The force remains strong with 'Empire'

Rating: 10/10 (1 April 1999)

"The Empire Strikes Back" brings back the original characters -- Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Darth Vader (who's really Luke's father), R2D2 and C-3PO --from "Star Wars." The character development is much stronger than in the original "Star Wars." We're introduced to Yoda, who helps Luke Skywalker (Mark Hammill) continue his Jedi training, even though the Emperor Palpatine insists that Luke "must not become a Jedi." Romance develops between Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher). Darth Vader (David Prowse) reveals his true identity to Luke while engaging in a duel with sabers. The special effects are even better. The "Special Edition" is just as good, but the story does not change. The ending leaves a few questions in mind that get answered in "Return of the Jedi." My evaluation: **** out of ****.