Star Wars is the Best Star War
Today, nearly fifty years after its release, Star Wars still feels fresh, exciting and entirely organic. It is a naturally progressing story. Everything in it matters, and every moment leads inexorably and inevitably to the next moment, as it should — building to a tremendous climax and satisfying denouement.
None of those things are true about its immediate sequel, The Empire Strikes Back.
For that reason above all others, I rate Star Wars by far the better film.
I am well aware that a number of fans of the franchise — possibly a majority and seemingly in greater numbers every year — feels Empire is superior, including Black Gate‘s own Neil Baker.
I believe they are wrong.