Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Directed by: George Lucas

Starring : Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford

Following the death of his mentor Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness) and the destruction of the Death Star, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) seeks Jedi training on the Dagobah system from Jedi master Yoda (voiced by Frank Oz).   Meanwhile, Darth Vader (voiced by James Earl Jones) seeks to find young Skywalker and turn him to the dark side.  In order to get his attention, he hunts Luke's friends Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher).

Normally, the movie bucket lists include the original film in a series, but for the Star Wars saga, The Empire Strikes Back stands atop the rest of the pack.  This is truly the model for a great sci-fi film - action, suspense, romance, major plot twists, and groundbreaking special effects (for the time).  This is the film where one of the greatest villains in movie history gets to shine.   Darth Vader is in charge and strangling anybody who gets in his way.  Simply put, Vader breaks loose and gets to be a badass.  This is a film you can enjoy anytime day or night.