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If your family is looking for "out of this world" video entertainment, then try the "good versus evil" franchise that translated smoking guns and dueling swords into a universe of laser-blasters and lightsabers.

The successful 1977 Star Wars left the public anxiously waiting for the Empire to Strike Back. George Lucas obliged, crafting a sequel by carefully combing out vague strands found in the original story, weaving them into an intricate plot, and planning a third installment to tie them up. With past financial success pointing to future prosperity, a "bridge" movie was born.

Debuting in 1980, the yarn picks up with the heroes lying low after having inflicted serious damage on the Empire's galaxy conquering plans. Hiding from Imperial armies who leave no star unturned in the search for revenge, the Rebel Alliance's hopes go up in smoke when a deep space probe detects their base on a frozen planet. Faster than light speed, Imperial Storm Troopers attack. During the ensuing evacuation, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) decides not to rendezvous with his friends, but instead seek out more training from a mysterious Jedi Master in a distant star system. Meanwhile, attempting to avoid the evil intentions of the Emperor's henchman Darth Vader, Han (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fischer) take flight aboard the mechanically challenged Millennial Falcon.

Even after a three-year intermission, audiences were not disappointed. Sitting on the edge of their seats they rode the plot twist roller-coaster, dodged asteroids with the Falcon's intrepid crew, and felt Luke's pain when he came up short-handed in his fight against the Force's dark side. With plenty of spacecraft dogfights, weapons, explosions, and a brush with a Yeti-like creature, the movie presented more violence than its predecessor. Yet fans' biggest complaint was -- not unlike one of the main characters -- they were left hanging another 36 months for the concluding episode.

Viewers can now consume the entire trilogy in one three-course VHS marathon -- proving some people can't get enough of a good thing. Speaking of which, there's a certain déjà vu about the next generation of Star Wars.

Talk about the movie with your family...

When Luke offers to try to accomplish a task, the Jedi Master Yoda corrects his apprentice by saying: "Do, or do not.... there is no try." What do you think this counsel meant? Could you apply these words of wisdom in your life?

Talk about the movie with your family...

When Luke offers to try to accomplish a task, the Jedi Master Yoda corrects his apprentice by saying: "Do, or do not.... there is no try." What do you think this counsel meant? Could you apply these words of wisdom in your life?

Video alternatives...

The other movies in the Star Wars franchise are:

Episode I: The Phantom Menace, Episode II: Attack of the Clones, Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and Episode IV: A New Hope, Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.

Another space series that has lived long and prospered is Star Trek. See our reviews of Insurrection and First Contact.

Making the Grades...

Overall: B+

When the Empire attacks the Rebel base and scatters their forces, Han and Leia flee, while Luke seeks further Jedi training. But Darth Vader will stop at nothing to find them (especially young Skywalker) in this sci-fi action/adventure film that acts as a story bridge between the first Star Wars film, Episode IV -- A New Hope, and Episode VI - Return Of The Jedi. (The Special Edition of The Empire Strikes Back features slightly more violent depictions than the original release).

Violence: C

Throughout the film gunfire is exchanged between characters, machines, and spacecrafts, resulting result in chases, explosions, property damage, injuries, and death (violence is not graphic). Large beast attacks an animal and a man: beast devours animal, man's face scratched, and beast's arm is dismembered (some blood shown). Characters exposed to extreme elements with risk of dying from cold. Carcass of dead animal is cut open; intestines are shown. Two characters are choked to death, and another character is threatened with choking. Spaceships narrowly miss or collide with asteroids. Spaceship crash-lands. Robot is swallowed and spit out by swamp creature. Brief glimpse of disfigured head. Flying creature is shot. Several scenes portray lightsaber (like sword) fighting; a decapitation and a dismembered arm result. Implied torture of two characters; screams heard. Man punches another man. A risky procedure is used to freeze a character. Desperate character attempts suicide. Character hangs precariously.

Sexual Content: A-

Man shown wearing only a bathing suit-like covering. Several kisses are exchanged between male and female characters; some affectionate, some passionate. Man and woman exchange mild banter about attraction to one another.

Language: A-

At least: One mild profanity, and some name-calling.

Alcohol / Drug Use: A

None.

Miscellaneous Concerns:

Those with reptile phobias may not appreciate the several snakes and lizards that are shown.

Donna Gustafson

(c) 2002 One Voice Communications Ltd. All Rights Reserved.