Happy Birthday

Is this going to be a geeky post? Yes. Yes it is. Bear with me...

Today is the 30th anniversary of one of my favorite movies of all time - THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK. It's hard to believe it's been 30 years since its premiere. I have vague memories of going to the theatre in Webster City with my mom to see this - but what I really remember most is the excruciatingly long wait between the original Star Wars (before it was labeled 'Episode IV') and its superior sequel.

1977's Star Wars laid the foundation of my Star Wars mania that would last to this very day, but it was 1980's Empire that cemented it in place forevermore. Most will agree - whether Star Wars enthusiasts or not - that Empire is the best of the series, and I heartily agree. Short of the original, no other Star Wars film has the soul, the turmoil, and the wisdom of Empire. Perhaps this is due to George Lucas' handing over the directorial reigns to Irvin Kershner - perhaps not. Either way, the iconic images of wampas, taun-tauns, AT-ATs, Yoda, Boba Fett, carbon-freezing chambers, and Darth Vader's stunning revelation (at the time) will live with us forever.

Here's a a well-written article that sums it up nicely:

http://arstechnica.com/media/news/2010/05/empire-strikes-30-ars-looks-back-at-an-amazing-film.ars?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss

Happy 30th birthday Empire. The Force will be with you. Always...