Conan the Barbarian (1982) Review

Through the history of mankind, the times that are most recorded in mythology and song are those of great deeds and fantastic adventures. Such a time was the Hyborean Age. Such a tale is the story of “Conan the Barbarian.”

Cimmerian Conan is captured as a child after his parents’ savage murder by raiding Vanir led by Thulsa Doom, head also of the malignant snake-cult of Set. Fifteen years’ agony, first chained to the Wheel of Pain grinding grain and then enslaved as a Pit Fighter, forge a magnificent body and indomitable spirit. Freed miraculously one day by his owner, Conan, with his companions Subotai the Mongol and Valeria, Queen of Thieves, sets forth upon his quest to learn “the riddle of steel” which, his father has prophesied, will confer ultimate power, and to kill the arch-villain Thulsa Doom.

Runtime: 129 minutes
Director: John Milius
Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Earl Jones, Sandahl Bergman
MPAA Rating: R
Final Score: 7/10

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Curse of the Dragon (2011) Review

A courageous but impetuous knight Alec returns to his home village after a call from his older brother Francis to care for their ailing father. The brothers’ reunion is short-lived as a terrified and half-crazed traveler Cid arrives to warn the villagers of a winged creature with the body of a dragon the head of a gruesome insect and deadly claws. Soon the beast descends upon the peaceful town. Alec draws his sword and the villagers arm themselves. Now the brothers must stand together to save their home and the people they love.

 

The above summary is from IMDB.com. I would normally use the back of the box for this, but in this case the box’s summary was misleading. I’ve left it here so that you can read it for yourself:

A brave Knight returns to his homeland to find a powerful dragon terrorizing his village. After many unsuccessful attempts to defeat the monster, he makes a sword which has magical powers. Equipped with a deadly weapon he embarks on a journey to destroy the dragon and save his homeland.

Runtime: 87 minutes
Director: Steven R. Monroe
Starring: Tahmoh Penikett, Kacey Barnfield, Rafaello Degruttola
MPAA Rating: R
Final Score: 5.5/10

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Kull the Conqueror (1997) Review

Kevin Sorbo slams evil as Kull, the Conqueror, a fearless barbarian warrior, who through skill and bravery, becomes king. Worshiped by his subjects for his mercy, adored by the beautiful fortuneteller Zareta for his valour, Kull quickly becomes the mortal enemy of the forces of darkness, led by the villainous Akivasha.

Runtime: 96 minutes
Director: John Nicolella
Starring: Kevin Sorbo, Tia Carrere, Karina Lombard
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Final Score: 7/10

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Quick Review

A fun sword and sorcery adventure with plenty of action, romance, and magic. The characters are not the best and some of the plot doesn’t make sense, but the special effects are great, and the action scenes are good.

The Dragonphoenix Chronicles (2013) Review

In a dark age the mighty Dragonphoenix Empire rules the world of Elebros with an iron fist. The fearless and enslaved warrior Dragar finally manages the escape from captivity. Taking the daughter of a high-ranking general along as hostage he begins his journey back home. Still the henchmen of the general are close on his heels.

Runtime: 126 minutes
Director: Thanos Kermitsis
Starring: Yannis Rubulias, Constantina Georganta, Thanos Kermitsis
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Final Score: 4.5/10

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Amazons (1986) Review

Mystery and excitement await as you enter the fantastic medieval world of the Amazons, where magic reigns supreme and betrayal looms at every turn! In order to defeat the evil wizard Kalungo and his vicious minions, the Amazons must recover a talisman sword whose whereabouts have remained unknown for 500 years. Only the beautiful young warrior, Dyala, has the vision needed to retrieve the sword. She is joined on her mission with the lovely Tashi, her sworn rival, on a perilous journey against the power of Kalungo’s magic, the savagery of fierce tribesmen and generations of family rivalry.

Runtime: 75 minutes
Director: Alex Sessa
Starring: Windsor Taylor Randolph, Penelope Reed, Joseph Whipp
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Final Score: 4/10
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