Downland Review: 2018

Deathstalker (Rick Hill) has just defeated a band of deformed men and rescued a fair maiden when he is called upon by King Tulak. Tulak was long ago deposed by his court sorcerer, Munkar (Bernard Erhard) and his efforts to retake his throne have failed miserably. He calls upon Deathstalker to slay Munkar and rescue Princess Codille (Barbi Benton). Deathstalker defers; King Tulak has been reduced to eating dog meat and living in a tent in the forest and has nothing to give.

Meanwhile, Munkar is harassing a witch, demanding that she had over a magical sword. The sword, when combined with the amulet and the chalice, grant godlike power. Munkar already has the amulet and the chalice. The witch refuses and Deathstalker conveniently arrives to slay Munkar's lackeys. The witch tells Deathstalker where he can find the sword, putting him on the very quest he declinded from King Tulak.

On his way to Munkar's castle, Deathstalker recruits Salmaron the rogue, Oghris the fighter, and Kaira (Lana Clarkson) the topless. Yes, though she has a hooded cloak and a mask, her breasts are uncovered. Under the cloak is just a G-string; standard fantasy female outfit. Of course, Deathstalker seduces her immediately. From Oghris and Kaira, Deathstalker learns that Munkar is holding a tournament to determine who will be his heir. In truth, he wants potential threats to kill each other, leaving only one for him to kill at the conclusion.

The movie is mostly an excuse showing naked women and poorly choreographed fights. The acting is bland, the setting poorly made, the plot thin, and characters shallow. How do you get a name like Deathstalker? It might have been interesting to get that backstory? What is the origin of the amulet, the chalice, and the sword?

Here's the trailer! Yet another Roger Corman campy classic.

Monday, September 3, 2018

Deathstalker