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The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:66
Fresh:64
Rotten:2
Average Rating:8.5/10
Consensus: This is argubaly the most powerful, compelling, and entertaining of the series.
Theatrical Release:May 21, 1980 Wide
Synopsis: Considered the most morally and emotionally complex of the original Star Wars trilogy, THE EMPIRE STRIKE BACK continues creator George Lucas's epic saga where STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE left off. The... [More]
Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams
Director: Irvin Kershner
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Reviews for The Empire Strikes Back
| Tomatometer | Critic | Review | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
 3.5/4 |
Click to read the article Full Review |
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In many ways the new film is a better film than Star Wars, visually more exciting, more artful and meticulous in detail. Full Review |
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Despite ... an unresolved storyline that paves the way for its dismal sequel, Empire remains in many ways the best (indeed the last good) Star Wars film. Full Review |
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A more mature instalment than its predecessor, loaded with spectacular special effects and efficiently written, this may well be the pinnacle of the saga. Full Review |
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The Empire Strikes Back is a worthy sequel to Star Wars, equal in both technical mastery and characterization, suffering only from the familiarity with the effects generated in the original and imitated too much by others. Full Review |
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5/5 |
Each section of the film has a stand-out sequence that inspires hyperbole like 'best ever.' Full Review |
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Irvin Kershner directed the actors this time around, and without the benefit of Lucas's personal affection they seem stiffer, more clenched. Full Review |
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4/4 |
The most imaginative and emotionally connectable "Star Wars" film and, with the exception of "Revenge of the Sith," also the darkest. Full Review |
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4/4 |
The second act is very strong, cutting back and forth between Luke training with Yoda and Han, Leia, Chewie and C-3P0 fighting the Empire. And it's paced leisurely enough that you get to know the characters a little bit. Full Review |
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An extended ricochet from one incendiary set-piece battle to another which still finds time to attend to plot, pace and character. Full Review |
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4/4 |
The best of the films. Full Review |
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4/4 |
Sci-fi cinema at its best. Full Review |
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A+ |
The backbone of the Star Wars saga… takes the story and themes of the first film into deeper waters. Full Review |
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10/10 |
...the deepest, darkest, most mature, and most thoughtful entry in the series. Full Review |
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The Empire Strikes Back is a total delight. Full Review |
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4/4 |
The best Star Wars movie, ever! Full Review |
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4/4 |
The film spends more time on its characters and unlike the previous film they aren't as busy with all kinds of swashbuckling adventures. Full Review |
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4/4 |
A darker, richer, and more elaborate film than the original. Full Review |
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3/5 |
No review available.
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5/5 |
The most interesting of the series
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