R.I.P. Irvin Kershner, 1923-2010

Irvin Kershner, director of "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back" (among other films, but who cares?) died earlier today in Los Angeles.

The Kersh will, of course, best be remembered for directing the sequel to "Star Wars," a daunting task if there ever was one. But I'll be damned if he didn't knock it right out of the park. Fanboys will no doubt debate the rankings of the "Star Wars" films for years to come, but we can all agree that ESB was the best. It will remain a shining example of the franchise, and sci-fi/fantasy in general.

I'm grateful that the Kersh lived long enough to see the 30th anniversary of his landmark film and the joy it's brought to millions of people (including myself) around the world. Really, what greater legacy can an artist ask for?

There is no death, there is the Force.