More aliens, monsters, planets and fantastically darker

Rating: Null/10 (7 October 2010)

Fleeing the evil Empire, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill at his best) travels to Dagobah develop his teachings of the force from Obi-Wan Kenobi by the legendary Jedi master, Yoda. Han Solo is still on the run from Bounty Hunters and him and Luke's friends are captured in order for Lord Vader to have his revenge.
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back is faster paced, the special effects are further developed and it's more dramatic and dynamic. George Lucas was wise to hand over the directing reins to Irvin Kershner for the sequel to his hit Star Wars. Rather than copy Lucas - fewer cuts and wide old fashion, sweeping compositions, Kershner delivers a sharper edited more captivating film.
Robot duo R2-D2 (Kenny Baker) and C-3PO (Anthony Daniels) are back accompanied by the mighty Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew). In fact apart from Peter Cushing, killed in New Hope most of the original cast return. There's the ghost of Ben Kenobi, wonderfully played by Alec Guinness. James Earl Jones voices David Prowse's formidable Darth Vader and Frank Oz is fantastic as the voice and puppeteer of Yoda. Startlingly, Carrie Fishers Princess Leia lacks a little lustre here but plays the relationship tensions with Harrison's Ford's Solo perfectly. New face Billy Dee Williams is great as Lando Calrissian, Han's sleazy old friend.
There's more aliens, monsters, planets and fantastic special effects. John Williams theme and unforgettable score flawlessly enhances the emotion of the film. Lucas' story has further strands and character development. There's a glimpse of the Emperor, the man behind Vader and Boba Fett (Jeremy Bulloch) leaves an impact (unsurprisingly becoming a cult Star Wars character).
Cleverly producers leave you with one, if not the best cliff hanger endings of all time which keeps you on tender hooks in anticipation for Return of the Jedi.
A fantastic darker follow up which surpasses the original in emotion and technique.