|
| • Advanced Search • Help |
Red Sonja | Year: 1985 Directed: - Richard Fleischer Actors/Actresses: - Arnold Schwarzenegger - Brigitte Nielsen - Sandahl Bergman What the Hell happened? The whole time that I was watching this movie, I kept thinking to myself what a shame it was that it's so bad, when it has so much potential. And this movie really does have a lot of potential. Starring Arnold Schwarzenneger, who we already know can do sword-and-sorcery quite well, and Brigitte Nielson, who is gorgeous and neat in the title role, this movie certainly had the potential to go forward in that regard, and it was directed by the same guy who did Conan the Destroyer, and we know he can handle these movies at least somewhat competently, so what went wrong? The main problem is the presentation of the film itself. Whereas its predecessors, the Conan films, relied on and were centered on their extremely powerful music and visuals, this movie had pretty weak, typical, light musical fare that from some composer I've never heard of. Another fault was the humor. Barbarian took itself too seriously, but that was okay as it was a serious movie. Destroyer didn't take itself seriously at all, which worked out pretty well as it wasn't a serious movie. This isn't a serious movie, but it is taking itself way too seriously. The whole thing from the dialogue through the special effects through the costars are unintentionally hilarious. Another problem with this film was the continuity department. As noted in the previous review...the body blinks. More stuff like that occurs. Someone takes an arrow in the back, and then is laid on her back. And for us REH fans...How in hell is Arnold the High Lord of Hyrkania? The special effects are ridiculous, most notably the pitiful "talisman" which can "destroy the world through storm and earthquake" and the cut-screening of the queen at the end. I couldn't quite tell what to make of "the machine," but I wasn't very impressed, and the bone bridge was kind of ridiculous. And the absolute worst thing about this movie is -- the opening. Sonja wakes up, beaten and bloodied, and in order to show the viewer the background story, an angel comes down and tells her, "Sonja, Queen Gedren came, ordered your parents killed, allowed her soldiers to rape you, and burned your home. To get the revenge which you will seek I vest in you great sword-arm strength." BS! The movies short enough, it would have been helped by including that scene as an opening rather than as a story being told to a participant by some weirdo sword carrying angel. However, despite all the problems with this movie, a couple things stand out, which is why I gave it a 2 instead of a 1. First of all, the swordplay. While at times a bit overwrought, this is some of the best, most realistic, onscreen broadsword fighting you'll see. The other is Sonja herself. She is a gorgeous, strong actress whose only fault was deciding to accept a part in this film. And the last thing is, despite it all, I somehow enjoyed this film. It must be that appeal that all things foolish have for people, but God help me, I enjoyed the thing. The Very Best Ever since seeing this movie when it first came out, back in the day...I've been hooked. Above all else, it has been my favorite and so hard to find, too. So, seeing it here is definitely a great thing for me. The movie focuses on strength, both mental and physical. An internal and external battle for the leading lady, Red Sonja who battles her way to fight Queen Gedren to avenge the deaths of her brother, sister, mother, and father. Along side of Red Sonja is notorious fighter, Kalidor. With Kalidor and two unlikely heroes, Red Sonja battles through this action/adventure five-star hit movie. The story is based on the writings of Robert E. Howard, author of Conan. Brigitte Nielson really plays the part incredibly. Not bad for a "Rocky IV" and "Cobra" star and ex-Stallone wife, but she certainly can take on the action role. And even more impressive was Schwarzenegger (who needs no introduction) acting along side another action star, female at that. There are several other actors worth recognition for their roles in the movie: for instance, Queen Gedren, played by Sandahl Bergman whom has played many other movies, such as "Conan the Barbarian". Falkon, played by Paul Smith who has been seen in many films like the new release: "Monsters Ball", the original "Dune", 1965's "The Great Race" and many more dating back to 1936. Ikol, played by Ronald Lacey from "Yellowbeard" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark". And let us not forget Pat Roach (Brytag) seen in an array of movies including all three Indiana Jones, "Kull the Conqueror," "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves," "Conan the Destroyer," and "Clash of the Titans." With this ensemble cast, how can you go wrong with the movie? Fantasy Filled Adventure! A prequel of sorts to the 'Conan' movies. The gods were listening to me when I asked for more Arnold damage! He stars in this magical treasure as Kalidor (not Conan, upsetting!). Brigitte Nielsen is the red-headed warrior and she can really kick some stern! After the death of her sister, she vows to get revenge on the evil queen. Recycling some of the Conan plot, but that is awesome! Kalidor wrestles this metal alligators in a pit, fights Sonja and defeats many evil people in a castle! I was honored to have watched such an awesome movie as this. It's a shame that this film is not on DVD and it's a crime that MGM hasn't released this yet. Arnold Schwarzenegger makes this movie worth while and oh yeah! I forgot that Ernie Reyes Jr. was in this! He's a little runt of a prince and he's in love with Sonja, but he's too much of a toddler for such a warrior! YES! Buy Red Sonja at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.com Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone!  Search with Walhello on the Internet on Red Sonja Search with the Priority Search Engine on Red Sonja This page in other languages: Suomeksi | Nederlands | Deutsch
|
