Fantasy Flix: April 2012

Monday, April 23, 2012

The Scorpion King: Rise of a Warrior (Video 2008)

Director: Russell Mulcahy
Writers: Randall McCormick, Stephen Sommers (character)

In Ancient Akkad, Mathayus grows up as the proud son of Ashur, a captain in the world-renowned military corps of Black Scorpions, first-rate bodyguards, most of which are send to courts wide away. Precisely by objecting to young Mathuyas joining the corps, Ashur incurs the undying enmity of ruthless generalissimo Sargon, gets killed and the orphaned knave is shipped off to a desolate training camp for three years by king Hammurabi's clemency. When he returns as qualified guard, Sargon has bloodily seized the throne and demands cruel proof of blind loyalty. Mathuyas refuses, becoming a chased hero. With youth friends, the resourceful Greek Pollux and various mercenary warriors, he embarks on a daring quest to obtain a legendary sword from Sargon's magical ally, the war-goddess Astarte.

I know that the original Scorpion King is not exactly a highly praised movie, although I quite enjoy it. That is why I'm not afraid to tell you the following. I've recently watched all three Scorpion King films, and quite frankly... this one is my favorite.

I really enjoyed the adventure here. The "quest" really stood out well for what it was, an adventure, a journey to find the mystic sword. How much more D&D can you get than that.

Throw in the fact that Karen David is stunning to watch and this movie is for me. It really makes me want to track down and watch Pixelface, although I have no Idea what it is.

The other acting is pretty good. I quite enjoyed both Michael Copon and Simon Quarterman and thought they did a great job. Although Randy Couture is pretty terrible. (He is getting better though).

The sets look pretty good and the effects are decent for a straight to video sequel. I really have no big complaints here. I enjoyed the comradery of the characters, the story and the action. I know, it's "blasphemy" to enjoy such schlock, but then again, that's what I do.

Verdict: Recommended, yes.. I said recommended

Cast

Michael Copon ... Mathayus

Karen David ... Layla

Simon Quarterman ... Ari

Randy Couture ... Sargon

Tom Wu ... Fong

Andreas Wisniewski ... Pollux

Natalie Becker ... Astarte

Warrick Grier ... General Abalgamash

Terry Norton ... Inanna

Peter Butler ... Ashur

Pierre Marais ... Young Mathayas

Abbie Maybanks ... Young Layla

Az Abrahams ... King Hammurabi

Chase Agulhas ... Young Noah

Jeremy Crutchley ... Baldo

Saturday, April 14, 2012

The Eagle (2011)

Director: Kevin Macdonald
Writers: Jeremy Brock (screenplay), Rosemary Sutcliff (novel)

In 140 AD, twenty years after the unexplained disappearance of the entire Ninth Legion in the mountains of Scotland, young centurion Marcus Aquila (Tatum) arrives from Rome to solve the mystery and restore the reputation of his father, the commander of the Ninth. Accompanied only by his British slave Esca (Bell), Marcus sets out across Hadrian's Wall into the uncharted highlands of Caledonia - to confront its savage tribes, make peace with his father's memory, and retrieve the lost legion's golden emblem, the Eagle of the Ninth.

I finally got around to watching The Eagle. If you read my blurb about Centurion, you'll know that I knew the storylines were similar with the whole Roman 9th Legion thing. I have to say, I wish I could jam these two movies together. The Eagle has a more dramatic take, while Centurion has more action. I liked them both in their own way, but I'd say I have to give the edge to Centurion. Not necessarily because it's a better movie, but I just enjoyed it more.

The Eagle's storyline seems a bit more dramatic. I enjoyed the story, although I did find myself being a bit bored at times. The acting is very good, and the characters are pretty believable.

There's a decent amount of action to be had here and it's very well done, but I could have used a bit more. There's no nudity here and really not any female eye candy of any sorts. It's a very testosterone-heavy film.

I did enjoy the comradery between Tatum and Bell. It provided some of the more entertaining parts of the movie. The film looks great and has great cinematography. As I said, I enjoyed the movie, but would recommend Centurion a bit more If you like movies for the same reason as I...entertainment.

Verdict: recommended

The Cast