I thought Episode IV was good. This is the best of the best. Perfect. Simply a perfect movie. Not much else I can say, except to also aknowledge how amazing the soundtrack is. Shame really, how later on they ruin this great promise of a series.
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Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
They're all great. This is the best of the best.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 8 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness:
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Language:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Parents need to know that there are two versions of this Lucasfilm classic, the original 1980 release (on VHS and Laserdisc) and a later one (extant on DVD) to which George Lucas added enhanced special effects. Both hold up equally in terms of quality. This movie was originally a middle chapter in the Star Wars saga, ending with a narrative jolt and an unresolved cliffhanger that tantalized and frustrated fans, but since then George Lucas shot three prequels; viewing them in the new order spoils some of the surprises that threw 1980 viewers. There is abundant fantasy violence including light-saber fights (with arms cut off a recurring theme), dismemberment and near-incineration of the robot C3PO, and the freezing of Han Solo.
Read our full review by Charles Cassady Jr.
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the characters' choices and motivations, and the idea of "the Force" as a mystic self-actualization philosophy. Parents can tell their children that since 1980 audiences did not have the benefit of the three later prequels, all these plot twists (Master Yoda's identity, the revelation of Luke Skywalker's parentage) were breathtaking surprises. The much-imitated and parodied secret of Luke's relationship to Darth Vader can lead to discussion about feared, estranged fathers in real life (though this is a sensitive topic, naturally). Do you think it's an omission that nobody makes much fuss over how this news about Vader might affect Princess Leia too?
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Who doesn't like star wars?
I love star wars! Hardly anything suggestive. If you haven't seen it then why not? They're all great! But in this one Leia kisses her brother. (blah)
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
Original Saga is the Best
This is the best of the best probably the best of movies to.
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
STAR WARS ARE SOME OF THE BEST MOVIES EVER
yup yup yup
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
An Amazing, Engrossing Follow-up to an Amazing Epic!
THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK is arguably the best movie sequel ever. It really continues the plot of the original instead of just making up some dumb problem for the characters in order to make money. The visuals equal, if not top, the originals, and the cliffhanger you are left with is simply, well, cliffhanging. The second in the trilogy delves deeper into the characters, making them less stereotypical and giving them real fears, concerns, and hopes. It also reveals a shocking truth about Vader's connection to Luke. Violence is the only thing to be concerned about here. Guns and light-sabers are rampant, but the violence isn't realistic or bloody. People are shot and they fall without so much of a groan. That's all it is. No language, no sex, and no drugs. This really is a grand moviemaking spectacle. Even if your kids can't or won't watch it, you should. Highly recommended.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
A great film for people of all ages, although maybe not for the tiniest of kids, since there are some dark moments.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Its okay.
Its not as good as cs said it is
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