Siskel & Ebert - The Empire Strikes Back review (1997)

Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert give The Empire Strikes Back (the second part of the restored Star Wars trilogy) Two Thumbs Up in a 1997 review.

[@jules-yi8rn]

I miss these guys. They had a chemistry that will never be duplicated. Even thier on screen disagreements were fun to watch.

[@zt1053]

People watched the show for the interaction not really caring about their opions.

[@christineobrien7707]

You nailed it! Their disagreements were awesome. They truly respected each other.😎👍

[@paulpalermo2109]

Nothing more useless than film critics.

[@johnmc3862]

2 totally over rated film critics!!

[@johnmc3862]

@@paulpalermo2109100%.

[@daveygivens735]

"Chewbacca's howls are tiresome". *Jar Jar Binks has entered the chat*

[@mattpomara1967]

NONSENSE Love Chewie

[@softsofasoftsofa]

There's a fan's anti-cheese edit (available on Bi-tchewt) of that series. It edits out 80% of Binks. The remaining 20% was new voice work: alien with subtitles. It also redid the kid and lots more. Way better and well worth a watch, even for those who hate the Prequel.

[@alki9859]

😅

[@andrewlowden322]

@@mattpomara1967 agreed, how DARE Rog say anything bad about this movie ever!!!! (being silly here, but not....ha ha)

[@christoffersundberg8689]

There should be a no jar jar binks edition of the phantom menace if you ask me

[@Chuc_9600]

I used to love watching Siskel and Ebert every weekend!!! I miss those guys!!!!

[@chadvaughn7377]

Me too man. Every Sunday morning at 10 am on my local channel :(

[@007Julie]

In Chicago it aired every Saturday night at 10:30pm. Forget about SNL, I never missed Siskel & Ebert.

[@AllenMQuinn]

I wish we had a new TV show about movies.

[@oteatimeo]

These two gentlemen are like sign posts of an age that was a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.

[@toddgaak422]

I can't believe Gene, Roger, Chewbacca, Darth Vader, and Princess Leia are all gone.

[@mbradleyc6165]

Dust in the wind.

[@johnmcafee6140]

Also R2-D2. Kenny Baker died in 2016.

[@nathanielhellerstein5871]

That's how the biosphere works.

[@guslakis]

Ouch.

[@gregp103]

Why not?

[@daryld149]

“You can blow things up all you want in today’s Hollywood. But to create these worlds and creatures…takes genius.” This is even more true today with the amazing CGI used today but that tells ZERO story.

[@generalzod7959]

If ebert thought chewie's growls were tiresome, he would have loved the holiday special where you get about 10 minutes straight of chewie's wife and son bickering back and forth! 😄

[@collegeman1988]

Uh, sounds you heard during that 10 minute scene were of the director and his friends torturing a goat by making him watch this special.

[@andrewlowden322]

KNEEL, Zod!

[@kamuelalee]

TV show

[@Fibonaccisghost]

With no subtitles as well

[@TopVineVideos]

The Star Wars Holiday Special is better than the Disney Sequels

[@darthvirgin7157]

“...from a cheerful space opera down to the very depths of its mythology.” - Roger Ebert. THAT, i believe, sums up how the SW franchise was elevated from a simple popcorn movie to one that has been ingrained in people’s hearts and minds.

[@mantislake4141]

No, just this film in comparison with its predecessor. "Return of the Jedi" and "Rogue One" are okay. The other half dozen flicks in the canon are overproduced, overstuffed claptrap with an overly expositional narrative that leaves little to the viewer's imagination.

[@bumfricker2487]

@@mantislake4141 oh absolutely. Star Wars has been riding the high of Empire for the past 40 years

[@palpaladin315]

Lol, ESB was more a popcorn movie than ANH. Easily. Then RotJ released as the longest toy commercial in history. 😃

[@robertphillips6296]

I watched “The Empire Strikes Back” on opening day, only to have the film break just after Darth Vader told Luke that he’s his father. I sat in a packed audience with my friends for what seemed like hours for the movie to restart. Thankfully they backed it up to just before Darth Vader made his announcement so that we could be certain that he actually did say that.

[@TheDylandProductions]

Wow! Awesome story. That doesn't happen anymore with digital. As disrupting as it would be, I think it would have been neat to witness a film break and/or burnout and have to wait for the projectionist to repair the film! So neat! :D

[@181102rkb]

I went and saw Star Wars on the opening day when I live in California at the Grauman's Chinese Theater got to C-3PO Darth Vader R2D2 put their hands in the cement on the pavement also a film student at the time and got to load the projector at the Grauman's Chinese with a 70 mm film

[@181102rkb]

One other thing 2 ad I was on the Warner Brothers lot and we got to go into the Sound Studio and see the audio mixing people for Star Wars working and saw Star Wars the segment were there in the crawler with a little creatures on the planet where they picked up the robots saw in black-and-white in an unedited cut

[@robertphillips6296]

Awesome!

[@7789rc]

@@TheDylandProductionshave had happen several times. Film broke watching Jurassic film and also Maverick. And a few more.

[@KentKaliber]

Wow, great to see REAL movie reviewers, that are reviewing a film based on it's Story and Merits. This is extinct in 2021.

[@Orangefan77]

You should check out *red letter media*, then.

[@dirkturtle3354]

You posted this on a website which hosts literally dozens, if not hundreds, of people who to top notch movie reviews and not just in three minute bits like Siskel and Ebert.

[@KentKaliber]

@@dirkturtle3354 Correct, we live in the time of Quantity over Quality. There are hundreds of bad movie reviewers today. Yes.

[@dirkturtle3354]

I suggest you dig a little deeper from the aforementioned RLM to Lindsey Ellis there are literally hundreds of folks doing good work.

[@owenmenning3878]

What??

[@jlynn9451]

I miss Siskel and Ebert

[@lechicshackastephie]

Me too.

[@johnfitzpatrick3094]

You're not the only one.

[@matthewgallagher1761]

They made seeing movies not only fun, but important. They were astute critics, knew direction, cinematography, etc., but they could discuss it like laymen too. It was a show I looked forward to every week. Movies mattered then in a way they don't quite now. We can't replace these two giants, but wish we had a show somehow like it today.

[@rethink62]

Miss you guys RIP

[@KentKaliber]

@@matthewgallagher1761 Today's "Movie Reviewers" (ie Blue Checkmark patrol on Twitter) are an absolute joke with ZERO credibility.

[@TANKTREAD]

"The Empire Strikes Back" is the best "Star Wars" movie and one of the greatest movies of all time. I remember seeing this movie in theaters back in 1980, I was 6 years old. Absolutely AWESOME. Definitely my favorite John Williams scores.

[@john2001plus]

I had just graduated high school. A friend and I drove from a small city to Indianapolis to watch it on a huge curved screen. We sat in the front row. This was almost like watching in 3D. At one point I had to turn my head 90 degrees to watch a ship fly across the screen. For me, it was an intense experience and a momentous occasion. This remains my favorite movie. The big reveal hit like a ton of bricks. There was much discussion among my friends and I about whether it was true. People spent three years talking about it.

[@TANKTREAD]

​@@john2001plusNow that's an awesome memory, my friend.

[@john2001plus]

@@TANKTREAD Thanks.

[@VinciGlassArt]

God, those simple times. Heart aches given where we've come.

[@shizuokaBLUES]

Yes it does. I’ve made moves towards recreating the simple times but it’s only superficial because those around me are so incredibly busy and most are terribly cynical. the news/ media/ makes everything worse

[@181102rkb]

Isn't that the truth I live in California when the movie came out and we want to Los Angeles on the first day to see it at Grauman's Chinese Theater

[@collegeman1988]

For a second, I thought “Aren’t they a little too late to review The Empire Strikes Back?” Then I remembered 1997 was the year of the Star Wars special editions.

[@Windupchronic]

When I want to feel old I remind myself it was 17 years before the original release and the special edition, but it's been 24 years since the special edition and now.

[@AllenFreemanMediaGuru]

I thought so too but they mention rerelease enhanced, at the start.

[@ashleighelizabeth5916]

I realized pretty quickly what was going on with this clip if only because I remember how much anticipation we all had to see what had been added or altered. By 97 the original cast of Star Trek was gone and TNG was off the air and making movies and as somebody else said it had been 17 years since Return of the Jedi had come out. I only mention the greatest rival of Star Trek because there was literally nothing else to compare with Star Wars at the time. It would be another 20 years before Iron Man hit the big screen and even the Toby McGuire Spiderman movies were still years away. There was quite literally a vacuum in SciFil blockbusters when these movies were re released and we were all starved for more.

[@mendezfocus]

That's what he said

[@johnrigs6540]

Every single Reviewer you see on TV, online or on KZbin is following in the footsteps of these two giants. Classic stuff!

[@shelbyseelbach9568]

Siskel and Ebert were not interviewers, so that's weird?

[@johnrigs6540]

@@shelbyseelbach9568 Lol obviously that was apple spell check boo boo ! I meant reviewer and did not check it somehow lol - so right you are! Thanks- just changed it!

[@shelbyseelbach9568]

@@johnrigs6540 if it was OBVIOUSLY apple spell check, I wouldn't have said anything. And don't call other men boo boo, what is wrong with you?

[@johnrigs6540]

@@shelbyseelbach9568 I called the ERROR a boo boo! Yikes you are taking this way too seriously lol ! Siskel and Ebert were brilliant and far ahead of their time - used to watch them every week!

[@shelbyseelbach9568]

@@johnrigs6540 Me too. It's all in fun. 😉

[@kchishol1970]

How did they do Yoda? You combine the technical visual brilliance of ILM with the talent of the master puppeteer, Frank Oz.

[@kenowens9021]

One of the biggest surprises in movie history was "No Luke, I am your father!' The entire audience went into shock.

[@stevenanderson898]

Incorrect quote, Vadar actually says "No, I am your father", he doesn't say Luke's name.

[@tinderbox218]

WHAT?!?!?!

[@pb7379-j2k]

Spoiler alert

[@Bauglir100]

@@stevenanderson898 He does in the radio adaptation. It's exactly as the OP said: "No Luke, I am your father!"

[@SovereignStatesman]

"These imperial walkers, are the most impractical weapons of war ever created." Luke: "Hold my lightsaber"

[@mattpope1746]

Chewbacca’s howls “growing tiresome” is the epitome of digging deep to find something to critique the film on- and no, Roger, due respect, but Chewie’s howls perfectly reflect how we all felt late in Empire realizing that Han was betrayed by Lando, Vader had recaptured Leia, and Luke was walking right into his trap. Rrrrrrrrraaaaaaaahhhhhh!!!!

[@davidarnold9324]

Yeah I didn't get where he was coming from with that. Everyone loves Chewie's howls!

[@michaelblaine6494]

I thought the same thing,if that’s all you can think of than you’re really trying to find something wrong

[@cultofj3777]

I heard similar criticisms about r2d2s whistles , all of which is nonsense!

[@chadsknnr]

YOU TELL 'EM, CHIEF!

[@reginaschellhaas1395]

Chewie's vocalizations were always spot on for conveying his emotions. I loved them!

[@BenChanNYC]

It's fun to see them actually excited in a review about how they were able to pull off Yoda. Imagine their reactions to Baby Yoda! These guys were a big part of my introduction to film appreciation and despite all the KZbin reaction channels that exist now, their like will never be seen again.

[@mrchopsticks3]

Tells you how great this movie is if the only criticism is Chewbacca's growls.

[@joeyday576]

Same thing I thought. I had never before heard any criticism of Chewbacca!

[@reginaldinoenchillada3513]

He was great at conveying emotion with limited lines. "Grrr!" vs "Rrrrooooaaarrrr!" I thought he did a great job. Lay off the sasquatch, er, I mean the wookie.

[@boozie773]

Yeah it’s a pretty ridiculous complaint

[@kimberlyrobinson3992]

There will never be another two like them.

[@peabarter_3074]

My bother and I saw The Empire Strikes Back twice on opening day. 1st show in the morning and the 7 PM show that night. There was a line that wrapped around the building. The crowd was so excited you could feel it in the air. Everyone applauded at the end of each show.

[@sandal_thong8631]

"Don't applaud; nobody who made the movie is in the theater." Don't become your parents.

[@moviola12]

Listen to what Roger says at 3:45 , I can't help but think that Fran Walsh and Peter Jackson were inspired by the Star Wars reissue because around this time they were developing Lord of the Rings. Who knows?

[@65g4]

I think your right for sure sadly Gene didnt live to see the prequels or LOTR

[@g_man2177]

I guess Siskel didn't realize that Irwin Kirshner was a mentor of George Lucas. That's why George chose him to direct.

[@sandal_thong8631]

Sometimes it's not possible to research everything. Back before the internet we used to use Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide. But Siskel did mention Kershner's movie, _Loving(1970)._

[@romulogarcia3893]

I remember finally getting to see this on the big screen in 97 with special edition releases and there was only a 2 week window for each of them and I watched them over and over lol

[@cultofj3777]

I always remembered Roger Ebert calling the ATATs the most impractical weapons of war ever! lol.

[@Mdebacle]

The shields will be down in moments. You may start your landing. General Veers

[@joeyday576]

And how right he was. I always thought the walkers looked silly. Let's attack with these huge lumbering vehicles that move so slowly, the Rebels have plenty of time to prepare for a battle and escape.

[@revan0890]

That's half the reason I love them!

[@stevebobhorace]

I have have have have have have have been very low and cold for the the the last

[@stephanieledogar4471]

@@joeyday576 i know, right?! I mean they can only fire straight on... so all the fighters have to do is attack from literally ANY OTHER DIRECTION, which of course they DON'T, which is why Luke gets hit.

[@twstf8905]

I was 4 years old when The Empire Strikes Back dropped. It's like it's part of my very being.

[@musicman76enator]

You must be 45 now

[@musicman76enator]

You grew up during the greatest years ever. You're lucky.

[@kali8085]

It’s just too awesome to watch this review, during a time when Star Wars consisted of just three movies knowing that a few years later, the prequels would be released.

[@vendredi3]

A forest planet? Swamp was the word you were looking for, Rog.

[@surrealcereal603]

I caught that too and checked the comments before saying anything. Thanks for saving me the trouble!

[@stormtraitor6545]

He’s a film critic, not a ‘Star Wars’ nerd.

[@surrealcereal603]

@@stormtraitor6545 You won't have to be a nerd to know the difference between a forest and a swamp. Just, you know, a basic human being.

[@gordons-alive4940]

@@surrealcereal603 I think he just misspoke. It happens.

[@RobinDale50]

Ah the days when Vader was still an intimidating super bad-ass. Good times, good times...

[@melvert33]

Nooooooooooo!

[@andybutterbaugh2998]

I always felt that the " Prequel" movies ruined Vader, AND Boba Fett. The myth, and mystique, of the characters was in not truly knowing everything about them, that there was a great deal of fun in the speculation, and imagination of who they truly were under the helmets. Sure, we know Vader was once good, and friends with Obi Wan, but turned evil, but that was fairly vague. Once they defined him as an annoying little kid, then an annoying, and arrogant 20 something, etc. ( and fairly unlikeable the whole time) Vaders dark, evil, scary bad assery were tarnished. And as for Boba Fett? His mysterious history was everything to the character, and now we know who he is, and where hes been. Total mystique killer...

[@rustyshackleford1040]

The hallway scene in Rogue One says hello.

[@Jamyes9909]

@@rustyshackleford1040 Badassery restored 😁

[@lw3646]

The role of Darth Vader is really beefed up in this. At the end of the first film Vader is in a tiny fighter ship and us lucky not to get blown up when the Death Star is destroyed. The first time we seem him in this he's on the bridge of the largest Ship we've ever seen surrounded by a huge fleet.

[@Onehappyworlds]

I actually used to go by Siskel & Ebert when they recommended movies. I sometimes always didn't agree with their reviews. But miss them coming on. There's so many movies these days. All different kinds. I sometimes even like the independent ones. No one could do a movie review like Gene & Roger.

[@noneofurbusiness5223]

Siskel & Ebert: yes, I miss them 2. If they both agreed, it was always a good recommendation.

[@chilidogcats]

I don’t know if anyone would make a film and leave out a conclusive ending? Marvel Cinematic Universe: Hold my beer.

[@sandal_thong8631]

Infinity War

[@chimpinaneckbrace]

“Shut up, Chewbacca.” - Roger Ebert

[@PaulSchober]

Yeah, learn to use English. :)

[@waynemarvin5661]

Roger never said that. Don't misquote him. That's how people get upset over things that aren't true. Trump won the election by a landslide? That's what he says.

[@chimpinaneckbrace]

@@waynemarvin5661 shut up

[@kthx1138]

Back when Lucas and the geniuses at ILM were hungry to explore visuals. These fantastic sights had simply never been seen before!

[@nor_cal_trailrides9990]

"Chewbacca's howls are tiresome" funny in all the times I've seen this film this was never even remotely on the radar. It's hard to believe these guys have been gone as long as they have. I can remember their show when it was on PBS

[@noneofurbusiness5223]

I always thought Imperial Walkers looked like camels.

[@Dan_Brandybuck]

I thought they looked like long-legged turtles.

[@henryhammond7393]

“... these elephant like imperial walkers, which are surely the most impractical weapons of war ever created.” Thank you, Roger.

[@pb7379-j2k]

He’s dead right

[@punchline43]

@@pb7379-j2k And he's dead, right?

[@henryhammond7393]

@@punchline43 Too soon. 😅

[@ssga_tgbuddy3082]

On Empire Strikes Back, I realized that as a kid that was one of the most serious Adult storyline movies that I watched and loved as a kid. There was frequent death, torture, Love affairs and just loved it as a 10 year old child.

[@torque91]

Yoda has become so iconic that people forget that we didn't know he was the little green guy until the "I cannot teach him" moment.

[@BTLemming]

If your only real criticism of a Star Wars movie is that Chewbacca has too many lines, then you know you’ve made a great film.

[@dynjarren8355]

I miss this show! I wish they would bring it back with two new Hosts. I enjoyed their arguments as well when they disagreed on a film. That was entertaining, too! I usually agreed with Ebert. Siskel came off as a film snob generally and he panned certain films that I actually enjoyed. The format is great! You get a preview and then a review! This was good marketing for films! You give the public a sample and then they want more. So they go see the movie. Now I have no idea what is coming out or when, so I don’t anticipate anything or care. This show gave you the Heads up! And made you look forward to seeing the films! RIP Siskel and Ebert

[@JediPhoenix1976]

Ebert: "The heart of this movie takes place on a forest planet --" *RECORD NEEDLE SCRATCH* Me: Ummmm....Roger? Can we have a word?

[@duchovny2]

Yoda: 800 year-old Jedi master Referred to as creature

[@kirk1701]

The music, those battle scenes on Hoth and in space, the writing and direction were all top-notch. This is the best _Star Wars_ film and one of the best films ever made.

[@kev7161]

They cut them off before they gave their thumbs up!

[@allthenewsordeath5772]

God it’s a shame neither of these old fogeys lived to eviscerate the sequels.

[@Nick_Barone]

Interesting how they took the time review the movie a second time

[@Pulsatyr]

I love all the Star Wars movies. They are three of the best scifi films ever!

[@jhamler1]

The most impractical weapons of war ever created... Indeed

[@blaketindle4703]

“And now, the re-re-rerelease of The Empire Strikes Back! In this version the word Wookie has been changed to “hair-challenged animal” and the entire cast has been replaced by Ewoks.”

[@OhanaFilms]

Poor Chewy taking a hit from Roger!

[@kidzoki]

Good to see Rog & Gene. Thanks.

[@jesse1085]

Thank you very much for the episode! Would you have more by any chance?

[@juliakay6204]

It’s so funny that they gush about the ending not tying up things with a bow. It seems every movie these days ends without completely finishing and starts out with a franchise in mind. The funniest being The Last Airbender.

[@cliftonmoore6928]

Being a young Black sci-fi nerd when this came out, i seriously thought about naming my future son "Lando Calrissian"!

[@user-iy6rm6pm4j]

When they went to the CG Yoda in the prequels, they asked the digital artist at Industrial Light & Magic if they could go back to ESB and matte in a digital Yoda. The ILM guy had a cow! NO! He said Puppet Yoda is sacred at ILM!

[@kascnef]

Thank god the reissue didn't have as many changes as the previous and the following movies

[@sandal_thong8631]

I think it's a tribute to the strength of _The Empire Strikes Back_ that it stands up without changes. I did look at some scenes from its trailer that didn't make it into the film: Lando marching toward the camera and Han, instead of the overhead shot of Han with his arms wide was one.

[@lukegreen5341]

0:01 I've Seen Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back The 40th Anniversary Edition At Vue Cinema Theatre In Bromley In Kent Near Southeast London Just Outside The Capital City Of London In England Last Year Back In August 2020 And It Was Super Awesome And This Will Beat Disney's Star Wars The Force Awakens's Box Office Records In 2015 In The 21st Century. This One Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back Was Released In Theatres On May 21st 1980 By The Beginning Of The Late 1980's In The 20th Century And This Is The Squall To Star Wars Episode IV A New Hope In 1977 And This One Is Now Owned By 20th Century Fox. Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back Is My All Time Favourite 20th Century Fox And Lucasfilm Ltd Children's Live Action Science Fiction Action Adventure Family Blockbuster Movie Of All Time. Thanks Mate. PS I'm Also A Huge Big Super Awesome Star Wars Fan As Well Too. May The Force Be With You. X

[@smokemeateveryday5321]

Sounds like two thumbs up!

[@alexr4208]

I don't even remember if I saw Empire when it first came out. I was so young. I did see this the re-release a couple times, though.

[@Doomzdayxx]

Vader is such an iconic villain. but in the 21st century we get....Kylo Ren?.....lolololololol

[@TheDylandProductions]

George Lucas Star Wars > Disney/Lucasfilm Star Wars The old expanded universe is better, too. Kylo Ren is just a weak amalgamation of Jacen Solo and Kyp Durron. Plus they ripped the name from a villain from the 80s Droids cartoon: Kybo Ren.

[@Doomzdayxx]

@@TheDylandProductions interesting, I didn't know that but of course I'm not surprised that disney/jar Jar Abrams didn't have a creative bone in their bodies. the prequels were mostly garbage but atleast there were some good interesting ideas and it's soul purpose wasn't to meet some diversity quota.

[@gabequezada2066]

Best movie critics of all time... I enjoyed watching their show... now, its just rotten tomatoes bullsh!t..

[@greghollander3950]

I can’t believe that they thought that Chewie was tiresome, when he is my kids favourite character, more than twenty years later.

[@alancalvo2355]

Greatest movie ever!

[@l.salisbury1253]

I miss these guys...

[@jorgezarco9269]

Lucas added footage of Darth Vader delivered to an Imperial ship. He also deleted Darth Vader saying "Bring my shuttle".

[@JamesBondStarWarsFan1983-by6qp]

Mr. Plinkett (RedLetterMedia): "I Love Empire Strikes Back so much, I F*ck It." This proves that Mr. Plinkett of RedLetterMedia will always be a way much better movie reviewer than Vincent Canby of The New York Times. I never agree more with Mr. Plinkett that The Empire Strikes Back was the greatest Star Wars sequel ever made, I really admire The Empire Strikes Back as one of my absolute favorite sci-fi films, and The Empire Strikes Back is the second best Star Wars film along with Star Wars 1977. Vincent Canby of The New York Times was a pretentious piece of garbage reviewer for giving The Empire Strikes Back a bad review in 1980.

[@barrystewart5946]

I hated ESB at first. The rebels lose, Han is frozen, Luke lost a hand, what the hell is going on? Over time I appreciated this is the greatest sequel of all time. Survival is the victory despite the odds. Never tell me...😂

[@markrobinson4982]

What would be a good comparison is to see what they said back when 'Empire' was first released.

[@walleye364]

what a prediction. Lets hope Hollywood doesn't forget about serious movies. Now all we get is Avenger movies.

[@ahousecatnamedmr.jenkins1052]

I did not like Episode V because i was not in it. Only Episode II and III are great because i am in them

[@adzoo586]

How are you managing to type this. Anakin chopped your hands off.

[@ahousecatnamedmr.jenkins1052]

@@adzoo586 The Dark side of the force is a pathway to many abilities some considered to be unnatural

[@schultzjohnd]

@@ahousecatnamedmr.jenkins1052 Zing!!!

[@hydehouse]

There is no Episode 2 or 3.

[@bmiller949]

I wish there are a movie review show with the intelligence that these two brought to the screen.

[@stevenhenry5267]

Magnificent film and even better soundtrack.

[@HunterMagunter]

Glad someone agrees that chewie gets annoying, can't stand it after awhile

[@alexpilgrim8248]

As disappointing as The Phantom Menace was, I would've wanted for Gene to have seen it. But in all honestly, I think he would've given it thumbs down.

[@ericwilson6994]

I miss these two.

[@patrickc3419]

My favorite of the Star Wars films.

[@gavinjoth5347]

what the heck is wrong with Chewie's howls?? It NEVER gets old!

[@SealofPerfection]

I'd like to hear what they thought of it when it actually came out, rather than years later when they know how revered the movies have become. Wonder if they said the same thing then.

[@clash5j]

Well, you can find on the web an old episode of Nightline from 1980 where both Gene and Roger both defend Star Wars and Empire in a spirited debate against New York magazine film critic John Simon who thought the Star Wars films were childish and that any adult who liked them must have a childish mind.

[@SealofPerfection]

@@clash5j I did some searching. Siskel reviewed it in 1980. He mostly talked about the special effects and was complimentary for the most part.

[@bryansarracino8623]

The best of all the Star Wars movies.

[@samiam7342]

ebert hit the nail on the head, the first thing he said was - the empire strikes back is the best of the trilogy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@yokoreia]

ESB is greater than life itself

[@Alaska-Jack]

Special edition re released you should include.

[@markallen2984]

This was the last good Star Wars movie.

[@GrayearlDubstep]

R.I.P both of them

[@HungryForTastyFoodAndComicArt]

Imagine a gelfling from Dark Crystal taking the Dr Jekyll potion: you end up with Yoda.

[@joncarbone]

‘Impractical weapons of war.’ Lol

[@mikem4432]

Siskel & Ebert reviews was the best of its kind, if not only one in its day. There was no social media or internet.. just these reviews, when people still read news papers ... and word of mouth.. ahh.. the good ole days.. now it is all crap woke shit with no tallent hacks running shit.

[@skinnersweet1263]

Yeah ... Irvin hadn’t done anything that made everyone thinks he could’ve done this , but he did anyway !!! Cool flick, nonetheless ... Kek

[@mantislake4141]

Who'd have ever concluded "Terminator"-level talent from James Cameron after "Piranha II: The Spawning"?

[@skinnersweet1263]

@@mantislake4141 Wow !! But have you checked Cameron’s previous effort? I was a short film that I forgot what it’s called. It was pretty darn good one, tho. Kek

[@HungryForTastyFoodAndComicArt]

I'm guessing that "current day" Disney really wishes this clip was never uploaded, lol. Aside from the people whom gave us Rogue One.

[@Rob2068]

It was amazing, in a bad way, that the 1980 Yoda in ESB was much better than the original Yoda in Phantom Menace almost 20 years later. How did Lucas and company manage to screw that up? Of course the original Yoda in Phantom Menace was later replaced by a CGI version. With good reason.

[@jacksonj3082]

Imagine Sickel & Ebert would not like many or most of the blockbuster action films nowadays with so much emphasis on action & special effects and less so on story & character development - like Rise of Skywalker

[@TannerBartko]

One of the most imaginative movies of all-time.

[@bucksdiaryfan]

At one point not long ago having "the Empire" was the proudest thing a Brit could proclaim, I always wondered what they thought about Lucas making it a "bad guy" word

[@breadordecide]

Fans hated it. Critics loved it. The Last Jedi...

[@mournblade1066]

Fun fact: David Lynch was George Lucas's initial choice to direct The Empire Strikes Back.

[@conchfritters01]

Jim Henson. Say his name!

[@keithtaylor9845]

The Original Reaction videos