At the end during the credits there is basically something that says there is going to be a sequel, but there never was one. Kind of surprising they didn't considering this made 39 million back in 1982 which was a good take to say the least for that time. Considering it was rated R and didn't have anyone really big in it...the only person I recognize in the cast is Richard Moll. In the end though they didn't, which is too bad. This one is a good, bloody, fantasy film. The story isn't the best, but it has good action and sword fights, though the director really likes to show scenes where swords break like glass. As a kid I had trouble following the plot though as it was a bit hard to distinguish the good and bad guys, but later when I saw it, it was easier though I still say it could use a better plot.
91 Reviews
Underrated swashbuckler, better than it deserves to be
lemon_magic11 September 2005
Warning: Spoilers
I'll admit right up front that 'Sword And The Sorceror' is NOT a good film or a classic one. It sets its sights too low for that. "S&S" just wants to be a good, cheesy, energetic adventure with lotsa Swords and Sorcery and even more "T&A". And in that sense, it is very successful.
The lead, Lee Horslee, plays "Talon" with a wry awareness of the utterly derivative and crappy nature of the material, and he throws all subtlety to the winds and just goes for it. He smirks and swaggers and wades his way through a poor man's version of a Robert E. Howard epic, and looks as if he is having a lot of fun doing so. In fact, everyone here seems to be having a pretty good time, acting and Oscar Nominations be damned. And I think that is what makes the film pretty watchable even today.
Several little touches help distinguish this film from your average 'hero avenges his family and wins the throne' movie. First of all is that infamous three bladed sword, of course. Second of all, "Talon" proves to be so doggoned tough that he manages to pull his hands off the stakes after he's been crucified. Geez, even Conan couldn't do that in HIS crucifixion scene!
And thirdly, there's a wonderful moment when Talon's friend and sidekick makes a rousing speech to the rest of a motley crew urging them to come with him and attack the castle to rescue Talon. The actor (Joe Regalbuto,who went on to be in "Raw Deal" and "Murphy Brown") holds out the heft of a sheathed long sword. It's obvious that the script (or his improvisation) called for the rest of the gang to put their hands on the sword in a gesture of solidarity (kind of like an Eroll Flynn movie). But no one does that. They all just sit there and look at him. Poor Joe is left hanging, holding out the sword all by himself, for nearly 40 seconds. He looks like a total dork. It's an obvious miscue or misfire of some sort....BUT THE DIRECTOR KEPT THE TAKE!!! That's wonderful! My friends and I reran this scene at least twice more, laughing our selves silly at the sheer awkwardness of it.
Since then, Albert Pyun has made a couple of decent films, several mediocre ones, and some real stinkers, but this little gem buys him a lot of good will as far as I'm concerned. Watch with an open mind, a tankard of ale in your hand, and a wench in a leather bikini at your feet, and you'll have a good time.
The lead, Lee Horslee, plays "Talon" with a wry awareness of the utterly derivative and crappy nature of the material, and he throws all subtlety to the winds and just goes for it. He smirks and swaggers and wades his way through a poor man's version of a Robert E. Howard epic, and looks as if he is having a lot of fun doing so. In fact, everyone here seems to be having a pretty good time, acting and Oscar Nominations be damned. And I think that is what makes the film pretty watchable even today.
Several little touches help distinguish this film from your average 'hero avenges his family and wins the throne' movie. First of all is that infamous three bladed sword, of course. Second of all, "Talon" proves to be so doggoned tough that he manages to pull his hands off the stakes after he's been crucified. Geez, even Conan couldn't do that in HIS crucifixion scene!
And thirdly, there's a wonderful moment when Talon's friend and sidekick makes a rousing speech to the rest of a motley crew urging them to come with him and attack the castle to rescue Talon. The actor (Joe Regalbuto,who went on to be in "Raw Deal" and "Murphy Brown") holds out the heft of a sheathed long sword. It's obvious that the script (or his improvisation) called for the rest of the gang to put their hands on the sword in a gesture of solidarity (kind of like an Eroll Flynn movie). But no one does that. They all just sit there and look at him. Poor Joe is left hanging, holding out the sword all by himself, for nearly 40 seconds. He looks like a total dork. It's an obvious miscue or misfire of some sort....BUT THE DIRECTOR KEPT THE TAKE!!! That's wonderful! My friends and I reran this scene at least twice more, laughing our selves silly at the sheer awkwardness of it.
Since then, Albert Pyun has made a couple of decent films, several mediocre ones, and some real stinkers, but this little gem buys him a lot of good will as far as I'm concerned. Watch with an open mind, a tankard of ale in your hand, and a wench in a leather bikini at your feet, and you'll have a good time.
"I will allow you to live as long as you serve me. Betray me, and I will joyfully send you back to rot in hell."
bensonmum230 August 2015
Warning: Spoilers
If you had asked me in 1982, I would have probably told you that The Sword and the Sorcerer was one of the greatest achievements in motion picture history. I loved it! Everything about it was just so cool. Re-watching it this many years later, I still enjoyed the movie, but not as much as I once did.
First off, this has to be one of the better fantasy movies made in an attempt to cash in on the success of Conan. It actually has a budget, mostly good acting, reasonably entertaining special effects, and some nice tension and atmosphere. So many of the Conan cash-ins were made with little or no budget - and it usually showed. Some were fun, but they looked cheap. The acting here is a step above the normal early 80s fantasy movie. I always enjoy Richard Lynch and his Cromwell is perfectly nasty. Another big plus for The Sword and the Sorcerer is the character Xusia. His resurrection and later return are two of the film's highlights. Nicely done and creepy to boot.
But as I said, I didn't find the movie quite as enjoyable as I once did. My main problem is Lee Horsley as Talon. He's a decent enough actor, but here, he seems horribly miscast. He's just not right for the role. And then there's that sword. I loved it 1982, but now I see how ridiculous it looks. A real sword like that one would weigh a ton and be unusable. Very unwieldy looking thing.
Still, it's definitely a fun movie and worth at least a 6/10 if you like early 80s fantasy movies.
First off, this has to be one of the better fantasy movies made in an attempt to cash in on the success of Conan. It actually has a budget, mostly good acting, reasonably entertaining special effects, and some nice tension and atmosphere. So many of the Conan cash-ins were made with little or no budget - and it usually showed. Some were fun, but they looked cheap. The acting here is a step above the normal early 80s fantasy movie. I always enjoy Richard Lynch and his Cromwell is perfectly nasty. Another big plus for The Sword and the Sorcerer is the character Xusia. His resurrection and later return are two of the film's highlights. Nicely done and creepy to boot.
But as I said, I didn't find the movie quite as enjoyable as I once did. My main problem is Lee Horsley as Talon. He's a decent enough actor, but here, he seems horribly miscast. He's just not right for the role. And then there's that sword. I loved it 1982, but now I see how ridiculous it looks. A real sword like that one would weigh a ton and be unusable. Very unwieldy looking thing.
Still, it's definitely a fun movie and worth at least a 6/10 if you like early 80s fantasy movies.
Another Guilty Pleasure
subcityii7 June 2002
The main reason this movie was even made was that they wanted it to be in theaters at around the same time as the film "Conan the Barbarian" in 1982. Believe it or not, both films were even released by the same studio! If the films had been made thirty years earlier, they would have been released as a double feature. They were part of a wave of sword fight pictures that included "Excalibur" and "Dragonslayer." Without a lot of fanfare, "Sword and the Sorcerer" managed to become a minor hit. One of the cast members was on a talk show and confessed that the success of the film was a surprise because that person thought it was not very good.
I enjoyed the action scenes and some of the humor. It has some good one-liners. The second half also has generates a fair amount of tension concerning the whereabouts of the sorcerer mentioned in the title. I also liked how the forces came together randomly for the climatic battle scenes. True, the film has many flaws, but it still works for me as an enjoyable adventure. It is the kind of thing I watch on a Friday night to ease me into the weekend.
Add me to the list of those disappointed that the sequel promised in the closing credits was never made.
I enjoyed the action scenes and some of the humor. It has some good one-liners. The second half also has generates a fair amount of tension concerning the whereabouts of the sorcerer mentioned in the title. I also liked how the forces came together randomly for the climatic battle scenes. True, the film has many flaws, but it still works for me as an enjoyable adventure. It is the kind of thing I watch on a Friday night to ease me into the weekend.
Add me to the list of those disappointed that the sequel promised in the closing credits was never made.
Perhaps one best left shrouded in the mists of time.
BA_Harrison9 January 2013
One of the first fantasy adventure flicks to cash in on the success of Schwarzeneggar's Conan, The Sword and the Sorcerer has stuck in my mind over the past 30 years thanks to its relatively high level of gore and female nudity. Unfortunately, what I couldn't remember was just how crap the less exploitative elements of the film are. Lame fight scenes, a confusing meandering plot, half-assed humour, characters with really dumb names, wooden acting, and terrible direction: they're all here in abundance.
Let's concentrate on the positives then...
Pop this one into the player and you'll be greeted by a surprisingly good opening scene in which ancient sorcerer Xusia, resurrected to help villain Cromwell (Richard Lynch) in his quest for world domination, demonstrates his power by using magic to tear the heart from a witch. Some decent splattery make-up effects easily make this one of the best parts of the whole film. Juicy!
Not much later and we get to see the film's titular sword, a truly impressive piece of weaponry—triple bladed, with two of these blades able to be fired from the hilt at high velocity. This is inherited by young warrior Talon after Cromwell ruthlessly slaughters his family and their people. Boo hissss!
Years pass, the story gets awfully convoluted and characters come and go, but at least we get some scantily clad wenches to help take our minds off the sloppiness of the script, best of all being buxom, doe-eyed beauty Alana (Kathleen Beller), who along with her brother Mikah (Simon MacCorkindale) is plotting a rebellion against Cromwell. They hire the now grown up Talon (played by Lee Horsley) to help their cause. Cool!
Talon gets in lots of fairly bloody but badly choreographed fights, encountering more semi-clothed women along the way, but is eventually captured and crucified, large nails piercing both his hands. He gets free, of course, and with the help of Mikah, some friendly seadogs, and a few farmers, defeats Cromwell's soldiers. During this fight, we get a brief but really gory shot of a head being cleaved in two. Nice!
The end of the film sees Talon, armed with his massive weapon (oo-err), chasing down Cromwell only to be confronted by Xusia, who has been masquerading as Cromwell's evil adviser Machelli. Here we get another decent effects scene as the sorcerer sheds his human guise, tearing away the flesh from his face and arms. Yuck!
However, as enjoyable as certain individual moments are, the movie as a whole is a mess, a distinctly mediocre fantasy that I imagine will have many viewers fast-forwarding through in order to get to the next 'good bit'.
Let's concentrate on the positives then...
Pop this one into the player and you'll be greeted by a surprisingly good opening scene in which ancient sorcerer Xusia, resurrected to help villain Cromwell (Richard Lynch) in his quest for world domination, demonstrates his power by using magic to tear the heart from a witch. Some decent splattery make-up effects easily make this one of the best parts of the whole film. Juicy!
Not much later and we get to see the film's titular sword, a truly impressive piece of weaponry—triple bladed, with two of these blades able to be fired from the hilt at high velocity. This is inherited by young warrior Talon after Cromwell ruthlessly slaughters his family and their people. Boo hissss!
Years pass, the story gets awfully convoluted and characters come and go, but at least we get some scantily clad wenches to help take our minds off the sloppiness of the script, best of all being buxom, doe-eyed beauty Alana (Kathleen Beller), who along with her brother Mikah (Simon MacCorkindale) is plotting a rebellion against Cromwell. They hire the now grown up Talon (played by Lee Horsley) to help their cause. Cool!
Talon gets in lots of fairly bloody but badly choreographed fights, encountering more semi-clothed women along the way, but is eventually captured and crucified, large nails piercing both his hands. He gets free, of course, and with the help of Mikah, some friendly seadogs, and a few farmers, defeats Cromwell's soldiers. During this fight, we get a brief but really gory shot of a head being cleaved in two. Nice!
The end of the film sees Talon, armed with his massive weapon (oo-err), chasing down Cromwell only to be confronted by Xusia, who has been masquerading as Cromwell's evil adviser Machelli. Here we get another decent effects scene as the sorcerer sheds his human guise, tearing away the flesh from his face and arms. Yuck!
However, as enjoyable as certain individual moments are, the movie as a whole is a mess, a distinctly mediocre fantasy that I imagine will have many viewers fast-forwarding through in order to get to the next 'good bit'.
Pride in the sword.
lost-in-limbo5 April 2008
Albert Pyun's minor budgeted sword and sorcery foray is just as amusing now, as I remembered it to be and one of the better (if not one of the best) attempts of the over-flooded sub-genre that skyrocketed in the 80s. Never does it cop out on the ingredients that make this type of b-films fun. The wonderful camp level is high, as blood and flesh (topless mainly) run freely. Pace stays zippy, and while the pulpy story has cut and dry outline, it still has personality and a complex array of schemes to keep it excitingly brash, and not just relying on set-pieces. Don't go looking for a mythical medieval journey filled with a variety of beasties, and obstacles on this one though. It's the standard boy seeks revenge when grown up on the man who killed his family, and took over his father's thrown. The hacked-up script is colourfully tacky, but has an agreeable sarcastic edge and unpretentious novelties streaming off it. Sure there are some untied plot details, but never does it fault the entertainment. Yes its entertainment, that's better not to delve too hard in to. Pyun (in his directorial debut) confidently does a workable job constructing an epic scale treatment, by using his budget wisely. Enthusiastic set-designs, and prop work look respectable and are well-integrated. We get bravado sword fights, busting with adrenaline and guts. It's pure mayhem during certain stages, but commendably executed. Then there's the potent make-up FX that holds a vivid imagination, and brutal punch. David Whittaker spirited score chimes in largely, and overwhelms many sequences. Lee Horsley makes for a charming, brawn heroine and a lively Richard Lynch mercifully eats it up as the clichéd villain of the piece. Kathleen Beller stands tall with her bold performance, and makes for nice eye-candy. Simon MacCorkindale has a strong showing, and Richard Boll (in gooey make-up) stands out too in his role as a monstrous sorcerer. In solid support are George Maharis, Joe Regalbuto and a formidable Robert Tessier.
Weak "Conan the Barbarian" knockoff
Wuchakk23 August 2018
In a distant fantastical past, the rightful heir of a conquered kingdom (Lee Horsley) returns to his homeland as the formidable leader of a mercenary band. He assists "Prince" Mikah (Simon MacCorkindale) and his cute sister (Kathleen Beller) to overthrow the evil king (Richard Lynch) and his former evil sorcerer (Richard Moll).
"The Sword and the Sorcerer" debuted two weeks before "Conan the Barbarian" in the spring of 1982 and it's just a second-rate S&S adventure by comparison. It's heroic fantasy with the tone of Star Wars, but without the blockbuster budget and in-depth characters. In light of the somewhat kiddie vibe I was surprised by the female top-nudity. "Conan" was heroic fantasy as well, but it lacked the Star Wars air, had more interesting characters, a compelling story and a mind-blowing score by Basil Poledouris. I'm surprised that BOTH movies raked in roughly the same amount domestically at the box office, almost $40 million.
Speaking of the story, the set-up in the first act is too convoluted to create any drive, although the opening on Tomb Island where the hideous Xusia is resurrected in the bowels of the earth is well done. Horsley is gallant and Beller is adorable, but the characters are paper thin. At just over an hour and a half, the tortuous story has no time to breathe and therefore fails to flesh-out the heroes or villains, like "Conan" did. That said, some of the characters are kinda memorable, like the spirited black warrior (whom I can't discern from the cast list). While there are worthwhile bits throughout this movie they don't amount to a quality S&S picture. "The Sword and the Sorcerer" is decidedly bush league.
The end credits claim that the sequel is "coming soon." Actually, it didn't surface until 28 years later under the title "Abelar: Tales of an Ancient Empire" (2010).
The film runs 1 hour, 39 minutes and was shot in Southern Cal (Griffith Park, Los Angeles; Culver City; and Riverside).
GRADE: C/C-
"The Sword and the Sorcerer" debuted two weeks before "Conan the Barbarian" in the spring of 1982 and it's just a second-rate S&S adventure by comparison. It's heroic fantasy with the tone of Star Wars, but without the blockbuster budget and in-depth characters. In light of the somewhat kiddie vibe I was surprised by the female top-nudity. "Conan" was heroic fantasy as well, but it lacked the Star Wars air, had more interesting characters, a compelling story and a mind-blowing score by Basil Poledouris. I'm surprised that BOTH movies raked in roughly the same amount domestically at the box office, almost $40 million.
Speaking of the story, the set-up in the first act is too convoluted to create any drive, although the opening on Tomb Island where the hideous Xusia is resurrected in the bowels of the earth is well done. Horsley is gallant and Beller is adorable, but the characters are paper thin. At just over an hour and a half, the tortuous story has no time to breathe and therefore fails to flesh-out the heroes or villains, like "Conan" did. That said, some of the characters are kinda memorable, like the spirited black warrior (whom I can't discern from the cast list). While there are worthwhile bits throughout this movie they don't amount to a quality S&S picture. "The Sword and the Sorcerer" is decidedly bush league.
The end credits claim that the sequel is "coming soon." Actually, it didn't surface until 28 years later under the title "Abelar: Tales of an Ancient Empire" (2010).
The film runs 1 hour, 39 minutes and was shot in Southern Cal (Griffith Park, Los Angeles; Culver City; and Riverside).
GRADE: C/C-
A well done fantasy adventure
bkoganbing25 March 2013
I'm sorry that a sequel was never made of The Sword And The Sorcerer. It was fairly obvious that Lee Horsley got caught up with his Matt Houston series at the time. This one was a very well done fantasy adventure.
Lee Horsley plays Talon deprived of his rightful place as king by evil usurper Richard Lynch who employs the black arts of sorcery to conquer the kingdom run by Horsley's father. Talon who is a child at the time flees, but grows up to be an adventurer medieval soldier of fortune with one nasty triple sword that actually fires two of its blades like a spring, the better to take care of more than one adversary.
In the meantime brother and sister Simon MacCorkindale and Kathleen Beller are having Richard Lynch now threaten their domain. Of course it is the mysterious Horsley that comes to their aid.
Lynch of whom I can't think of playing any good guys in his career is as evil as they come. Soon after resurrecting a wizard to help him in his quest, he kills the same wizard played by Richard Moll. But the sorcerer is far from done with him.
And there's George Maharis a mysterious nobleman with his own agenda involving the kingdom.
Horsley cut quite the romantic medieval figure and Kathleen Beller is a beautiful doe eyed princess who knows exactly where men are vulnerable in protecting her virtue. Nice special effects also characterize The Sword And The Sorcerer. I wish Horsley had done more films with his Talon character.
Lee Horsley plays Talon deprived of his rightful place as king by evil usurper Richard Lynch who employs the black arts of sorcery to conquer the kingdom run by Horsley's father. Talon who is a child at the time flees, but grows up to be an adventurer medieval soldier of fortune with one nasty triple sword that actually fires two of its blades like a spring, the better to take care of more than one adversary.
In the meantime brother and sister Simon MacCorkindale and Kathleen Beller are having Richard Lynch now threaten their domain. Of course it is the mysterious Horsley that comes to their aid.
Lynch of whom I can't think of playing any good guys in his career is as evil as they come. Soon after resurrecting a wizard to help him in his quest, he kills the same wizard played by Richard Moll. But the sorcerer is far from done with him.
And there's George Maharis a mysterious nobleman with his own agenda involving the kingdom.
Horsley cut quite the romantic medieval figure and Kathleen Beller is a beautiful doe eyed princess who knows exactly where men are vulnerable in protecting her virtue. Nice special effects also characterize The Sword And The Sorcerer. I wish Horsley had done more films with his Talon character.
Reasonably funny
tomimt8 August 2007
An evil conqueror Cromwell (Richard Lynch) revives an even more evil sorcerer Xuxia (Richard Moll) to help him to battle against the king of Aragorn (no kidding) Richard. So short story short, the Vromwell wins and executes the king and the queen and guess who stays alive to seek vengeance? Bingo. The prince Talon (Lee Horsley) and his silly three bladed sword, that can shoot blades as a projectiles.
Now, all things considered, this is a silly movie. In fact, I would dare to go as far, and say it's pretty idiotic. But, from the reasons beyond my poor knowledge, I liked it. not that I'm gonna give it 10 stars or anything, but it was surprisingly enjoyable, as far, that I liked it better than Red Sonja and that dreadful Conan The Barbarian sequel, Conan The Destroyer.
Acting is pretty horrendous in this film, just as the plot. But the film manages to be pretty funny, some times unintentionally (the projectile sword), sometimes intentionally. It keeps its quirky tongue in cheek atmosphere pretty well to the end, so it ain't that bad way to spend a couple of hours.
Now, all things considered, this is a silly movie. In fact, I would dare to go as far, and say it's pretty idiotic. But, from the reasons beyond my poor knowledge, I liked it. not that I'm gonna give it 10 stars or anything, but it was surprisingly enjoyable, as far, that I liked it better than Red Sonja and that dreadful Conan The Barbarian sequel, Conan The Destroyer.
Acting is pretty horrendous in this film, just as the plot. But the film manages to be pretty funny, some times unintentionally (the projectile sword), sometimes intentionally. It keeps its quirky tongue in cheek atmosphere pretty well to the end, so it ain't that bad way to spend a couple of hours.
More than just a cheap Conan knock-off
OldAle14 May 2009
Warning: Spoilers
If I were to say the name "Albert Pyun", chances are pretty good you'd draw a blank. "Cyborg"? Uhh, isn't that a Van Damme film or something? Yeah. "Radioactive Dreams"? Cult movie from the 80s maybe? Sci-fi? Yup. Same guy as this Conan ripoff? Yup. And over 40 other films in less than 30 years. Man's been prolific - if not particularly good.
Well, he started off on the right foot, even if this low-budget affair is cheesy, goofy, and most definitely made to cash in on the Schwarzenegger film's success; or presumptive success might be a better way to put it, as it was actually released a few weeks before John Milius' bigger-budgeted, better-marketed film. In fact (and this blew my mind) it had almost exactly the same box office gross, at least in the USA, as the film that made Arnie a star - $40 million or so, a substantial amount for a low-budget indie in those days.
Why the film hasn't stayed in the public consciousness and why the promised sequel (mentioned in the end credits crawl) had to wait until this year, remains a mystery to me after re-watching the film last week. The plot is pretty basic and really rather inconsequential: evil Cromwell takes over the peaceful kingdom of Ehdan with the help of monstrous undead sorcerer Xusia, killing the king and his family but missing young Talon, he of the three-bladed sword, who will eventually grow into strapping he-man Lee Horsley and come back for revenge, along the way saving gorgeous Princess Alana (Kathleen Beller) and her brother Micah, who believes himself to be the rightful heir in the absence of Talon. There's lots of fairly mediocre and unconvincing swordplay, plenty of shots of the half-naked Horsley for the ladies and the scantily-clad Beller and other nubile vixens for the guys, rather dreamy overlit photography that helps camouflage the overall cheapness of the sets and costumes, and a musical score that's rousing if rather shameless in its ripping off of 40s swashbuckler stuff and even for a moment "Gone With the Wind".
But what makes the film work is the sense of humor it has about itself, and Horsley's charisma. How can anybody take the triple-sword (which fires two of its blades like crossbow bolts) seriously, or do anything but laugh when Talon is crucified on a big wooden X at a wedding celebration but pulls the spikes out of his hands (mostly in slow-mo of course) and then goes on to start chopping up the bad guys as if nothing happened? The film has an energy and verve that for me more than makes up for some really ludicrous lapses in plotting near the end, and I for one wish that a sequel starring Horsley had been made. This is Pyun's highest-rated film on the IMDb and judging from what else I've seen and the descriptions and comments on a few others, probably deserves to be. Too bad - it's far from a great film, but it's sad that the director has become such a joke ever since.
Well, he started off on the right foot, even if this low-budget affair is cheesy, goofy, and most definitely made to cash in on the Schwarzenegger film's success; or presumptive success might be a better way to put it, as it was actually released a few weeks before John Milius' bigger-budgeted, better-marketed film. In fact (and this blew my mind) it had almost exactly the same box office gross, at least in the USA, as the film that made Arnie a star - $40 million or so, a substantial amount for a low-budget indie in those days.
Why the film hasn't stayed in the public consciousness and why the promised sequel (mentioned in the end credits crawl) had to wait until this year, remains a mystery to me after re-watching the film last week. The plot is pretty basic and really rather inconsequential: evil Cromwell takes over the peaceful kingdom of Ehdan with the help of monstrous undead sorcerer Xusia, killing the king and his family but missing young Talon, he of the three-bladed sword, who will eventually grow into strapping he-man Lee Horsley and come back for revenge, along the way saving gorgeous Princess Alana (Kathleen Beller) and her brother Micah, who believes himself to be the rightful heir in the absence of Talon. There's lots of fairly mediocre and unconvincing swordplay, plenty of shots of the half-naked Horsley for the ladies and the scantily-clad Beller and other nubile vixens for the guys, rather dreamy overlit photography that helps camouflage the overall cheapness of the sets and costumes, and a musical score that's rousing if rather shameless in its ripping off of 40s swashbuckler stuff and even for a moment "Gone With the Wind".
But what makes the film work is the sense of humor it has about itself, and Horsley's charisma. How can anybody take the triple-sword (which fires two of its blades like crossbow bolts) seriously, or do anything but laugh when Talon is crucified on a big wooden X at a wedding celebration but pulls the spikes out of his hands (mostly in slow-mo of course) and then goes on to start chopping up the bad guys as if nothing happened? The film has an energy and verve that for me more than makes up for some really ludicrous lapses in plotting near the end, and I for one wish that a sequel starring Horsley had been made. This is Pyun's highest-rated film on the IMDb and judging from what else I've seen and the descriptions and comments on a few others, probably deserves to be. Too bad - it's far from a great film, but it's sad that the director has become such a joke ever since.
"Just get me into the castle and I'll think of something"
hwg1957-102-26570416 June 2020
Warning: Spoilers
It starts with a thrilling and macabre scene where Xusia is brought back from the dead and then the film goes downhill, meandering here and there, introducing random characters indistinguishable from one another and going on for far too long. It's also filmed quite darkly which doesn't add atmosphere but confusion. The three bladed sword is also a bit silly. The hero Talon is so charisma free you wonder why his men are so loyal to him. The best character was Cromwell played by Richard Lynch, the rescuer of many a mediocre film.
For a film called 'The Sword And The Sorcerer' there was very little of the sword and the sorcerer.
For a film called 'The Sword And The Sorcerer' there was very little of the sword and the sorcerer.
Terrific entertainment!
Hup234!6 December 2000
This is a wonderfully well-done feature with top marks for its value in sheer fun.
If you're not into fantasy, see this anyway as a great swashbuckler a la the Errol Flynn-as-hero genre. (And Lee Horsley even resembles Errol throughout this film, which I was fortunate enough to see theatrically at time of release.)
There are terrific villains galore, rip-roaring adventure, great castles and dungeons, complicated skullduggery, and comeuppance aplenty, all done with delicate humor.
This is great screen entertainment with a '40s-'50s look to it, and that's a compliment. There are no wasted moments. The fast-moving story relies much more on quality writing, acting and expert direction rather than copping out with the sort of elaborate special-effects that producers/directors of such films seem to lean on so heavily now, nearly two decades later.
I think it's a classic, and a model, of its type.
Highly recommended to all except small children.
If you're not into fantasy, see this anyway as a great swashbuckler a la the Errol Flynn-as-hero genre. (And Lee Horsley even resembles Errol throughout this film, which I was fortunate enough to see theatrically at time of release.)
There are terrific villains galore, rip-roaring adventure, great castles and dungeons, complicated skullduggery, and comeuppance aplenty, all done with delicate humor.
This is great screen entertainment with a '40s-'50s look to it, and that's a compliment. There are no wasted moments. The fast-moving story relies much more on quality writing, acting and expert direction rather than copping out with the sort of elaborate special-effects that producers/directors of such films seem to lean on so heavily now, nearly two decades later.
I think it's a classic, and a model, of its type.
Highly recommended to all except small children.
One of the more entertaining bad '80s fantasy B-movies
Leofwine_draca4 January 2017
Warning: Spoilers
As far as cheesy '80s sword-and-sorcery movies go, THE SWORD AND THE SORCERER ain't all bad. Sure, Albert Pyun's typically disinterested direction lets it down at all times, and some proper fight choreography would have gone a long way to making this a good movie. But as a cheesy, so-bad-it's-good slice of entertainment, it works, thanks to an energy within the film which gives it a real vitality often missing in other genre fare. That, and the fact that the budget stretches (for a change) to some half-decent special effects, especially involving the demon sorcerer, whose gruesome birthing scene at the film's opening is one of the highlights.
I think that it's mainly Albert Pyun's influence that stops this being a genre classic; the direction just feels so slapdash and bored that it's impossible to enjoy things 100%. With this and CYBORG the only half-decent films he ever made, it's incredible that Pyun is still directing, especially with films like TICKER and OMEGA DOOM under his belt. Anyway, this film's plot is inane, ripping off CONAN THE BARBARIAN in a number of ways, although never as convincing. The scripting is also dire and the characterisation – what characterisation? This is the '80s, you know, so expect lots of cheesy sexist humour and bare flesh.
Lee Horsley actually makes for a dashing, old-fashioned hero, and you've gotta love his acting in the crucifixion sequence. He's ably supported by a cast who will win no awards for their acting, but who all seem to have a good time. Kathleen Beller, who is a dead ringer for Mia Sara, is pretty foxy as the love interest, whilst veteran bad guys Richards Lynch and Moll, go completely over the top as the villains. Sure, I can take Moll, whose hulking frame is encased in a rubber demon suit, but Lynch is just pure ham through and through – and all the more fun because of that. Ultimately, though, acting awards are stolen by Robert Tessier as the evil prison guard; despite appearing in little more than an extended cameo, Tessier steals all his moments and is a real hoot. His death scene – which brings new meaning to the phrase "nose to the grindstone" – is fantastic!
Although the silly fight scenes have more in common with XENA than a hard-hitting martial arts flick, there are a few moments of gratuitous violence that distinguish this as an adult film. The aforementioned death by grindstone is one, but there's another highly unpleasant shot in which a bad guy has half his face hacked off with a sword – you only see it for a split second but it still seems pretty jarring. There's a lot of impalement, too, and some torn guts, but the most disgusting moment has to be when the demon sorcerer sheds his human skin; a really sickening scene, with great effects, that'll make you lurch on your lunch! THE SWORD AND THE SORCERER is an instantly forgettable B-movie, but as far as this genre goes, it stands out as one of the most entertaining and well-made (if you can believe that!).
I think that it's mainly Albert Pyun's influence that stops this being a genre classic; the direction just feels so slapdash and bored that it's impossible to enjoy things 100%. With this and CYBORG the only half-decent films he ever made, it's incredible that Pyun is still directing, especially with films like TICKER and OMEGA DOOM under his belt. Anyway, this film's plot is inane, ripping off CONAN THE BARBARIAN in a number of ways, although never as convincing. The scripting is also dire and the characterisation – what characterisation? This is the '80s, you know, so expect lots of cheesy sexist humour and bare flesh.
Lee Horsley actually makes for a dashing, old-fashioned hero, and you've gotta love his acting in the crucifixion sequence. He's ably supported by a cast who will win no awards for their acting, but who all seem to have a good time. Kathleen Beller, who is a dead ringer for Mia Sara, is pretty foxy as the love interest, whilst veteran bad guys Richards Lynch and Moll, go completely over the top as the villains. Sure, I can take Moll, whose hulking frame is encased in a rubber demon suit, but Lynch is just pure ham through and through – and all the more fun because of that. Ultimately, though, acting awards are stolen by Robert Tessier as the evil prison guard; despite appearing in little more than an extended cameo, Tessier steals all his moments and is a real hoot. His death scene – which brings new meaning to the phrase "nose to the grindstone" – is fantastic!
Although the silly fight scenes have more in common with XENA than a hard-hitting martial arts flick, there are a few moments of gratuitous violence that distinguish this as an adult film. The aforementioned death by grindstone is one, but there's another highly unpleasant shot in which a bad guy has half his face hacked off with a sword – you only see it for a split second but it still seems pretty jarring. There's a lot of impalement, too, and some torn guts, but the most disgusting moment has to be when the demon sorcerer sheds his human skin; a really sickening scene, with great effects, that'll make you lurch on your lunch! THE SWORD AND THE SORCERER is an instantly forgettable B-movie, but as far as this genre goes, it stands out as one of the most entertaining and well-made (if you can believe that!).
This was a bad movie
jwhale938231 March 2009
Okay, I won't say this was a bad movie. I will say it was underdeveloped and not very entertaining. As part of the "80's fantasy" genre, this movie had a lot to live up to. It should have at least been mildly entertaining, but very little, if any, of this movie was entertaining or memorable.
The Sword and the Sorcerer is a cult classic about a warrior prince named Talon, who sets out to bring down the evil king, Titus Cromwell, who killed his parents and stole his kingdom. And...And...from this point on, the movie has no plot, simply winging it's way through the story. As I'm sure has been mentioned before, this movie seems to shift from an adventure movie, to a scary movie, to a fantasy movie. There were also a lot of gaping plot holes, most notably, when a group of warriors plot to break in to Cromwell's dungeon. Wow, that sounds exciting. And then, the very next scene shows all of them talking about how the plan was a failure. Seriously, we never even get to see the actual fight. Wasted opportunity! It's good as a Laurel and Hardy moment, this isn't a Laurel and Hardy movie, is it?
The acting was mediocre to just plain bad! The characters were two-dimensional at best. There was no backstory for any of them, and none of them really had anything interesting to do or say. There were some characters with some potential, but they were overlooked. However, my favorite character in the movie was Cromwell's harem, Elizabeth. Not only was she cute, but she was the one character who had any sort of personality. She was sweet, she was caring, and she was brave. Unfortunately, she was killed off halfway through the movie. What a waste! You don't feel for any of these characters, because you just don't care. The funny thing is, you actually want to, but this movie gives you nothing to like about them.
As the title suggests, there is a sword and a sorcerer in the movie. But neither are on screen for very long. The Triple Sword was an unrealistic, but still very cool, weapon. It's a sword with literally three blades, and the two outer blades shoot out like missiles (like I said not very realistic, but still very cool). It only appears at the beginning and end of the movie. The sorcerer, Xusia (played by Bull from Night Court), also appears in the beginning and end of the movie, although he appears in disguise for most of the movie. Xusia's main power seems to be ripping out people's hearts by waving his hand at them. He helps Cromwell take over, and then Cromwell tries to kill him. Xusia plots his revenge for most of the movie. For a fantasy movie, I would've also liked to have seen more monsters, more magic, more...fantasy elements.
The only really entertaining part of this movie is a showdown between Talon, Cromwell and Xusia. Talon uses the Triple Sword, Cromwell gets a good weapon and Xusia tries to pull out their hearts by waving at them (Talon stops him by shooting him with the sword). It's an entertaining fight, but really doesn't redeem the movie.
A weak plot, no good special effects and a lot of underdeveloped characters, I think this movie was still in post-production when it was released. Oh well, if you happen to see this in your local video store, just leave it alone.
The Sword and the Sorcerer is a cult classic about a warrior prince named Talon, who sets out to bring down the evil king, Titus Cromwell, who killed his parents and stole his kingdom. And...And...from this point on, the movie has no plot, simply winging it's way through the story. As I'm sure has been mentioned before, this movie seems to shift from an adventure movie, to a scary movie, to a fantasy movie. There were also a lot of gaping plot holes, most notably, when a group of warriors plot to break in to Cromwell's dungeon. Wow, that sounds exciting. And then, the very next scene shows all of them talking about how the plan was a failure. Seriously, we never even get to see the actual fight. Wasted opportunity! It's good as a Laurel and Hardy moment, this isn't a Laurel and Hardy movie, is it?
The acting was mediocre to just plain bad! The characters were two-dimensional at best. There was no backstory for any of them, and none of them really had anything interesting to do or say. There were some characters with some potential, but they were overlooked. However, my favorite character in the movie was Cromwell's harem, Elizabeth. Not only was she cute, but she was the one character who had any sort of personality. She was sweet, she was caring, and she was brave. Unfortunately, she was killed off halfway through the movie. What a waste! You don't feel for any of these characters, because you just don't care. The funny thing is, you actually want to, but this movie gives you nothing to like about them.
As the title suggests, there is a sword and a sorcerer in the movie. But neither are on screen for very long. The Triple Sword was an unrealistic, but still very cool, weapon. It's a sword with literally three blades, and the two outer blades shoot out like missiles (like I said not very realistic, but still very cool). It only appears at the beginning and end of the movie. The sorcerer, Xusia (played by Bull from Night Court), also appears in the beginning and end of the movie, although he appears in disguise for most of the movie. Xusia's main power seems to be ripping out people's hearts by waving his hand at them. He helps Cromwell take over, and then Cromwell tries to kill him. Xusia plots his revenge for most of the movie. For a fantasy movie, I would've also liked to have seen more monsters, more magic, more...fantasy elements.
The only really entertaining part of this movie is a showdown between Talon, Cromwell and Xusia. Talon uses the Triple Sword, Cromwell gets a good weapon and Xusia tries to pull out their hearts by waving at them (Talon stops him by shooting him with the sword). It's an entertaining fight, but really doesn't redeem the movie.
A weak plot, no good special effects and a lot of underdeveloped characters, I think this movie was still in post-production when it was released. Oh well, if you happen to see this in your local video store, just leave it alone.
A joy to watch again and again
steven.gough4 October 2001
"I have a debt to pay" ... for 15 years of viewing pleasure. This film is an absolute joy, untarnished by repeated viewings, sadly overshadowed by Schwarzeneger's vastly inferior Conan movies, and unreasonably critically trashed alongside truly terrible contemporary low budget thud and blunder efforts. The script creaks more than the plot, but reigned in from the curse of camp by director Albert Pyun the actors deliver their lines with a straight face and leave the the audience to find the comedy themselves. Almost a dictionary definition of "ahead of its time", the film is a blueprint for the success of Sam Raimi's Hercules and Xena, right down to the use of Australian bit players. Effects like the demon sorceror's tomb might be managed better technically today, but no more atmospherically, and the closing sword battle is a triumph. The performances are eccentric and electric, and you could not wish for a more motley crew of cut-throats and sidekicks. Richard Lynch eats the scenery with unalloyed zeal, and quite simply more of Lee Horsley as Talon would have made the movie world a better place.
Advice as much as a review
charlesadamek11 December 2020
Awesome fantasy-trash!
Coventry17 January 2007
Warning: Spoilers
The titular sword is indeed an inventive piece of fantasy-scenery, as it's a gigantic and three-bladed weapon that fires off daggers to kill the carrier's enemies from a distance. The sorcerer, however, is just a little bit of a disappointment since he Xusia only appears briefly in the film. The power mad Prince Cromwell summons this evil sorcerer to help him conquer the mighty kingdom of Ehdian, yet just before Cromwell takes over the throne, he destroys Xusia again. Talon, the youngest son of the present king of Ehdian, is the only royal heir to survive the bloodbath. Eleven years later he returns as a true warrior hero to lead the oppressed people of Ehdian in their revolt against the tyrant Cromwell. "The Sword and the Sorcerer" was Albert Pyun's debut as a director, and he immediately delivered a vivid and energetic fantasy tale! The film is clearly inspired by the success of Arnie's "Conan the Barbarian", but it contains enough original story elements and exciting special effects to be called a highlight of the fantasy-sub genre itself. The battle scenes are terrific, the decors are often breathtaking and the script contains a surprising amount of humorist situations. When Talon is captured and sentenced to death by crucifixion, his troops and friends (who until then spend their days inside a luxury brothel), decide to come to the rescue, yet in the next shot they're all imprisoned themselves. The film is quite violent and full of grisly images, most notably during one of the last swashbuckling scenes at the wedding banquet, where people's faces are cut in two and heads are crushed with large pieces of meat. Lee Horsley is an adequate hero, but the show is obviously stolen by the bad characters here! Richard Moll is excellent (and well-disguised) in his brief role as sorcerer Xusia and Richard Lynch is sensationally mean as the bastard Cromwell. His greed is so enormous that he invites all the rulers of nationhood kingdom at his wedding, only with the intention to kill them and take over their leadership. What a prick! And when he develops his little beard, he looks even more sardonic! The early 1980's were the absolute best years for fantasy-cinema. Nowadays, the genre reverts too much to computer animated graphics, like in, say, "The Lord of the Rings".
If you've seen Deathstalker..
Bogey Man29 September 2002
..You know what to expect from this another Conan the Barbarian rip-off this time from Albert Pyun and 1982. The Sword and the Sorcerer is incredibly stupid and the film makers were of course serious. It is funny how these film makers who cashed in with the success of Conan (John Milius) and Excalibur (John Boorman) miss the point which made these two films so great and classic. It was and is not about big men playing with magic swords and every place filled with busty females (always naked), but still these rip offs are so much guilty pleasures that I think I can sit the film for the second time in near future before selling my DVD away.
The atmosphere is occasionally, especially at the end in the cave, pretty nice as the ground is covered with mysterious mist and fog. Also, the sword fight in the cave with the fountain on the background looks great, really. So Pyun must have some visual eye, too, unless some other directed those scenes, which I don't want to believe, for Albert's sake.
But when the monster arrives the credibility tones down a "little" bit. The monster is very cheesy even though it was meant to look scary and HORRIFIC! The sword action and fist fights are there to deliver some violence and on that level this succeeds as greatly as showing the females naked. When the stupid and calculated finale and irritating attitudes and pieces of dialogue are added, I should already hate this film, and that, unfortunately, I think I do. If it was even little less childish and more serious I would appreciate this much more, but now I have hard times even to appreciate it as a turkey. Fortunately there's Kathleen Beller, who is very beautiful creature in this film otherwise full of ugly men and macho attitude. The three bladed sword is pretty interesting and seems to work fine, too.
Albert Pyun has made alarmingly many bad films (check out Cyborg (1989) starring Jean-Claude Van Damme), and The Sword and the Sorcerer isn't an exception. Some may enjoy this but I think this is too stupid and I don't want to waste my time with this kind of cinema as there are so many greater films which still wait to be watched and discovered. But due to the few scenes of genuine atmosphere, I give this 2/10.
The atmosphere is occasionally, especially at the end in the cave, pretty nice as the ground is covered with mysterious mist and fog. Also, the sword fight in the cave with the fountain on the background looks great, really. So Pyun must have some visual eye, too, unless some other directed those scenes, which I don't want to believe, for Albert's sake.
But when the monster arrives the credibility tones down a "little" bit. The monster is very cheesy even though it was meant to look scary and HORRIFIC! The sword action and fist fights are there to deliver some violence and on that level this succeeds as greatly as showing the females naked. When the stupid and calculated finale and irritating attitudes and pieces of dialogue are added, I should already hate this film, and that, unfortunately, I think I do. If it was even little less childish and more serious I would appreciate this much more, but now I have hard times even to appreciate it as a turkey. Fortunately there's Kathleen Beller, who is very beautiful creature in this film otherwise full of ugly men and macho attitude. The three bladed sword is pretty interesting and seems to work fine, too.
Albert Pyun has made alarmingly many bad films (check out Cyborg (1989) starring Jean-Claude Van Damme), and The Sword and the Sorcerer isn't an exception. Some may enjoy this but I think this is too stupid and I don't want to waste my time with this kind of cinema as there are so many greater films which still wait to be watched and discovered. But due to the few scenes of genuine atmosphere, I give this 2/10.
Cutting the cheese...
fmarkland324 August 2006
Lee Horsley (Easily the most likable barbarian warrior) stars as Talon a mercenary hired to save the brother of a rebel princess, the reward of course is one night with that said rebel princess and so armed with a spring loaded sword which shoots out (Also looks heavy as hell) Talon takes on Titus(Richard Lynch) the man who killed his father much sword and sorcery action takes place. I proclaimed in one of my reviews (That dealt with Albert Pyun) that I figured his best movie was Kickboxer 2 or Kickboxer 4, that is until I went and clicked on Albert Pyun's name and saw that he had gone and directed one of my childhood favorites. The Sword And Sorcerer is of course a rip off Conan The Barbarian but this one feels no less epic and Pyun's style seems appropriate provided he doesn't go crazy with his camera angles. He keeps it under control here and he brings a real sense of excitement to the action. Sword and Sorcerer is also helped by Horsley's performance which is build on humor, intelligence and charisma. Whatever to this guy? So even though Pyun did direct the movie this is still a must see and I think it is perfect for anyone who likes the Sword and Sorcery genre. Also there is tons of gore which I look at as very favorable.
* * * out of 4-(Good)
* * * out of 4-(Good)
Absolute Garbage
michle5311 August 2017
Warning: Spoilers
This film is an incomprehensible, steaming pile of cat feces. It makes absolutely no sense, the transitions are murky as hell, and the characters are so bland that it's difficult to keep track of who is speaking at any given moment. It's also dark, as in they neglected to light the sets half the time, and it appears to have been filmed through several inches of Vaseline. Perhaps this was an effort to impart a dreamy feel, but they only succeeded in portraying the actors as animated piles of goop. The writers' attempts at sauciness are banal at best, insulting at worst, and always irritating.
I would sooner watch a group of 8-year-olds running around the backyard in tablecloth capes, screaming, "Forsooth," or, "Thou swell."
Some of the actors became quite successful later in the decade. It's a wonder they didn't pool their funds to have every copy of this oozing cinematic pustule located and destroyed.
I would sooner watch a group of 8-year-olds running around the backyard in tablecloth capes, screaming, "Forsooth," or, "Thou swell."
Some of the actors became quite successful later in the decade. It's a wonder they didn't pool their funds to have every copy of this oozing cinematic pustule located and destroyed.
Enough cheese to drain a creamery
Dick-Clark-197020 February 2004
Warning: Spoilers
(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.
42nd ave. sloppy seconds
Maciste_Brother11 November 2003
THE SWORD AND THE SORCERER is one sloppy, schlocky, terribly unfocused mountain of melted cheese. This was basically a 42nd ave version of a combination of THE EXCALIBUR & CONAN THE BARBARIAN. Even if I was halfway into the movie, I still didn't know who was who and who was the "hero". I was really surprised that I didn't like it as much as I thought I'd would. I mean, a HERCULES movie is more fun than this film. The whole thing is so unfocused and muddled that everything coalesced into one big block of melted cheese. It's not laughably bad as in a "it's so bad it's good" flick. It's just junk.
At last ... Worthwhile mindless entertainment!
Hup234!18 October 1999
What's not to like? A great balance among all the elements of what makes film fun. Lee Horsley resembles Errol Flynn, and Robert Tessier fills the screen and steals every scene, as always. Richard Lynch curls his lip a lot, the sneering Jay Robinson is on board, and the special effects don't interfere with the plot, as in today's SFX-o-ramas. Plenty of gorgeous gals in great costumes, and without great costumes. Shakespearean skullduggery abounds everywhere, buckles get swashed, and people walked out of the theatre saying "I thought they didn't know how to make them like that anymore." (Hey, wait a minute ... we're STILL saying that!) Highly recommended!
Clash of Exploitation Fantasy
cultfilmfreaksdotcom31 March 2012
Warning: Spoilers
When teens went to CLASH OF THE TITANS and DRAGONSLAYER, grownups ventured into THE SWORD AND THE SORCERER, an exploitation fantasy with plenty of blood, guts, and naked women. Lee Horsley is Talon, grownup from the vulnerable kid he once was: his family butchered before his eyes by villainous Richard Lynch. Talon, now a womanizing mercenary, is given the task to retrieve the brother of gorgeous Alana, played by the gorgeous wide-eyed Kathleen Beller.
Most of the action occurs from the halfway point to the ending, after weathering twenty minutes of a reanimated zombie and too many close-up battles that don't matter to the plot/rescue, which, once underway, never lets up. Talon's sword, with a blade in the middle and two more on the side that shoot out like missiles, is really cool – as are any scenes in dark lit taverns or dungeons.
And thankfully, this isn't a searing epic; running at a fast-paced ninety minutes, this bloody romp has just about everything – including a cocky hero that never takes the situation too seriously, even though death lurks.. and even pounces... around every corner.
For More Reviews: www.cultfilmfreaks.com
Most of the action occurs from the halfway point to the ending, after weathering twenty minutes of a reanimated zombie and too many close-up battles that don't matter to the plot/rescue, which, once underway, never lets up. Talon's sword, with a blade in the middle and two more on the side that shoot out like missiles, is really cool – as are any scenes in dark lit taverns or dungeons.
And thankfully, this isn't a searing epic; running at a fast-paced ninety minutes, this bloody romp has just about everything – including a cocky hero that never takes the situation too seriously, even though death lurks.. and even pounces... around every corner.
For More Reviews: www.cultfilmfreaks.com
This demon's magic takes way too long to execute...
athies11 November 2020
I'm watching the RiffTrax version, but I've seen this years ago.
Another movie based entirely around a gimmick weapon.
His sword has the same flaw as the original Clash of the Titians... No torque.
Why is this guy holding a pineapple helmet?
Isn't Talon overheating? He is wearing way too much for the temperature.
Talon is a one trick pony. Use something besides fire.
Don't thank him until your out.
So many people in this movie need a serious haircut. I've seen less out of co trim hair during the pandemic.
There is not a lot of sword and barely any sorcerer.
Is it in his contract that he must always wear something overly fluffy on this shoulders?
I was gonna say this is the perfect time for a headbutt.
Who puts people in jail with all their stuff?
Thanks for the needless slow pan to his other hand.
Well you wasted a lot of time passing swords.
Why did he keep pumping the grinder when his own head was going into it? At least less fever.
Why is that random noble at the dinner table wearing a plush hat, a cape, and not shirt? I mean there are plenty of people in this movie without a shirt that should have one, but this guy is just awkward looking. No one will take him seriously.
How did this movie make almost 10 times its budget?
Shouldn't bleeds from his neck have an advantage over bleeds from his eyes?
This is where they got the end of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
Another movie based entirely around a gimmick weapon.
His sword has the same flaw as the original Clash of the Titians... No torque.
Why is this guy holding a pineapple helmet?
Isn't Talon overheating? He is wearing way too much for the temperature.
Talon is a one trick pony. Use something besides fire.
Don't thank him until your out.
So many people in this movie need a serious haircut. I've seen less out of co trim hair during the pandemic.
There is not a lot of sword and barely any sorcerer.
Is it in his contract that he must always wear something overly fluffy on this shoulders?
I was gonna say this is the perfect time for a headbutt.
Who puts people in jail with all their stuff?
Thanks for the needless slow pan to his other hand.
Well you wasted a lot of time passing swords.
Why did he keep pumping the grinder when his own head was going into it? At least less fever.
Why is that random noble at the dinner table wearing a plush hat, a cape, and not shirt? I mean there are plenty of people in this movie without a shirt that should have one, but this guy is just awkward looking. No one will take him seriously.
How did this movie make almost 10 times its budget?
Shouldn't bleeds from his neck have an advantage over bleeds from his eyes?
This is where they got the end of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
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