Fantasy Flix: August 2011

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Hercules (1983)

I couldn't find a good summary for this film, so I'll do my best here.

Hercules (Lou Ferrigno) is put into this world by Zeus (Claudio Cassinelli) for some reason to fight bears, robots, lackeys, puppets, and a guy with a flaming sword. Along the way he encounters hot Italian women, and ends up with the one with the biggest boobs covered with tiny little sea shells.

Director: Luigi Cozzi

Writers:

Luigi Cozzi (screenplay), Luigi Cozzi (story)

First I'd like to say (as usual), this is not a good film. Second, I'd like to say (as usual) I kind of enjoyed it. Let me rephrase. This is a very bad film, and I liked it. I didn't love it. But I didn't turn it off. That's a good sign.

So, 1983. Let's see... After Clash of the Titans. There are obvious ripoffs of Clash here. After Conan the Barbarian. Again, obvious ripoffs of Conan here. This is another flick trying to capitalize on the success of those movies. Unfortunately it does not even come close to their categories.

The film has a load of Italian actors in it and was obviously filmed and created in Italy in conjunction with the U.S. Lou's voice is obviously dubbed by some unknown actor. I doubt I have to tell you that Lou is deaf and does not speak very well. The other acting in the flick is pretty good. I had no real complaints.

I seriously thought about not including this film in my blog at all. I say that I will not include fantasy films with a futuristic flair. I DON'T WANT ROBOTS IN MY FANTASY FILMS. There seems to be robots here that Hercules fights. I suppose you could call them magical beings or something, and Bobo was kind of a robot in Clash of the titans. So, I suppose I'll let it slide.

This film, unfortunately, is rated PG. So it's OK for the kiddies. There are some nicely skimpy outfits for some of the ladies, but nothing good is shown. That being said, there is some nice eye-candy here. Personally I'm partial to Mirella D'Angelo who plays the sorceress Circe.

Verdict: Recommended

The Cast

Lou Ferrigno ... Hercules

Ingrid Anderson ... Cassiopea

Mirella D'Angelo ... Circe

William Berger ... King Minos

Sybil Danning ... Ariadne

Brad Harris ... Augias

Claudio Cassinelli ... Zeus

Delia Boccardo ... Athena

Rossana Podestà ... Hera

Bobby Rhodes ... King Xenodama

Ty Randolph ... Eye Candy

Eva Robin's ... Dedalos

Gianni Garko ... Valcheus

Franco Garofalo ... The Thief

Gabriella Giorgelli ... Mother

Rocco Lerro ... The Friend

Stelio Candelli ... Father

Yehuda Efroni ... Dorcon

Sunday, August 14, 2011

George and the Dragon (2004)

Director: Tom Reeve

Writers: Michael Burks
Tom Reeve

As far as your average "Syfy Original" movie fare, this one is quite entertaining. It's not going to win any Oscars for sure, but It is definitely a fun little tale.

This is definitely one that you can allow the kiddies to see as well. It has a slight "for kids" feel to it without being too silly and childish.

The acting is quite good with a very surprising cast. As you'll see below, there are quite a few "names" in this movie. You'll recognize alot of them. These aren't your A list stars, but they are all quite good actors. I love James Purefoy in everything I see him in and Piper Perabo is always nice to see.

The action is fun, and there is enough of it to keep me interested. It has a swashbuckler type feel to it with very little blood. There's a little bit of comedy here, but again nothing overly silly for sure.