The jaw-dropping second film in the original Star Wars saga. 5/5 stars
Still arguably the finest film in the entire Stars Wars saga, offering some of the most exhilarating action sequences in the series (including those majestic snow walkers and a gut-churning chase through an asteroid field) as well as some of the densest characterisation.
Much of this film's sophistication is down to an exceptional screenplay by future director Lawrence Kasdan and crime writer Leigh Brackett. And the film has never looked or sounded better, thanks to a digitally enhanced soundtrack and some spruced-up special effects.
The complex plot splits up the three lead characters effectively to supply two equally engrossing storylines. Harrison Ford's Han Solo and Carrie Fisher's Princess Leia stop bickering and start kissing as they visit Billy Dee Williams' city in the sky. Meanwhile Mark Hamill's Luke Skywalker travels to a swampy planet to learn about how to use the Force from Muppet-inspired grand master Yoda. But Luke's decision to leave his training early and help his friends leads to the jaw-dropping climax when he discovers something horrifying from arch enemy Darth Vader.
