(POSSIBLE SPOILERS - Although only if you've never watched a film in your life...)
Lately I've been watching a rather unhealthy number of low-budget `Fantasy' films - everything from Barbarian Queen to Sisterhood. This film evidently had more money in the coffers than the aforementioned films but it never tries to be anything other than a low brow, high entertainment flick (that's a good thing in my books). The story line is a familiar one: evil leader wants more power, kills rival leader, son of deceased King vows vengeance, many years pass, son becomes skilled warrior whom single-handily slaughters opposing army and beds distressed maiden. However, there a number of aspects that makes this film more enjoyable than the standard fare.
Firstly, there is the ridiculously unwieldy 3 bladed sword, which not only shatters metal to pieces but is also able to shoot-out its blades! Secondly, the main hero (Prince Talon - Lee Horsley) isn't played by a dense block of wood (a la `Deathstalker') rather there is an element of Errol Flynn style swashbuckling and a dash of Indiana Jones style rugged charm (OK that's maybe pushing it but you get the point). Credit is also due to whoever came up with the idea of him still being able to fight after having large nails hammered through his palms! Thirdly, whilst the film runs for a 100+ minutes it doesn't drag too much, this is due in part to a rather woolly plot but also because the director understood that this was an adventure film for big kids. With this in mind there is the odd scene of topless women but the main female character (Princess Alana - Kathleen Beller) seems happier kneeing men in the groin rather than stripping off.
The main draw back with the film is the under use of Richard Moll's character. The film provides some great visual effects during the raising of the demon but for some reason they decide to ditch the character and only revive him during the last 20 minutes of the film (I'm assuming it was due to budget constraints). Admittedly the effects aren't on par with anything Peter Jackson as come up with but they are fairly impressive for the time-period nonetheless.
Overall, the acting is OK and the script is fine, albeit a little meandering in places. This film will appeal to those who reminisce about their childhood or for those who simply haven't grown up. 6 out of 10.
Lately I've been watching a rather unhealthy number of low-budget `Fantasy' films - everything from Barbarian Queen to Sisterhood. This film evidently had more money in the coffers than the aforementioned films but it never tries to be anything other than a low brow, high entertainment flick (that's a good thing in my books). The story line is a familiar one: evil leader wants more power, kills rival leader, son of deceased King vows vengeance, many years pass, son becomes skilled warrior whom single-handily slaughters opposing army and beds distressed maiden. However, there a number of aspects that makes this film more enjoyable than the standard fare.
Firstly, there is the ridiculously unwieldy 3 bladed sword, which not only shatters metal to pieces but is also able to shoot-out its blades! Secondly, the main hero (Prince Talon - Lee Horsley) isn't played by a dense block of wood (a la `Deathstalker') rather there is an element of Errol Flynn style swashbuckling and a dash of Indiana Jones style rugged charm (OK that's maybe pushing it but you get the point). Credit is also due to whoever came up with the idea of him still being able to fight after having large nails hammered through his palms! Thirdly, whilst the film runs for a 100+ minutes it doesn't drag too much, this is due in part to a rather woolly plot but also because the director understood that this was an adventure film for big kids. With this in mind there is the odd scene of topless women but the main female character (Princess Alana - Kathleen Beller) seems happier kneeing men in the groin rather than stripping off.
The main draw back with the film is the under use of Richard Moll's character. The film provides some great visual effects during the raising of the demon but for some reason they decide to ditch the character and only revive him during the last 20 minutes of the film (I'm assuming it was due to budget constraints). Admittedly the effects aren't on par with anything Peter Jackson as come up with but they are fairly impressive for the time-period nonetheless.
Overall, the acting is OK and the script is fine, albeit a little meandering in places. This film will appeal to those who reminisce about their childhood or for those who simply haven't grown up. 6 out of 10.