Robin Hood (TV series) (2006)

Creators: Foz Allan, Dominic Minghella

This is probably the best Robin Hood i've seen.  It's very light hearted, yet very entertaining.  Don't go into this thinking you're gonna get a Robin from the recent Russell Crowe movie. If you've seen the recent Merlin tv series from the BBC, it's similar to that in theme and feeling.  I was very leary of Jonas Armstrong as Robin at first, but he definitely grew on me. 



If I have any complaints it is that Robin and his gang are always getting captured and held in the castle, yet they always escape.  Almost to the point where It's 'too' unbelievable. 

The first two seasons are quite different from the third.  Most stories involving Marian and defying the sheriff and Guy.  In the third season, we loose Marian, and Isabella is introduced as a Marian replacement.  Don't think this a bad thing, Isabella is much better looking and easier on the eyes.  I could never get past Marian's chin.  Also, the main protagonist is changed when Prince John enters the show.    Personally I think season three is just as good, if not better than the first two.

I would definitely recomend Robin Hood from the BBC for any who enjoy Merlin, and light hearted fair like Legend of the Seeker or Hercules and Xena.

The Cast

Jonas Armstrong ... Robin Hood

Lucy Griffiths ... Marian

Keith Allen ... Sheriff of Nottingham

Joe Armstrong ... Allan A Dale

Anjali Jay ... Djaq

Richard Armitage ... Guy of Gisborne

Gordon Kennedy ... Little John

Sam Troughton ... Much

 Joanne Froggatt ... Kate

Harry Lloyd ... Will Scarlett

 David Harewood...Tuck

Lara Pulver...Isabella

The Blade Master (1984) aka Ator l'invincibile 2

Directed by: Joe D'Amato

In this sequel, the Fighting Eagle returns. This time he must save a former mentor from the evil Zor. Ator battles cavemen, invisible swordsmen, and barbarians with his new sidekick Thong to finally have the ultimate showdown with Zor.

The Ator movies are definitely NOT for everyone.  I love me a good low budget fantasy movie as you can tell from this blog, But these are difficult to watch.  The fight scenes are slow and methodical.  There are no boobies to speak of, and the story is pretty generic. 

I would definitely not recommend any of the Ator movies to just anyone.  However, if you're actually interested in this blog, YOU my friend are probably one who would appreciate any of these movies.  Just don't watch it with your girlfriend, or normie who wants a good movie.

The Cast

Miles O'Keeffe ... Ator

Lisa Foster ... Mila

 

Kiro Wehara ... Thong

 

David Brandon ... Zor

The 13th Warrior (1999)

Directed By: John McTiernan

In AD 922, an important emissary who is banished from his homeland. The nomadic outcast comes across a band of Norse warriors who coerce him into joining them when they are summoned to fight mysterious creatures legendary for consuming every living thing in their path. Eventually surrounded by the frightening and ferocious foe, Ibn must conquer his personal fears and help battle the illusive invaders--who emerge out of the shroud of fog in the black of the night.

For some unknown reason, this movie gets alot of shit from the general public. (well, most of these movies do).  But this is a very well made, Hollywood production.  The story is based on a Michael Chrighton novel which is obviously inspired by the Beowulf tale.  The action is intense, it's bloody, the story is good,and the acting is excellent (even from Antonio).

If you're a fan of Braveheart or movies like Troy or alexander, I would definitely recommend this.

The Cast

Antonio Banderas ... Ahmed Ibn Fahdlan

Vladimir Kulich ... Buliwyf

Albie Woodington ... Hyglak - Quarrelsome

Clive Russell ... Helfdane

Daniel Southern ... Edgtho

Dennis Storhøi ... Herger

Tony Curran ... Weath

Merlin and The Book of Beasts (2010)

Sorcerer Arkadian has taken over Camelot with a zoo of beasts from his magical book. King Arthur's daughter Avlynn asks Merlin to help her take back Camelot. She also has to find the sacred sword Excalibur to assist her as she leads a band of knights to battle Arkadian.

Directed by: Warren P. Sonoda

The Hero

Merlin (James Callis)

The Babe

Avlynn (Laura Harris)

The Sidekick?

Sir Galahad (Donald Adams)

The Villain

The Arkadian (Jim Thorburn)

Magic

Monsters

Ladyhawke (1985)

Ladyhawke

Director: Richard Donner

Philipe Gastone, a thief, escapes from the dungeon at Aquila, sparking a manhunt. He is nearly captured when Captain Navarre befriends him. Navarre has been hunted by the Bishop's men for two years, ever since he escaped with the Lady Isabeau who the Bishop has lusted after. Navarre and Isabeau have a curse that the Bishop has placed on them that causes Navarre to be a wolf during the night and Isabeau to be a hawk during the day. Navarre insists that Philipe help him re-enter the city to help him kill the heavily guarded Bishop.

The Cast

Phillipe Gaston (Matthew Broderick)

 

Captain Etienne Navarre (Rutger Hauer)

 

Isabeau d'Anjou (Michelle Pfeiffer)

Father Imperius The Monk (Leo McKern)

 

Bishop of Aquila (John Wood)

 

Marquet (Ken Hutchison)