Review of Deathstalker (1983) by Alexander Z — 03 Sep 2013
This sort-of cult classic has several main reasons for its continued success and several sequels. The preeminent reason, of course, is boobs, or more specifically a large amount of female nudity. No one likes this film, and if they actually do, it's probably for that one, shallow reason.
The film is definitely more parodist than anything, because there are a lot of moments of unintentional hilarity throughout this film. It also feels more like a parody than an actual action film, and that is attributed to the lesser effects and obvious dispassion towards the production.
The direction is lazy, the script doesn't even matter to the grand scheme of the entire film, and the actors obviously don't care. The women in this film actually look as if they're trying to get through the film with whatever small amount of dignity they can, but otherwise there isn't any concern for legitimate acting in this film.
The plot runs like Dungeons and Dragons fan fiction throughout, yet there is no honor to the male characters. Even the hero is guilty of some serious crimes against women, and the rest of the men are shown as slobbering dullards who often rape, pillage, and drool.
It's not exactly horrifying to see the state of women in this film, because it's definitely an unapologetic film. The one thing that saves this film is that the film makers are obviously not being serious with the source material.
If this hadn't been a low budgeted indie film that was trying to reel in the lowest common denominator than outrage would be the appropriate emotion towards this film. Is the film actually enjoyable? I would say in small doses it isn't a horrible film, but it's also very distracting to see all these naked women nearly raped onscreen.
There aren't even little stupid things to laugh at, only these meatheads trolling around onscreen, mashing each other's faces in. If you're curious though, it does have some of the same appeal as "Barbarella" without any of that pesky plot, so if interested go nuts.
This review of Deathstalker (1983) was written by Alexander Z on 03 Sep 2013.
Deathstalker has generally received mixed reviews.
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