So, I had a little outburst the other day when a screen writing mentor of mine was discussing trilogy movies. The larger discussion was about the three act structure of a single story arc being spread amongst three films in a trilogy setting, the middle movie essentially being the second act. The second act is the meat of the story. It's when everything happens. It's the build up to the climax. But in a trilogy, each film has to have it's own arc as well, of course. The second act is also the hardest to write. It's the "how" of our hero's journey.

That's not what caused my upset however. No, what made time stand still and objects in the room start to distort, was when this person that I highly regard and look up to shattered my world by using The Empire Strikes Back as a prime example of a middle movie that didn't work.

It's commonly agreed upon that The Empire Strikes Back is the least favorite movie of the three original Star Wars films...

WHAT?

I sounded exactly like Leia when she realized Alderaan was to be the test planet for the Death Ball's super doomsday weapon.

Maybe I have been living in my own little bubble, but The Empire Strikes Back has *always* been my favorite movie of both the original trilogy and the saga... which by default means it's my favorite movie of all time, period. From what I've noticed, I thought that for many, many fans and even amongst the casual Star Wars enthusiasts (you know the ones.. they "like" the saga and all, but just haven't fully embraced the true nature of their fandom... yet), TESB was also near the top of their list, if not at the top.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not oblivious... usually. I have also noticed and accepted that for many people, fans and civilians alike (I mean really - everyone who has seen a Star Wars movie at least likes it a little bit), Empire is in fact their least favorite of the saga or the OT.

But "commonly agreed upon"? I could accept 50-50. Maybe even 60-40 if you catch me in a good mood. Commonly agreed?

Instead of going off on my own biased tangent on why I think The Empire Strikes Back is not only the best film of the saga, but also my favorite... I wanted to put the question out there to the real authorities: Everyone here at the official site. We are the "official fans" are we not?



Here's my question to you, the true Fan Force:

Is The Empire Strikes Back the best or weakest film of the original trilogy... and why?



Feel free to comment here of course, and even write a response blog entry if you feel so compelled. Although I know the results of a poll like this isn't an exhaustive study by any means, I'm really curious! Hopefully I'll get a good variety of answers, and please don't feel compelled to say you like TESB the best just to appeal to my fragile nature

Maybe this will be incorporated into the Geek Questions over at Geek Rebellion. rj?

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Editing in some of my own, older comments here in case more people would like to respond (there's a couple of you I know will make your way over here at some point )

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Awesome guys! I might do a follow up on this, but some fascinating responses so far...

tesb was the only sw movie to make the list (mirax7)

The media can certainly have an influence on what people think is the best.

I just didn't like it. It didn't work for me. (amidalooine)

A valid expert opinion! But frankly I am surprised ami. TESB has a lot of emotion and romance. I thought it'd be an instant hit with you!

BRB. Someone's IM-ing me! (ami again)

Fine! Leave me hanging here!

i'm not sure that i would call tesb weak. (mirax part deux)

I hope nobody thinks *anyone* was saying that. It is a comparison between the three OT films.

To say it is the least favorite movie is like saying chocolate is the least favorite flavor of ice cream. (rj_peters... geek extraordinaire)

Beautiful analogy. Also my favorite ice cream, and now I'm hungry!

and then it all shifted when I was a teen. (The Stooge)

That's very interesting, and I think the older opinion is what he was referring to.

this instinct to portray ESB as just the "second act" of a six hour movie (The monkey lizard strikes back!)

It is a second act, and a very successful one IMO, but it's also a powerful stand alone film. Kind of a double entendre.

I just can't pick between the two (Sarlaac-Pitt the gastronomique)

No pressure Pitt. Just glad to hear your opinion

You should have slapped the guy and screamed "The Matrix Reloaded!!!!" (that whipper-snapper known as Son of a Bith)

To his credit, the other two Matrix films were cited as flops, and I agree. So, the middle movie is less of an issue here.

I think because here the action starts. (the lovely M to the 6 to the 8)

Or can we say, this is where the action starts... again? Aaand ACTION!

And also the change of scenery and the introduction of new places. (yodabud3)

True! TESB is very rich and diverse both physically and emotionally.

by a brief margin, much less than it used to be. (ami!)

I think we're on to something. Has it gotten better with time?

my perception of ESB also changed with age. (Cousin Itt)

As Mr. Itt so eloquently states!

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Phew! All this copying and pasting is tiring me out!