Conan The Barbarian/Legend/Ladyhawke (Box Set)

Advantages: Arnie, big sword, a glorious masterpiece
Disadvantages: There are none!!!

...The term 'classic' is used for far too many films (probably by me alot of the time) but here is another one. Conan the Barbarian is a fantasy epic that broke the mould on its release in 1982, combining a simple story of love and revenge with the might of the then, relatively unknown, big Arnie, whose film it undoubtedly is. It is said by many that the Terminator was Arnie's most awesome role but I disagree - that honour goes to Conan. Directed by John Milius and starring the aforementioned Schwarzenegger, James Earl Jones and Sandahl Bergman (and a brief Max von Sydow), it is a powerful display of great film-making. Supplemented with a stunning score, with themes of revenge, love, greed, survival, brainwashing, sorcery and goodness knows what else; some solid acting and dialogue (considering the material - hardly anywhere near... Read review

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Advantages: Arnie's best role, great action, and gore
Disadvantages: lowish budget

...sonia, and Legend. These are prime examples of how fantasy should be handled. Fans of these films are willing to accept as read, the presence of magic, mythical beasts, evil priests and hero's, whose deeds are as legendary as there honour and Strength. This helps as the film makers can dispence with all the scene setting and background in the opening 10 minutes (as is perfectly shown in Conan the Barbarian) and get on with telling the tale of the lone warrior battling the evil forces, and having high adventure along the way.... Read review

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Advantages: Great scenery, Arnie's English improves slightly
Disadvantages: Lacks the brutal punch of Conan

.... The Cast and Performances Arnie is once again a powerhouse of a performer in front if the camera, with his trademark swordsmanship from Conan the Barbarian being put to the test for the second time. A little more acting is required in this film than the first, and the actor accomplishes this with ease, although the speaking element is still a little stuttery, his command for the English not full at this point. Mako returns as Akiro the wizard, and female bodybuilder and Bond girl Grace Jones joins the troop as Zula. NBA basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain lends his considerable height to the film as Bombaata, with Tracey Walter starring as Malak, Conan's right hand man for the film. The remainder of the cast do well, particularly Sarah Douglas as Queen Taramis and a very young Olivia d'Abo (another Bond girl) as Princess Jehnna. My Opinion... Read review

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