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Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
The Movie That Made Star Wars
In 1977 Star Wars Episode IV, the revolutionary sci-fi fantasy film, played on screens all over the world and changed the word cinema as we know it today. Star Wars gave new meaning to visual appeal and opened an entire galaxy of aliens, heroes, villains, soldiers, and legends to everyone everywhere. With inflation accounted for, Star Wars still stands as the best box office hit ever. But despite all the accomplishments of Star Wars Episode IV without the success of Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back the Star Wars series would never have reached the longevity and greatness it has today.
We all know the story. Luke is the last (as portrayed then) hope for a struggling rebel alliance trying to put a stop to the harsh, tyrannical rule of the Galactic Empire. Along with a bizarre group of companions (Chewbacca, Han Solo, Leia, Obi-Wan Kenobi, C3PO, and R2D2) Luke goes from a typical poor farmer boy to blowing up the biggest space station in the empire. The Empire Strikes Back elaborates. With Obi-Wan having been killed by the mysterious Darth Vader Luke meets the isolated and nearly deranged Jedi Master Yoda. Han Solo and Leia make shelter at the City in the Clouds only to be betrayed by Lando, Han's old friend who is the proprietor of the city. With his friends in captivity with the Empire, Luke abandons his training with Yoda prematurely and goes to save them. Luke and Vader confront one another giving the world the first great lightsaber duel and a true look at the power of the 'Force' and its manifestations. Vader tells Luke the notorious "I am your father" line and the biggest twist in cinema history is sealed. They all escape (save Solo), Luke minus a hand chopped off by Vader. Han Solo is frozen in carbonite. Needless to say there is no definite ending, which is okay for a 2nd of 3 movies.
What makes The Empire Strikes Back so great cannot be cornered to one portion or aspect.
-Creator George Lucas already had the story which obviously helps. Many sequels fail because they lack freshness and creativity. Lucas had the stories for 12 Episodes before even releasing Episode IV.
-Yoda and Lando were the only new characters and Frank Oz and Billy Dee Williams both had firm grips on the story and their roles in the plot.
-The revelation that Luke's father was actually very alive and in fact Darth Vader was one of the most anticipated but yet not surely known twists ever.
-The visuals in Episode V kept par and passed Episode IV. The ice planet Hoth, the City in the Clouds, Dagobah, and the asteroid monster were all amazing eye candy in 1980.
-Irvin Kershner also did a brilliant job directing, much better than Lucas himself did in any of the prequels or Episode IV. He made the original encounter with Yoda perfect. It was as not only was Luke meeting Yoda, but so were you.
-And of course, John Williams served up another score of brilliance. He's the best composer to ever work in film.
What The Empire Strikes Back truly does is save the Star Wars series. If this movie was some half-attempted low rent film that coasted off the success of the original like almost every other sequel out there we would not be here now talking about the prequels and the Return of the Jedi would have been some movie that topped the box-office for one weekend before falling into oblivion. This movie maintained the greatness of the original and then some.
The perfect sequel for the perfect trilogy, this movie, it is.
Red Dragon (2002)
"Do you dream much Will?"
This movie was released with my highest of expectations after witnessing the Silence of the Lambs, one of the greatest movies ever, and Hannibal which was just gross, weak, and hard to sit through. Red Dragon delivers a masterpiece through the actors/actresses ability and Brett Ratner's unique and creative direction.
Red Dragon survives solely on Edward Norton, Anthnoy Hopkins, and Ralph Fiennes stellar acting performances at spots because the plot is repetitive of Silence of the Lambs and parts of the writing were dull and weak. Edward Norton is the actor for the part of Will Graham, the hero FBI agent in this one, and he brings life to the role as did Jodie Foster 12 years ago. Emma Watson displayed brilliant talent in her role as the blind love interest of the serial killer(the Red Dragon or the Tooth Fairy). Anthony Hopkins is the greatest actor of all time, and I shuddered at the sound of Dr. Lector's voice throughout the picture. Ralph Fiennes illuminates the Red Dragon/Tooth Fairy and astonishes me with his cunning ability to act insane.
Red Dragon is well- paced and has shock value. For example, when Hannibal attempts to frighten Will Graham by snapping his teeth in his face and when the killer is after Will's family in the end. The movie never leaves the audience gasping for air but never leaves the audience falling asleep either. The twist in the end is unexpected but not too far-fetched and leads to a brilliant conclusion between Will Graham(Ed Norton) and the Tooth Fairy(Ralph Fiennes.
With all the elements combined Red Dragon comes through and is a solid movie I suggest to everyone who can stomach serial killers. 9/10
I Got the Hook Up (1998)
Master P, give me a break
I got the Hook up is not what I would even call a movie, as it is really just merchandise for Master P to get his hands on money. This film has a weak plot if one at all, no one can act what so ever, and the script is not the best. If you like Master P, you might enjoy this movie. Personally I believe Master P has again failed at an another field of entertainment.
Minority Report (2002)
Spielberg and Cruise at their best
When going to see Minority Report my expectations were high, but how could they not be. Steven Spielberg takes the imaginitive plot and turns it into a masterpiece. Minority Report was a well thought out film in many ways; the future is well illustrated, the characters fit the film perfectly, and every scene has it's own feeling leaving you mouth gaping trying to stay one your seat. The cast is good. Tom Cruise really shines. Cruise has never acted so brilliantly in any of his action movies. The soundtrack is perfect and so is the idea of precrime, I gave it a 10 out of 10. I suggest you see this movie as soon as you can.