The Next Reel Film Podcast

We continue our look at the despecialized editions of the original Star Wars trilogy. In today’s episode, we’re talking about Irvin Kershner’s 1980 film ‘The Empire Strikes Back.’ It’s hard to find issues with the film but there’s still plenty to discuss. Tune in!

Show Notes

Does The Empire Strikes Back Suffer From Middle-Film-Itis?

There’s a complaint about trilogies that are designed to be one long story that the middle film suffers the most because it neither feels like it has a beginning or an ending. Is that a problem with this film? What about being a sequel? Does it do more than the original did? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our series looking at the original Star Wars trilogy with Irvin Kershner’s 1980 film The Empire Strikes Back.

Here’s a hint at what we talk about.
Obviously, we love Empire so we don’t think it has those issues, but there are contingents of people out there who don’t find it as strong as the original. Still, George Lucas and director Irvin Kershner created a spectacular film that’s a thrill from start to finish. 

What do we think of Harmy’s despecialized version? And how have all the subsequent projects affected our readings of certain lines in the film? The key question though is do any of those readings affect our joy?

The Empire Strikes Back is a magnificent film and we have a great time talking about it. Check it out then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins! Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!

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Creators and Guests

Host
Andy Nelson
With over 25 years of experience in film, television, and commercial production, Andy has cultivated an enduring passion for storytelling in all its forms. His enthusiasm for the craft began in his youth when he and his friends started making their own movies in grade school. After studying film at the University of Colorado Boulder, Andy wrote, directed, and produced several short films while also producing indie features like Netherbeast Incorporated and Ambush at Dark Canyon. Andy has been on the production team for award-winning documentaries such as The Imposter and The Joe Show, as well as TV shows like Investigation Discovery’s Deadly Dentists and Nat Geo’s Inside the Hunt for the Boston Bombers. Over a decade ago, he started podcasting with Pete and immediately embraced the medium. Now, as a partner at TruStory FM, Andy looks forward to more storytelling through their wide variety of shows. Throughout his career, Andy has passed on his knowledge by teaching young minds the crafts of screenwriting, producing, editing, and podcasting. Outside of work, Andy is a family man who enjoys a good martini, a cold beer, a nice cup o’ joe. And always, of course, a great movie.
Host
Pete Wright
#Movies, #ADHD, & #Podcasting • Co-founder @trustory.fm🎥 The Next Reel Family of #Film Podcasts @thenextreel.com🎙️ Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast @takecontroladhd.com📖 Co-author of Unapologetically ADHD • https://unapologeticallyadhdbook.com

What is The Next Reel Film Podcast?

A show about movies and how they connect.
We love movies. We’ve been talking about them, one movie a week, since 2011. It’s a lot of movies, that’s true, but we’re passionate about origins and performance, directors and actors, themes and genres, and so much more. So join the community, and let’s hear about your favorite movies, too.
When the movie ends, our conversation begins.