I don't think I'll end up calling this one the best in the trilogy. I used to.

Rating: 10/10 (2 November 2000)

"The Empire Strikes Back" is brilliant. Never has a sequel so elaborately outbeaten an original in quality! I rank this one up there with the greatest films of all time. Original version: 10/10. Special Edition: 10/10. I shall never forget this one.
Of the original trilogy, I think this one was the best. Of the Special Editions, I now think "Star Wars" is the best. This is only because it was such as elaborate update. I truly think Lucas wanted to outdo this one, because Irvin Kershner had made the better film. Lucas succeeded. He didn't need to do much to "Empire", though. This is such a complete film, with such a complete feel to it. However, I did love the update!
It's hard to describe this one. It is a dark, melodramatic fantasy told in the most detailed way. This has not got the all-round enveloping feeling that the original film has. It has a feeling that the world it is bringing us back to is a more convincing one. One that tells us it is possible more than it could be possible. It has all the elements of the original, but has a more mature, adult level.
I think I can honestly say that there is more subtext in the "Star Wars" movies than any others. It is not a cunning and biting satire or an overly offensive rip-off. It is basically a general feeling that there is more to the story than what is seen and heard. You can snese it in your nerves. Of all the "Star Wars" movies, I think "Empire" realises it the best.
I would not dream of spoiling this movie, nor to any movie. I like to think I just praise them and encourage people to see them. Just let me tell you one thing(POSSIBLE SPOILER): Don't expect a happy ending!
"The Empire Strikes Back" is an imaginative, intelligent masterpiece. Entertaining and enlightening. The scariest and yet the best of the "Star Wars" movies. Not your classic fairy-tale. I guess that's what I liked about it!