Krull (1983)

This movie is half way between being so bad, it's good and being so good, it's er...good. It's neither too camp, nor badly acted, nor does it have any really dire special effects. But then again, the acting isn't brilliant nor are the effects stunning (except for the spider, which is pretty good).

In short, it's OK.

The hero's main weapon is a kind of giant shuriken-thing which slices through almost anything. It's also under his mental control, which is nice, but as he's non-too bright we don't get to see any of the really wicked things you COULD do with a flying circular saw if you had an imagination.

The cast has a few well-known names in it. Liam Neeson, for example, in his early years. The things actors do before they become famous.

There's also my fave bad actor, Bernard Bresslaw. Sadly, his bad acting is hampered by a dodgy facial prosthetic which hides half his face. So we are not treated to his usual silliness and clown-like mugging. Instead we have to endure the presence of his cyclop's prosthetic throughout the movie. And trust me, it ain't very convincing. Imagine a one-eyed giant whose face has been frozen through Botox abuse and you'll get the idea.

And there's the evil Beast, which the cast are trying to destroy. Apparently it doesn't have legs, and is trapped inside it's fortress. All it can do is blow fireballs at the hero, which are pretty ineffectual. I actually felt a bit sorry for it. The final fight scene was rather like watching someone beat up a disabled person.

But on the whole this movie is alright and destined to be remembered with fondness for years to come.

Fmovies: I love these sorts of films; attempts at fantasy which diverge from the usual sort of run of the mill stuff. Krull remains original even now. Where computerised effects are mainstream today, in this film they are rarely used and the crew get round it with more hands on methods; making the entire piece look far more realistic.

Granted the plot could be a little cliched, but the way in which the story tackles it is good, and you won't be bored by the various chapters that are presented. You get whisked away and there is enough background and adventure to substantiate the film and you aren't left wondering if there could have been more to it, but rather, you are immersed *in* the film and finish watching it with a sentimental 'Aww.. that was brilliant, is that it? I want more..' The various characters that the protagonist meets throughout the story is cool, and really lends to the effectiveness of the developing background. It all becomes entwined, and makes for a fulfilling plot.

If you liked Legend (Tom Cruise, Mia Sara) for its different direction or Dragonslayer for its dynamic special effects, then you'll probably like this similarly-aged colleague of that era.

A much underrated gem this terrific children's fantasy picture boasts several fantastic performances from it then unknown cast, several of whom used it as a springboard to go on to become major Hollywood and TV stars later in their careers. Excellent special effects for the time in hindsight and with beautiful art direction, this film truly deserves to be dug out and dusted off and shown the respect it deserves. Admittedly the damsel in distress running away endlessly from the evil baddie is a bit tiring but the battle sequences are genuinely rousing and brilliantly directed. A true British classic!

Krull fmovies. In the wake of Star Wars, fantasy films about brave heroes trying to rescue kidnapped princesses were suddenly in demand. Krull was one such film to jump aboard the band-wagon. There are also elements here of Robin Hood (the costumes look like they've been borrowed from natives of Sherwood Forest, and the hero is aided by a rogue's gallery of "merry men") and Perseus and Andromeda (the hero has to complete several mini-tasks before he can get on with his main quest).

Prince Colwyn (Ken Marshall) has just married the beautiful Princess Lyssa (Lysette Anthony) when their city is raided and the princess is kidnapped. She is taken away to a heavily defended citadel. Colwyn sets off to rescue her, and during the course of his quest he picks up additional companions, including a bumbling magician (David Battley), a courageous cyclops (Bernard Bresslaw), and a gang of honourable bandits (which includes Alun Armstrong, Liam Neeson and Robbie Coltrane).

Krull is highly derivative, but reasonably entertaining. The special effects are decent for the time, but probably look a little primitive to over-spoilt modern eyes. Marshall's leading performance is extraordinarily bland, but his unashamed earnestness actually becomes part of the fun once you get used to the fact that he's trying desperately to play it seriously (without a shred of success!) The supporting characters are more interesting and are fairly well-played (despite the hopelessly hokey dialogue they have to contend with). In general, Krull is a likable movie which tries to keep up its lively pace, and manages to provide a fair number of thrills for youngsters and sci-fi afficianados. If you don't expect too much from it, you'll come away satisfied.

The planet Krull has been invaded by a great evil The Beast. Two kingdoms have joined through the planned marriage of Princess Lyssa (Lysette Anthony) and Prince Colwyn (Ken Marshall). At the wedding, the forces of The Beast attack, kidnapping the princess, and massacring everyone else. Sole survivor Colwyn joins with a band of disparate characters on a quest to kill The Beast and rescue the princess.

This is a very simple good versus evil storyline. It's a quest road movie. David Battley is especially funny as the incompetent magician Ergo. All the iconic characters are there including the great Alun Armstrong as the bandit leader Torquil. And sharp eyes will see a younger Liam Neeson.

This along with Dragonslayer is my favorite British fantasy of that era. The stories are original and yet comfortably familiar. It had the FX but CG would soon make the miniature models and real sets old school. It didn't help that Return of the Jedi came out right before this. This movie has great cheese appeal, but is outclassed in production value by Jedi.

The creature was a bit too cheesy, but the story was enthralling, the score is beautiful, and the acting was surprisingly good.

It's very much like a fairy tale, but futuristic at the same time. It begins in a castle that is part medieval, part sci-fi. There is a prophecy that the beast and his slayers (the evil force of the movie) will be brought down by the union of these two families that have previously been enemies (somewhat Romeo and Juliet). The fighting family theme doesn't last long. The slayers delay the wedding by kidnapping the bride, Lyssa and taking her to the black fortress. The black fortress appears in new locations every 24 hours, and finding it will take the groom, Colwyn, on many different paths. I won't spoil the film, but the adventure that unfolds as Colwyn tries to rescue her was incredible, and at times scary. Be on the lookout for a cyclops, flying horses, giant spiders, and many more wonderful surprises.

This is definitely a movie for those who enjoyed Willow or The Princess Bride.

Added bonus: seeing Liam Neeson before anyone knew who he was.