What is your favorite movie?

Star Wars is simply the best saga ever put to film, and the middle movie of the original trilogy captures all the emotions that make this series so perfect: the thrilling dark majesty of Darth Vader; the awe-inspiring wonder of the Force and Jedi Master Yoda; the determination and courage of Luke Skywalker; the romance between Han and Leia; the soaring musical score of John Williams (probably his best music ever was composed for this particular movie); the “big reveal” as Darth tells Luke that he is his father; the coolest bounty hunter Boba Fett; the exciting adventures in the asteroid field; and the cliffhanger ending that takes our breath away every time we see it.

and in “Empire,” Darth Vader is at his most cunning and sinister, even making you want to root for the Dark Side (especially when Luke gets all whiney and dumb). In addition, on the opposide side of the Force, we get to meet Yoda for the first time - who happens to be the all-time best puppet, and is 100x more realistic than that poorly-computer-generated version in the Star Wars prequels.

Finally, it rocks because of the nostalgia. From the cool toys and tie-in lunch boxes, movies would never be the same from then on. It makes you want to re-live 1981 all over again.

Completely epic. Never gets old. Special effects still hold up even for its time.

it is hard to think that the innovation of star wars could be outmatched, but it was over and over again by empire. with the brute force of darth vader in his obbsession on finding luke to the tremdous acting of harrison ford. this movie was a catupaut to better thing for him. the story has so many turns and subplots that leave you wanting more. the return of the jedi could not even close thease ends off cleanly. empire was a tough act to follow and it sould be on the list of top 100 not “a new hope”. the evilness of darth vader was at it height only to show a human side in the last moments, powerful!

It’s my favorite movie, because it one ups one of the greatest sci-fi fantasy films ever and simply makes it better. Empire is the tent-pole of the entire Star Wars saga. It brings gravitas to the whole saga because of it’s storytelling, drama, acting, effects, and spirit. The bad guys win (or at least get the upperhand), yet it leaves you with a sense of hope at the end. It has a shocking revelation, a cliffhanger ending, and a mysticism that is still talked about to this day. One of the greatest sci-fi films of all time, Empire to this day stands the test of time.

The sequel to Star Wars was darker and more in-depth. It was brillantly done and contained one of the greatest movie shockers in history, “No, I am your Father.” It stands out from the other films because of Harrison Ford’s acting, great writing, and all the greatness that Star Wars had. The movies have stood the test of time and are as popular now as they were when they came out.

A work of true story telling. This is the best in the Star Wars saga and I was disappointed it didn’t make the top 100 ten years ago. I certainly hope it makes it in this round.

This film is quite possibly the best sequel to any film (The Godfather Part II is its only true competition). ESB showcases a perfect love story with dialogue that is perfect for each character — Han Solo is immortalized when he replied to Leia’s “I love you” with a sly “I know.” Also, this film showcased a cliffhanger unlike any other movie — Vader’s confession that he is Luke’s father makes the film complete. It draws the audience in and makes them think — wow, whats next?! It is the perfect segway to Return of the Jedi and is the best film ever made. Way to go George and Irwin.

One of the greastest movies made and the best Star Wars made.
This movie has to be # 1 with Star Wars a new hope a close #2

At first glance as a kid these movies are incredibly fun and moving. But analyzing them at an older age and after lectures in college, I know for sure that they are my favorite movies of all time. When dissected, Lucas used components of Joseph Campbell’s hero’s cycle and meticulously placed certain colors and deeper meanings any many scenes and moments throughout the trilogy. Not only is it revolutionizing in the special effects aspect, but these three movies embody what good movies are about…sharp storytelling with universal traits while providing us an amazing escape.

It’s incredibly difficult to pick ONE favorite movie, but If I can choose one I’d have to say it’s the Empire Strikes Back.

Why? It’s the medular piece of the entire Star Wars saga. It has everything in it: Adventure, Romance, Hate, Darkness, Treachery, Philosophy, Mystery, Technology , Comedy andTragedy.

Luke Skywalker may very well be one of the greatest heroes ever to be captured on film. His classic mythological “Heroe’s journey” takes us along with him, makes us feel what he feels, his inner conflict. Classic storytelling.

Of course there are the Battles, of different shapes and sizes: the Epic battle of Hoth, with the behemoths of the empire on one side and and sheer ingenuity and bravery on the other. And of course the immortal lightsaber duel (The best of all the Star Wars duels) not just between Jedi and Sith, Good and Evil, but Father and Son Ying and Yang.

Within every Character there’s something interesting to discover: Han’s ego getting in the way of his duty, Lando being forced to betray friends, Darth Vader inner struggle about what to do with his son, heck even Chewbacca shows the strains of being loyal to Han and having to take care of a princess he doesn’t really get along with, because his buddy tells him to.

The romantic subplot of Leia and Han is unconventional, as is their way of expressing it. Han loves Leia, but he’s too cocky and womanizing to admit it (”I love you” “I know”) and the droids bring some sarcastic comedy relief.

This movie is timeless, and of course generations will always treasure the great memories this movie and the other episodes have brought.

The best Star Wars film period. And one of the greatest movies ever made.

Star Wars (1977) was such a breakthrough for cinema. However, those in the know always refer to Empire as the key movie. It has better special effects, better dialogue and acting, and has greater depth than the original blockbuster film. It is the first movie to leave viewers with a real cliffhanger ending. It has no real beginning or ending, yet it manages to stand on it’s own.
By: Mark Voisin

Not many movies leave you like this.

This movie left you feeling like the Dark Side really had the upper hand and won this particular battle. Not many movies leave you like that.
By: JEREMY PACE

A SCI-FI NOIR CLASSIC

There is nothing like Empire with its lovable heroes and dark story. The cinematography is crystal, the locations are beautifully dangerous, the acting is underrated, it has one of the great cinema suprise moments ever, and has an unhappy ending that has the audience anticipating the next film like no other. Empire inspired more imagination in me than any other film.
By: Alex Smith

SECOND INSTALLMENT IN THE STAR WARS TRILOGY. PERFECT PERFECT PERFECT!!

I FEEL THE THAT GREAT MOVIES SHOULD TAKE US SOMEPLACE WE CANNOT GO, WELL EMPIRE DOES THAT IN A WAY NO MOVIE HAS EVER DONE AND EVER WILL.
By: George Kambolis

Flawless storytelling.

Flawless storytelling. Awesome character development.
By: Mike Lydon

This movie came out a year before I was born. From my birth my parents had me watching Star Wars.

This movie came out a year before I was born. From my birth my parents had me watching Star Wars. I loved it, the music, the characters, the action, the stories. I have to admit, then when I was very little I was a little afraid of Yoda, but after my mother explained that he was just a Muppet like Kermit and Miss Piggy, I was fine. If I’m sitting near a fan, I still feel the urge to talk into it and repeat one of the best lines ever in film history. “Luke, I AM your Father.” Empire had something special.
By: Elizabeth Gilbert

Not as revolutionary as the original, but I think surpasses its predecessor in every way.

When people talk about their favorite Star Wars films they always say: A New Hope, Return of the Jedi, and more recently Revenge of the Sith. However, I am one of the few who will say The Empire Strikes Back. The Empire Strikes Back for me is the greatest Star Wars film ever made. It takes the Ideas of the first movie and multiplies them to the inth degree.

Visually the movie is simply stunning. Better than the original, and even better than 2001. At least in my opinion. The cast seem to be getting more comfortable in their roles and their characters are becoming far more dynamic. Especially the character of Darth Vader. Who in the first movie was just seen as this big dark scary guy. In the second he seems to become more of a person, and more accessable as a character. Also the scene in which Vader reveals his true identity to Luke has to be one of the most shocking moments in film history.

All in all I feel that The Empire Strikes Back is a hugely underrated picture. True it is not as influential or revolutionary as the first Star Wars movie, but it is just as good or perhaps even better. In my opinion at least. That is why The Empire Strikes Back is ranked #2 on my list of my favorite films of all time.
By: robert wilson

Flawless storytelling.

Flawless storytelling. Awesome character development.
By: Mike Lydon

A short time ago in a theatre not so far away…

I was a “Star Wars” fan from the moment I first saw the Millennium Falcon go to lightspeed, and the story completely took me over. I was 8 when I first saw it, and hoped there would eventually be more. When it was announced that a second movie would be coming out, I was elated. With anticipation I waited for “The Empire Strikes Back”, and could not believe how much better and more mature the movie ended up being, with one of the best movie twists ever. With the availability of the entire saga now, people seeing it for the first time may lose some of the magic of that particular moment. For the fans who saw it as it was released, it was a moment about which every fan was talking.
By: Donald Smith