Runtime: 80 minutes
Directed by: James Sbardellati
Starring: Rick Hill, Barbi Benton, Richard Brooker, Lana Clarkson, Bernard Erhard
From: New World Pictures
“Daniel Bernhardt reboots Deathstalker” was not on my 2024 bingo card. Lest you think I'm fibbing, it is true. Totally unexpected, yes; the idea to “focus on the fantasy aspects” and “do practical effects” is already a win w/ me; hopefully it turns out well. It will be directed by the Psycho Goreman director. As I've heard of this Roger Corman series before (4 films in all!) yet never tackled any of them, it seemed like the right time to just see the original and mention its return for those that would be as bemused by me at such an idea.
What I mainly knew of the first two: the original was unfortunately full of sexual assault and the second, even more so. Much to my dismay, the hearsay was true in this film; the sexual assault included actions from two of our alleged “heroes.” Topless women are almost ever-present throughout. The plot is the general sword & sandal nonsense over Death Stalker (yes, that's his name) being tasked by a witch to combine three items to create an “ultimate power” and overthrow an evil wizard now ruling the kingdom. Is it really a surprise to hear that he's holding a tournament? Should you be shocked that on the way to the castle, Stalker meets some wacky characters who end up tagging along? The script is one you really shouldn't scrutinize too hard... oh wait, almost forgot, the old king's daughter Barbi Benton was kidnapped by lead heel Munkar.
The story could be nitpicked to death and the acting isn't all that great... Rick Hill as Death Stalker is best when it comes to his musculature and head of hair rather than emoting. At least there was some gore, OK action, some nice sets/miniatures, a few humorous moments in a decent setting-Argentina-and a score from Oscar Cardozo Ocampo which goes far harder than expected... and sounded like 70's prog rock, believe it or not. That isn't enough for me to say that this was “good” by any means, yet the movie wasn't terrible in my eyes & does represent what B-movie ripoffs were in the 80's, negatives included.
Tubi seemed like the perfect platform to witness Deathstalker. I am not a fan of Tubi's redesign—at least the content is the same.
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