Whenever people compare this film to episode 4, they tend to talk about the improved visual effects, direction, or Vader’s expanded role. And while all of that is definetely present, this film’s biggest achievements when compared to the original to me have always been the major upgrade in the acting and dialogue. Kershner delivered a movie that isn’t just insanely quotable, but the actors managed to sell every single line of it. No longer do we have to listen to whatever Lucas was telling Fisher to do (“I recognized your foul stench when I was brought on board”), and instead we get some genuinely great chemistry between her and Harrison Ford. Mark Hamill no longer acts like a whiny teenager, which is a nice bonus. And also, the new additions are nothing short of awesome, those being Yoda, Boba Fett and Lando.

People usually refer to this instalment as ‘the dark one’, but at the same time, it’s also the most comedic out of the original 3. Our protagonist learns that the big baddie is his daddy, but at the same time, he makes a handstand while a little green muppet is standing on top of his foot. It sounds like a tonal mess, but it really works. To me, it only loses a few points for some of the really hokey stuff. I know you sort of have to buy it, because it is a silly space movie after all, but some of the designs have just become laughable. It almost doesn’t sound fair to say that to a 40 year old movie, but even some other films from that time period are still as effective today as they were back then (remember, _The Shining_ also came out in 1980).

8.5/10