158 reviews
For fantasy-geeks like myself, this 1984 outing of the legendary swordsman is an interesting mix of highs and lows. The cinematography, costumes and settings are a high-point, remaining loyal to Frazetta's incredible illustrations.
Gone, unfortunately, is the first film's solid, adult screenplay. Howard's original, "Nietzschean" Conan is watered-down here, the director deciding to play for laughs (but Conan and his world just is'nt comedic).
Like the dialogue, the casting is sometimes hit and miss. Although Grace Jones (as the wild warrioress Zula) has been criticized as "over the top", she puts in a solid, believable performance. Sarah Douglas also shines as Queen Taramis, although we don't see enough of her! Arnie is adequate, as is Mako (who reprises his role here as a helpful wizard).
The film suffers most from poor special effects (an unforgivable crime for fantasy lovers)! It looks like they spent most of the budget on actors and settings, but even by 1980s standards, the monsters Conan faces were absurd.
Lessons were not learned, ending with the debacle of "Red Sonja" a year later. Arnie admitted that film to be "the worst he ever made". "Destroyer" amounts to harmless entertainment, lacking conviction, but watchable all the same.
Gone, unfortunately, is the first film's solid, adult screenplay. Howard's original, "Nietzschean" Conan is watered-down here, the director deciding to play for laughs (but Conan and his world just is'nt comedic).
Like the dialogue, the casting is sometimes hit and miss. Although Grace Jones (as the wild warrioress Zula) has been criticized as "over the top", she puts in a solid, believable performance. Sarah Douglas also shines as Queen Taramis, although we don't see enough of her! Arnie is adequate, as is Mako (who reprises his role here as a helpful wizard).
The film suffers most from poor special effects (an unforgivable crime for fantasy lovers)! It looks like they spent most of the budget on actors and settings, but even by 1980s standards, the monsters Conan faces were absurd.
Lessons were not learned, ending with the debacle of "Red Sonja" a year later. Arnie admitted that film to be "the worst he ever made". "Destroyer" amounts to harmless entertainment, lacking conviction, but watchable all the same.
- nbwritersinbox
- Jan 19, 2012
- Permalink
If you're looking for a deep, interesting and layered fantasy flick which makes sense and has an original story, go rent out the first Conan movie. Conan the Destroyer is pure Hollywood cheese, made because the Conan the Barbarian was such a hit. The studio execs made the story more light-hearted, with sidekicks and magic and the kind of story a thirteen-year-old could watch without getting in trouble.
Oddly enough, it works. While it's light years away from Robert E Howard's original Conan stories, Conan the Destroyer is still great fun, even twenty years after it was made. Arnold Schwarzenegger makes the most of the very silly lines he's given, Tracey Walter proves a capable if somewhat pointless comic foil, and the irony of casting Wilt Chamberlain as a protector of a young princess' virginity is hilarious.
Mako hams it up, Grace Jones takes it all too seriously and Olivia D'Abo makes for a good childlike princess because she was 16 when the film got made. The music's over-dramatic, the lines are laughable ("Some wizard you are! Go back to juggling apples!") and the story's cliché, but for Saturday night viewing, nothing beats Conan the Destroyer.
Possibly Interesting Trivia: This movie was produced by Raffaela De Laurentis, daughter of the famous Dino De Laurentis. She also produced the confusing big-budget epic "Dune". Both Dune and this movie flopped at the box office, and both were filmed in Mexico.
Oddly enough, it works. While it's light years away from Robert E Howard's original Conan stories, Conan the Destroyer is still great fun, even twenty years after it was made. Arnold Schwarzenegger makes the most of the very silly lines he's given, Tracey Walter proves a capable if somewhat pointless comic foil, and the irony of casting Wilt Chamberlain as a protector of a young princess' virginity is hilarious.
Mako hams it up, Grace Jones takes it all too seriously and Olivia D'Abo makes for a good childlike princess because she was 16 when the film got made. The music's over-dramatic, the lines are laughable ("Some wizard you are! Go back to juggling apples!") and the story's cliché, but for Saturday night viewing, nothing beats Conan the Destroyer.
Possibly Interesting Trivia: This movie was produced by Raffaela De Laurentis, daughter of the famous Dino De Laurentis. She also produced the confusing big-budget epic "Dune". Both Dune and this movie flopped at the box office, and both were filmed in Mexico.
- ogremage12
- Aug 7, 2007
- Permalink
The plot moves on at a fair old pace from one big set piece to another and it is clear the film had a decent budget. In fact, I would say that this is excellent bubblegum sword and sorcery fodder except for a few minor, but annoying quirks. For one thing the comedy sidekick Malak is phenomenally irritating, badly acted, and takes any tension, interest etc out of any scene. Clearly they were going for a wider 'family' appeal with this film, but this was also clearly a decision made some time down the filming process. Most obviously this hits home during the fight scenes with some very choppy cutting as some of the more gruesome bits have been removed. And Conan's second encounter with the camel suffers from this too! That aside the cast carry off their roles with aplomb, Grace Jones in particular really getting across her character's zest for and love of combat. One of the better hack and slash films out there.
Oh, I can understand why "Conan the Destroyer" is the way it is. The original, classic "Conan the Barbarian" was a hit, but the Hollywood bigwigs decided they could get x-amount more money if they made a more family-friendly sequel, thereby opening the franchise to the lucrative kid's market (never mind that, for as long as there have been "restrictive" movie ratings, kids have known how to get to see the movies they want). Take out the sex, tone down the violence, crank up the humor, and... out comes this movie.
It's like "Destroyer" is stuck in a state of half-development. The basic storyline would be okay, but the script gives Conan a coterie of unneccessary sidekicks (as if Conan were not a strong enough character to carry a movie by himself). Grace Jones is interesting to look at but gets tiresome VERY fast; the cowardly sidekick gets more irritating by the second; Mako wears this expression like he's only in this one for the money. Olivia d'Abo is just plain miscast: it's like she's a marker that should read "Insert More Interesting Character in Second Draft." Arnold Schwarzenegger does a competent job as Conan, but we don't see the raw power and brute force of the first movie. There is a thin line between competence and complacency, between an actor and a star; it took Roger Moore six years to get to that point in the James Bond series, while Schwarzenegger reaches the same point with Conan in two.
I think part of the problem is whether or not the Conan concept is flexible enough to become family fare, and my answer is "no." Fans of Robert E. Howard's Conan work know his Cimmerian is a very rough-edged hero, a cunning, hard-drinking, hard-fighting man, and the first Conan movie captured that essence. To change him into the simple-minded do-gooder of "Conan the Destroyer" is to destroy what Conan is all about, and the movie suffers for it.
Is "Conan the Destroyer" worth watching? Yes. For someone who knows absolutely nothing about Conan, I suppose it can be a harmless sword-and-sorcery popcorn flick. For Conan fans, it's kind of like "Legend of the Lone Ranger" for Lone Ranger fans: an irresistible example of just how badly Hollywood can treat your favorite character.
I just hope that if there is ever another Conan movie (not likely, thanks to "Destroyer"), the producers will concentrate on following the style of "Conan the Barbarian" and just ignore this one.
It's like "Destroyer" is stuck in a state of half-development. The basic storyline would be okay, but the script gives Conan a coterie of unneccessary sidekicks (as if Conan were not a strong enough character to carry a movie by himself). Grace Jones is interesting to look at but gets tiresome VERY fast; the cowardly sidekick gets more irritating by the second; Mako wears this expression like he's only in this one for the money. Olivia d'Abo is just plain miscast: it's like she's a marker that should read "Insert More Interesting Character in Second Draft." Arnold Schwarzenegger does a competent job as Conan, but we don't see the raw power and brute force of the first movie. There is a thin line between competence and complacency, between an actor and a star; it took Roger Moore six years to get to that point in the James Bond series, while Schwarzenegger reaches the same point with Conan in two.
I think part of the problem is whether or not the Conan concept is flexible enough to become family fare, and my answer is "no." Fans of Robert E. Howard's Conan work know his Cimmerian is a very rough-edged hero, a cunning, hard-drinking, hard-fighting man, and the first Conan movie captured that essence. To change him into the simple-minded do-gooder of "Conan the Destroyer" is to destroy what Conan is all about, and the movie suffers for it.
Is "Conan the Destroyer" worth watching? Yes. For someone who knows absolutely nothing about Conan, I suppose it can be a harmless sword-and-sorcery popcorn flick. For Conan fans, it's kind of like "Legend of the Lone Ranger" for Lone Ranger fans: an irresistible example of just how badly Hollywood can treat your favorite character.
I just hope that if there is ever another Conan movie (not likely, thanks to "Destroyer"), the producers will concentrate on following the style of "Conan the Barbarian" and just ignore this one.
This is an epic adventure based on Robert E Howard's pulp tales with screenplay by the comic-book authors, Roy Thomas and Gerry Conway , it stars Arnold Schwarzenegger in the title role, the Hyborian Age hero . This time Conan with the help his partner (Tracey Walter), a magician (Mako, who repeats his role as wizard of ¨Conan the Barbarian ¨ by John Milius and written by Oliver Stone), an androgynous sidekick( Grace Jones who steals the show ), as a club-wielding tomboy, a giant hoodlum (Wilt Chamberlain) and a virgin princess(Olivia DÁbo) undergo on a risked trip to find a treasure whose sacred jewel contains a magic horn that relives a monster (manufactured by Carlo Rambaldi : ET) and leading a vibrant ending.
This violent following packs noisy action, full-blooded adventure, thrills, crude scenes and rip-roaring fights. Dumb images and unintentionally hilarious but amusing . Made on a grand scale with spectacular production design and colorful cinematography by Jack Cardiff, occasionally filmmaker. Big budget and lavishly produced by Raffaela De Laurentis, Dino's daughter. Impressive musical score composed and conducted by Basil Poledouris as vibrant as the original Conan. In other words, it seem likely Conan enthusiasts and juvenile viewers will be delighted. Followed by several low-grade imitations and rip offs, and spawned TV series starred by Ralph Moller. Furthermore a similar film realized in old-fashioned style also directed by Richard Fleischer titled ¨Red Sonja¨ with Brigette Nielsen as female lead , Sandahl Bergman and of course Arnold Schwarzenegger has a brief guest spot. And in production a new ¨Conan¨ by Marcus Nispel with Jason Momoa,Rose McGowan and Ron Perlman.
This violent following packs noisy action, full-blooded adventure, thrills, crude scenes and rip-roaring fights. Dumb images and unintentionally hilarious but amusing . Made on a grand scale with spectacular production design and colorful cinematography by Jack Cardiff, occasionally filmmaker. Big budget and lavishly produced by Raffaela De Laurentis, Dino's daughter. Impressive musical score composed and conducted by Basil Poledouris as vibrant as the original Conan. In other words, it seem likely Conan enthusiasts and juvenile viewers will be delighted. Followed by several low-grade imitations and rip offs, and spawned TV series starred by Ralph Moller. Furthermore a similar film realized in old-fashioned style also directed by Richard Fleischer titled ¨Red Sonja¨ with Brigette Nielsen as female lead , Sandahl Bergman and of course Arnold Schwarzenegger has a brief guest spot. And in production a new ¨Conan¨ by Marcus Nispel with Jason Momoa,Rose McGowan and Ron Perlman.
Queen Taramis (Sarah Douglas) offers Conan the barbarian (Arnold Schwarzenegger) to bring back his love Valeria back from the dead. Conan and his sidekick Malak (Tracey Walter) is to escort Taramis' virgin niece Jehnna (Olivia d'Abo) to find a key and a jewel horn. Her bodyguard Bombaata (Wilt Chamberlain) accompanies them but Taramis tells him to double-cross Conan. On the way, Conan saves wizard Akiro (Mako) and Zula (Grace Jones) and they join the ragtag band of travelers.
It's sillier than the first movie. Its saving grace is that it's fun as long as you don't take it seriously. I think the dialog actually got more clunky. There is certainly nothing quite like this. Grace Jones looks crazy awesome. Mako and Tracey Walter are making jokes. Wilt Chamberlain is actually acting. At least he's not much worst than Arnie. Olivia d'Abo looks really pretty. This is one crazy group.
It's sillier than the first movie. Its saving grace is that it's fun as long as you don't take it seriously. I think the dialog actually got more clunky. There is certainly nothing quite like this. Grace Jones looks crazy awesome. Mako and Tracey Walter are making jokes. Wilt Chamberlain is actually acting. At least he's not much worst than Arnie. Olivia d'Abo looks really pretty. This is one crazy group.
- SnoopyStyle
- May 9, 2014
- Permalink
- Hey_Sweden
- Feb 1, 2013
- Permalink
- Smells_Like_Cheese
- Jan 28, 2010
- Permalink
Sadly, sequels are rarely as good as the original, and with Conan the Barbarian being such a good movie, this one had to produce something special to live up to its predecessor.
Well, we still got Arnie as Conan, so that's a good start. And we have one of the other cast members from the first flick, in the shape of Mako. But that's about where any good stuff ends.
The first death knell for this movie is the casting. We have Tracey Walter as Malak, a thief side-kick of Conan's (whatever happened to Gerry Lopez's Subotai character?) Tracey does a very good impression of Peter Lorre...throughout the whole film. Then there's Grace Jones (perhaps the original singer-turned-actor) as some kind of demented she-warrior. All she is really good at is glaring at people and hissing like a snake and she does this......throughout the whole film. Sarah Douglas as the obligatory evil queen...the only thing she seems to be queen of is sequels (Superman 2, Puppetmaster 3, Beastmaster 2 etc.) and Olivia D'Abo, who is just irritatingly helpless and annoying here.
The plot is trivial and the dialogue poor and some of the effects are lamentably bad (look for the island in the lake and the "man-ape"). Also, did I mention that Grace Jones is just horrible and hisses a lot? I did? Oh well, it bears repeating..
All in all, this is a cash-in movie, designed to rake in some easy money on the back of the original and not really caring much about a plot or good actors. Even Arnie, the world's best actor at not saying many lines, is hampered by having too much dialogue.
Avoid it unless you want a laugh.
Well, we still got Arnie as Conan, so that's a good start. And we have one of the other cast members from the first flick, in the shape of Mako. But that's about where any good stuff ends.
The first death knell for this movie is the casting. We have Tracey Walter as Malak, a thief side-kick of Conan's (whatever happened to Gerry Lopez's Subotai character?) Tracey does a very good impression of Peter Lorre...throughout the whole film. Then there's Grace Jones (perhaps the original singer-turned-actor) as some kind of demented she-warrior. All she is really good at is glaring at people and hissing like a snake and she does this......throughout the whole film. Sarah Douglas as the obligatory evil queen...the only thing she seems to be queen of is sequels (Superman 2, Puppetmaster 3, Beastmaster 2 etc.) and Olivia D'Abo, who is just irritatingly helpless and annoying here.
The plot is trivial and the dialogue poor and some of the effects are lamentably bad (look for the island in the lake and the "man-ape"). Also, did I mention that Grace Jones is just horrible and hisses a lot? I did? Oh well, it bears repeating..
All in all, this is a cash-in movie, designed to rake in some easy money on the back of the original and not really caring much about a plot or good actors. Even Arnie, the world's best actor at not saying many lines, is hampered by having too much dialogue.
Avoid it unless you want a laugh.
- Rob_Taylor
- Dec 17, 2002
- Permalink
- Scarecrow-88
- Nov 22, 2009
- Permalink
- Oslo_Jargo
- Aug 28, 2001
- Permalink
While the original 'Conan the Barbarian' was more dramatic, the sequel is played more for laughs. Nonetheless, it is still a highly entertaining sword and sorcery fantasy flick. The music is again outstanding and carries the movie where the dialogue fails. Of particular note is Wilt Chamberlain's impressive performance as the immense Bombatta. He has a tremendous screen presence, more than just his stature (plus he had to do his own stunts!).
There are lots of memorable scenes throughout the movie. Not a cerebral film, just good old-fashioned fantasy!
There are lots of memorable scenes throughout the movie. Not a cerebral film, just good old-fashioned fantasy!
This film is more lighter in tone than John Milius' classic, Conan The Barbarian. Probably due to a more lightweight director, Richard Fliescher coming on board, and more importantly a script by Marvel Comics writers Roy Thomas and Gerry Conway. However, the mix is more enjoyable this time around, not as interesting or impessive than its predescessor, but more fun. Arnold never looked more mightier than here, looking like the true Marvel Comics equivelent of the hero, rather than Milius' or Robert Howards version. The script is pretty dull, it has to be said, owing from the likes of Steve Reeves Hercules movies and the classics of Ray Harrihausen. But there is still Arnold, the wonderfull sets, the powerful Basil Poledouris theme, and a cast of Grace Jones, Sarah Douglas, Tracey Walter, Mako, Wilt Chamberlain and Olivier D'Abo, who some how manage to make this resemble an episode of the 60's Batman T.V Series than a piece of Robert Howard soaked fantasy.The fighting scenes a re good and there is a fantastic scene in wich Conan is trapped in a cave of mirrors terrorised by Red-Hooded monsters. The only way to kill them? To smash the mirrors of course. Pure Marvel Comics fantasy.
What made Conan the Barbarian a great movie was the fact that Arnold played Conan as a person who was shut away and not talked to for most of his formative years. The first movie had minimal dialogue, and it made it seem like whenever Conan had something to say, it was important. In this movie, he seems to be talking every other second. He even hams it up doing pratfalls when he is drunk. It takes the emotionally stoic backbone out of the barbarian from the earlier movie. Arnold is an action star, not a stage actor.
Conan (Arnold Schwarzenegger) leads a ragtag group of adventurers on a quest for a princess.
When John Milius, director of "Conan the Barbarian", proved to be unavailable to direct the sequel, Dino De Laurentiis suggested Richard Fleischer to his daughter Raffaella De Laurentiis, who was producing Conan the Destroyer. Fleischer had already made "Barabbas" (1961) and "Mandingo" (1975) for Dino De Laurentiis. Yes, this is from the same guy who gave us "Mandingo"! From the first film, the violence and such was toned down, dropping from an R to a PG. Some would say this hurt the film, but I think it might actually be better. It makes it more fun and definitely more of a comic book or pulp story. Despite decreased sales, it apparently was good enough that they moved ahead with a part three (which was shelved, then reworked into "Kull") and "Red Sonja".
When John Milius, director of "Conan the Barbarian", proved to be unavailable to direct the sequel, Dino De Laurentiis suggested Richard Fleischer to his daughter Raffaella De Laurentiis, who was producing Conan the Destroyer. Fleischer had already made "Barabbas" (1961) and "Mandingo" (1975) for Dino De Laurentiis. Yes, this is from the same guy who gave us "Mandingo"! From the first film, the violence and such was toned down, dropping from an R to a PG. Some would say this hurt the film, but I think it might actually be better. It makes it more fun and definitely more of a comic book or pulp story. Despite decreased sales, it apparently was good enough that they moved ahead with a part three (which was shelved, then reworked into "Kull") and "Red Sonja".
much campier then the first film, it attempts to make for Conan's lack of depth with a large supporting cast. (they used up all his depth in the first film). Yet it is worth it just to see Grace, Wilt Chamberlin and all the rest of the cast bust some serious heads.
Even though I consider this a childhood favorite up there with FLASH GORDON and THE BEASTMASTER, this film really fails to hold up to adult eyes even as a campy retread. It's not that it's bad or such a pale kid-friendly followup to its CLASSIC original, but CtD is just clunky and boring.
The biggest problem is that Conan is given way too many sidekicks. It seems every significant scene in the first half of the movie only exists to either set up the plot (which is rather thin and lacking), introduce another sidekick to add to the party, or provide for weak comedy relief! There is absolutely no character building, precious little intrigue, no suspense, and even less excitement. Once the second half comes and we near act 3, the film feels so on autopilot that it's impossible to pay attention to.
Richard Fleischer was one of the top action directors from the 50's-70's, but by the mid-80's he had unfortunately been reduced to "hired hand" status and often given family-friendly dreck he seemed to have precious little investment in. This film is pedestrian and uninventive in every way, especially disappointing considering the crew involved. Jack Cardiff's photography is workmanlike, Giannetto De Rossi's makeup rubs off in a few scenes, and Basil Poledouris's score is just a weaker version of his career highpoint score for CtB. Even Carlo Rambaldi's malevolent demigod creature creation is lacking and not very scary at all thanks to poor movement control and the fact that you never see the entire monster in any one shot. It suffers an acute case of "Krakenitis" (in reference to CLASH OF THE TITANS) in that it's the climactic cataclysmic monster but upon introduction it just stands around and doesn't do anything! About the only saving "grace" is the completely wacky cast - with Arnold teamed up with Wilt Chamberlain (in a completely forgettable and pointless role), Grace Jones (as an angry Zulu warrior), Mako (looking half-asleep), Jeff Corey, Sarah Douglas (attractive as usual), Pat Roach (in a rare speaking role), and Sven-Ole Thorson. Thorson's character is given a curiously detailed and important-feeling fight scene with Arnold even though he is just a random low-level nameless villain whose face is never clearly shown. Arnold doesn't seem to care at all that he looks just like one of the villains he killed in the last movie. Perhaps he's meant to be his twin brother? This could have been interesting if the film had done anything with it.
That unfortunately applies to everything else in this film - a lot of missed potential in favor of a cynical attempt to make as much cash as possible with as little style or originality as possible.
The biggest problem is that Conan is given way too many sidekicks. It seems every significant scene in the first half of the movie only exists to either set up the plot (which is rather thin and lacking), introduce another sidekick to add to the party, or provide for weak comedy relief! There is absolutely no character building, precious little intrigue, no suspense, and even less excitement. Once the second half comes and we near act 3, the film feels so on autopilot that it's impossible to pay attention to.
Richard Fleischer was one of the top action directors from the 50's-70's, but by the mid-80's he had unfortunately been reduced to "hired hand" status and often given family-friendly dreck he seemed to have precious little investment in. This film is pedestrian and uninventive in every way, especially disappointing considering the crew involved. Jack Cardiff's photography is workmanlike, Giannetto De Rossi's makeup rubs off in a few scenes, and Basil Poledouris's score is just a weaker version of his career highpoint score for CtB. Even Carlo Rambaldi's malevolent demigod creature creation is lacking and not very scary at all thanks to poor movement control and the fact that you never see the entire monster in any one shot. It suffers an acute case of "Krakenitis" (in reference to CLASH OF THE TITANS) in that it's the climactic cataclysmic monster but upon introduction it just stands around and doesn't do anything! About the only saving "grace" is the completely wacky cast - with Arnold teamed up with Wilt Chamberlain (in a completely forgettable and pointless role), Grace Jones (as an angry Zulu warrior), Mako (looking half-asleep), Jeff Corey, Sarah Douglas (attractive as usual), Pat Roach (in a rare speaking role), and Sven-Ole Thorson. Thorson's character is given a curiously detailed and important-feeling fight scene with Arnold even though he is just a random low-level nameless villain whose face is never clearly shown. Arnold doesn't seem to care at all that he looks just like one of the villains he killed in the last movie. Perhaps he's meant to be his twin brother? This could have been interesting if the film had done anything with it.
That unfortunately applies to everything else in this film - a lot of missed potential in favor of a cynical attempt to make as much cash as possible with as little style or originality as possible.
Personally I prefer this film to the original. "Conan The Barbarian' was slow moving and,while James Earl Jones was excellent, Schwarzenegger was blatantly atrocious. Surrounded by the talent in this film you don't notice how bad he is as often.
High marks are scored by Olivia D'Abo as the impudent Princess Jehnna, Sarah Douglas as the sexy,evil queen, and Mako in a comic turn as the Wizard and the stories narrator. Add Tracy Walters and you have a fine supporting cast.Grace Jones and WIolt Chamberlain add nothing to the film except a bit of visual diversity, Jones sneers a lot and Wilt just isn't much of an actor,although he comes off better than Schwarzenegger.
The plot is nothing to speak of. Its been done before, but its fun,colorful and its not a bad way to pass 2 hours of your time.
High marks are scored by Olivia D'Abo as the impudent Princess Jehnna, Sarah Douglas as the sexy,evil queen, and Mako in a comic turn as the Wizard and the stories narrator. Add Tracy Walters and you have a fine supporting cast.Grace Jones and WIolt Chamberlain add nothing to the film except a bit of visual diversity, Jones sneers a lot and Wilt just isn't much of an actor,although he comes off better than Schwarzenegger.
The plot is nothing to speak of. Its been done before, but its fun,colorful and its not a bad way to pass 2 hours of your time.
- barnabyrudge
- Mar 18, 2006
- Permalink
Continuing my plan to watch every Arnold Schwarzenegger movie in order, I come to 1985's Conan The Destroyer.
Plot In A Paragraph: Conan.
As a kid, I was Universal Studio's target audience for this movie. I loved the hell out of this movie as I kid, and I don't mind admitting at the time, I loved this one more, than the first movie. The comedy was a welcome relief, and the lack of blood never bothered me. I was also of the opinion that the first movies, where the characters were introduced and established were always duller affairs, and the sequels were better. I am ashamed to admit two of my favourite movies Rocky and Jaws fell in to that category back then. What did I know?? I still wasn't 10.
Some of Arnie's acting is very improved here, however at times it's still awful. Grace Jones is just Grace Jones in a Conan movie. Olivia D'Abo is stunning, and does well in her first movie, it's no surprise that she had worked steadily through the years. I'm not sure as to why the same never happened to Wilt Chamberlain as he certainly wasn't bad. Sarah Douglas is OK hamming it up, Mako is OK too.
Basil Poledouris score is catchier this time around too. Richard Fleischer does an adequate job of directing too.
In his autobiography Total Recall, Arnie talks about how Universal had E.T on the brain, and were adamant that if Conan The Barbarian was rated PG, they would have sold 50 percent more tickets. John Milius wasn't around anymore, so Universal executives were very hands on. Arnie argued and argued against making a PG Conan. Money talks, and he was still under contract from the first movie (A ten year contract making a Conan every two years) so in his words he was "Stuck with it." That didn't stop him going all out promoting the first movie he received $1,million dollars for. He says he went on every TV show that would book him, and pestered his publicists to line up more appearances and interviews.
Conan The Destroyer grossed $31 million at the domestic Box Office, by alienating the core audience, it was not the success Arnie wanted it to be or Universal expected it to be. It ended the year the 27th highest grossing movie of the year.
A step back for Arnie, but it did out perform Sly's Rhinestone. The first time an Arnie movie out grossed a Sly one.
Plot In A Paragraph: Conan.
As a kid, I was Universal Studio's target audience for this movie. I loved the hell out of this movie as I kid, and I don't mind admitting at the time, I loved this one more, than the first movie. The comedy was a welcome relief, and the lack of blood never bothered me. I was also of the opinion that the first movies, where the characters were introduced and established were always duller affairs, and the sequels were better. I am ashamed to admit two of my favourite movies Rocky and Jaws fell in to that category back then. What did I know?? I still wasn't 10.
Some of Arnie's acting is very improved here, however at times it's still awful. Grace Jones is just Grace Jones in a Conan movie. Olivia D'Abo is stunning, and does well in her first movie, it's no surprise that she had worked steadily through the years. I'm not sure as to why the same never happened to Wilt Chamberlain as he certainly wasn't bad. Sarah Douglas is OK hamming it up, Mako is OK too.
Basil Poledouris score is catchier this time around too. Richard Fleischer does an adequate job of directing too.
In his autobiography Total Recall, Arnie talks about how Universal had E.T on the brain, and were adamant that if Conan The Barbarian was rated PG, they would have sold 50 percent more tickets. John Milius wasn't around anymore, so Universal executives were very hands on. Arnie argued and argued against making a PG Conan. Money talks, and he was still under contract from the first movie (A ten year contract making a Conan every two years) so in his words he was "Stuck with it." That didn't stop him going all out promoting the first movie he received $1,million dollars for. He says he went on every TV show that would book him, and pestered his publicists to line up more appearances and interviews.
Conan The Destroyer grossed $31 million at the domestic Box Office, by alienating the core audience, it was not the success Arnie wanted it to be or Universal expected it to be. It ended the year the 27th highest grossing movie of the year.
A step back for Arnie, but it did out perform Sly's Rhinestone. The first time an Arnie movie out grossed a Sly one.
- slightlymad22
- Jul 8, 2016
- Permalink
Sequels are rarely as good as the original, and with a film like Conan The Barbarian to live up to this one had a hard time from the start.
And yes, it's not as sophisticated a film as the original, but no it is not a bad film.
Running along like a more typical S&S film, the emphasis is more on a runaway action film rather than the screen opera of the original. There's plenty of swordplay, wizards, magic etc. It does feel like it could have had a bit more to it though, maybe another place to visit or another enemy to slay and maybe a bit more depth to the supporting characters but it's not a serious drama and it's a cut above other films of this genre. Also remember, this is the film that most people remember when they think of Arnie as Conan. Sword, loincloth and not much else so it must have struck a visual chord at least.
I'm glad they made this film, it's a fun romp and a great way to spend an evening. People will judge it as the weaker film, which it is, but it's also the most fun out of the two.
If only King Conan: Crown Of Iron was made with Arnie as the old bearded king today it would make a nice little trilogy (Or box set of you throw in Red Sonja which is basically a Conan film!) Great stuff!
And yes, it's not as sophisticated a film as the original, but no it is not a bad film.
Running along like a more typical S&S film, the emphasis is more on a runaway action film rather than the screen opera of the original. There's plenty of swordplay, wizards, magic etc. It does feel like it could have had a bit more to it though, maybe another place to visit or another enemy to slay and maybe a bit more depth to the supporting characters but it's not a serious drama and it's a cut above other films of this genre. Also remember, this is the film that most people remember when they think of Arnie as Conan. Sword, loincloth and not much else so it must have struck a visual chord at least.
I'm glad they made this film, it's a fun romp and a great way to spend an evening. People will judge it as the weaker film, which it is, but it's also the most fun out of the two.
If only King Conan: Crown Of Iron was made with Arnie as the old bearded king today it would make a nice little trilogy (Or box set of you throw in Red Sonja which is basically a Conan film!) Great stuff!
- Leofwine_draca
- May 13, 2016
- Permalink