revelation about Darth Vader and Luke. Building off the first film, I did feel a little more invested in the characters than before. Overall, a good entertaining fantasy film.