An entertaining sci-fi adventure and a fitting end to the classic trilogy.

Dark, sinister, The Empire Strikes Back defies viewer expectations and takes the series to heightened emotional levels.

George Lucas brings his second Star Wars trilogy to a suitably thrilling and often poignant -- if still a bit uneven -- conclusion.

Benefits from an increased emphasis on thrilling action, although it's undercut by ponderous plot points and underdeveloped characters.

Burdened by exposition and populated with stock characters, gets the Star Wars prequels off to a bumpy -- albeit visually dazzling -- start.