The Beastmaster

**It deserves to be forgotten.** Who doesn't like a good dose of cheese? I think almost everyone likes it, but I don't know if things work the same way in cinema. It's really hard to see this film in its entirety because kitsch bad taste dominates. It all starts with the script, which is so stupid that I confess I got lost in it, and that doesn't usually happen, even when the movies are really bad. The cinematography, of misty tones and unpleasant to the eyes, does not obscure the poorly elaborate sets and costumes worthy of a poor comic. Of course, the main actors appear in far fewer clothes when they have to. After all, certain things always sell a movie, no matter how bad it is. The cast is dominated by Marc Singer and Tanya Roberts. I think they were never good actors, despite her having participated in a film from the 007 saga. Even so, in the midst of a cast of amateurs with very little talent, they look like two movie stars. I'm a little surprised that they made a sequel to such a poor movie, but it was the 80's, and the likes of that decade are considered dubious in almost everything up to the present day.

I only really remember Marc Singer in “V” (1984) but he does ok in this derivative but quite entertaining fantasy adventure. Starting off with shades of this year’s other sword and sandals fantasy “Conan”, his village is razed to the ground and “Dar” (Singer) is left amidst the ruins with only his sword in his hand to avenge himself on the evil high priest “Maax” (Rip Torn) and his “Juns” supporters. That malevolent creature lives atop a great stone pyramid where he routinely sacrifices children to the gods and we already know that he had an hand in the predicament faced by “Dar” (Singer) who is, of course, really the king of “Aruk” and whose father was betrayed by that self same priest - all without him having a clue. His unique upbringing has given him special advantages, though. He can talk to an eagle, a black tiger and a couple of mischievous but sharp-toothed ferrets. As “Dar” closes in on his quest, he also encounters the feisty temple maiden “Kiri” (Tanya Roberts), the mighty “Seth” (John Amos) and his protégé “Tal” (Joshua Milrad) but are they going to be anywhere near enough muscle to overthrow the terrifying regime and their henchmen? Singer makes for quite a good hero here as he parades about in his loincloth twirling his sword and dispatching the baddies. Torn doesn’t feature so often, but hams up nicely - in a Frank Langella sort of vein and the whole scantily-clad enterprise rolls along quite entertainingly until a fiery conclusion that gives everyone, even the ferrets, a moment in the sun. The production standards are reasonable, though the editing leaves something to be desired at times, and with a score that reminded me the whole time of “Battlestar Galactica” I quite enjoyed it.