The Empire Strikes Back (1980) ft. Robb Conlon and Andrew Corns

Dana and Tom with 10x club member, Robb Conlon (Founder of Westport Studios and Host of B2B Business Class), and 5x club member, Andrew Corns (Host and Creator of the Revisionist Almanac), discuss the sequel to Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back (1980) for its 45th anniversary: directed by Irvin Kerschner, written by Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan, music by John Williams, cinematography by Peter Suschitzky, starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Alec Guinness, and James Earl Jones.Plot Summary: After their triumphant but costly victory against the Empire, the Rebel Alliance struggles to evade Darth Vader’s relentless pursuit. Forced into hiding on the remote ice planet Hoth, they soon find themselves under attack, prompting a desperate escape across the galaxy. Meanwhile, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), guided by visions of wisdom, seeks out the reclusive Jedi Master Yoda to sharpen his abilities and prepare for the battles ahead. As Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fischer) attempt to evade Imperial forces, they seek refuge in the seemingly safe Cloud City—only to find betrayal lurking within. When Luke abandons his training to confront Vader, he faces a chilling revelation that will shake the foundation of his destiny and alter the course of the Rebellion forever.Guests:Robb ConlonFounder of Westport Studios and Host of B2B Business ClassLinkedIn: Robb / Westport StudiosPreviously On: Alien (1979), Aliens (1986), Die Hard (1988), The Godfather (1972), John Wick (2014), The Dark Knight (2008), The Dark Knight Rises (2012), Man on Fire (2004), The Incredibles (2004), Gladiator (2000)Andrew CornsHost and Creator of the Revisionist Almanac@revalmanac on IG, X, YouTube, TikTok, and LetterboxdPreviously on Gaslight (1946), Do the Right Thing (1989) Revisit, and Fight Club (1999), Barry Lyndon (1975), 2025 Post Oscars Reaction ShowChapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back to Robb and Andrew03:08 15 Appearances Gift?06:30 Robb's Sequelitis09:33 Why Does Empire Work as a Sequel?12:09 Where Does Darth Vader Rank Among Cine-Villians?13:46 Cast and Background for The Empire Strikes Back16:57 Relationship(s) with The Empire Strikes Back22:48 What is The Empire Strikes Back About?31:51 Plot Summary33:15 Did You Know?34:54 First Break35:34 What's Happening with Robb and Andrew?38:56 Corns Watched Bronco Billy43:22 Best Performance(s)01:02:04 Best Scene(s)01:15:36 Second Break01:16:20 Best/Funniest Lines01:23:31 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:25:31 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:30:28 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:44:30 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:48:07 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability02:00:45 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total02:04:24 Remaining Questions for The Empire Strikes Back02:18:20 Thank You to Robb and Andrew02:20:50 CreditsYou can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/the-empire-strikes-back-1980-ft-robb-conlon-and-andrew-cornsFor the entire rankings list so far, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-listKeywords:Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, movie analysis, sequels, character development, Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, Princess Leia, Lando Calrissian, film history, cinematic twists, movie podcast, movie quotes, character development, cultural impact, film legacy, rewatchability, classic films, humor in cinema, iconic dialogue, Mark Hamill, James Earl Jones, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness, Billy Dee Williams, John Williams, Lawrence KasdanRonny Duncan Studios