Conan, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, finds himself under attack by an unknown group of armed men. However, he manages to defend himself and his companion Malak, played by Tracey Walter, using his sword. He then discovers that the men are led by Queen Taramis, who seeks his help. In exchange for his help, she offers to grant his deepest desire and bring his true love, Valeria, back from the dead. Queen Taramis reveals that she needs Conan's assistance in accompanying her niece, Princess Jehnna, played by Olivia d'Abo, on a dangerous quest to find a key that unlocks a treasure - a jewelled horn. According to legend, only Jehnna, who has a unique mark, can embark on this dangerous journey. However, a powerful wizard guards the key, and Queen Taramis wants Conan to accompany Jehnna, help her find the treasure, and return it to her.
Conan accepts the mission despite his suspicions. He embarks on a new adventure with Princess Jehnna, his loyal companion Malak, and Queen Taramis's servant Bombaata (played by Wilt Chamberlain). Throughout their journey, Conan discovers that brute strength and weapons are not always enough to overcome the magical challenges they face. Can Conan and his team retrieve the treasure and return home unscathed to claim their reward?
Conan the Destroyer is a thrilling movie that blends action, adventure, and fantasy. For those unfamiliar with the franchise, this movie is a sequel to Conan the Barbarian, which was released in 1982 and directed by John Milius. The second instalment was directed by Richard Fleischer, who is well-known for his work in action and fantasy movies like Soylent Green (1973) and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954).
Although Conan the Destroyer is a 40-year-old movie, I found it visually creative. The castles and buildings were breathtaking, and the stunning costumes and monsters added to the film's appeal. The entire score, composed by Basil Poledouris, was epic and matched the on-screen action perfectly. However, the dialogue, especially from the lead, Conan, was disappointing. It seemed childish and silly at times and might not be appreciated by those who prefer a more mature tone. Nonetheless, all the actors, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, gave their best performances, and their total commitment was evident. If you enjoy cheesy fantasy movies, you might not mind the dialogue, but it was a letdown for me.
Conan the Destroyer, as a sequel, manages to deliver an enjoyable fantasy adventure that does not require much mental effort. The actors' dedication to the storyline and the poorly written dialogue is undeniable. The remarkable visuals, majestic sound effects, and epic score by Basil Poledouris make it fun to watch Conan and his crew fight through castles and against various monsters. It's important to remember that this movie is just pure entertainment and should not be taken seriously.
This review has been written for Sanity. For more reviews from Walkden Entertainment, check out the link here: www.walkdenentertainment.com