Today’s quick review: Conan the Destroyer. Now famed for his deeds, Conan (Arnold Schwarzenegger) accepts a perilous quest from Queen Taramis (Sarah Douglas). Conan and his companions must escort Princess Jehnna (Olivia d’Abo) to a mystic jewel so she can fulfill an ancient prophecy. But in addition to the dangers surrounding the jewel, Conan must survive the treachery of Bombaata (Wilt Chamberlain), the princess’ guardian.
Conan the Destroyer is an action fantasy movie based on Robert E. Howard’s iconic character. Conan the Destroyer revists the savage, primordial world of Conan the Barbarian. The sequel offers the same violent action as the original, but it lacks its nuance. The careful world-building, the balanced characters, and the iconic dialogue of the original are all missing. Instead, Conan the Destroyer is generic fare: enjoyable but inconsequential.
Conan the Destroyer suffers from several issues that the original film did not. Conan has too many lines of dialogue, spoiling his sense of presence. The supporting cast is populated with charmless characters who are given little to do. The story lacks the personal edge of the first film, and Conan’s involvement is thinly motivated. Conan the Destroyer also falls back on staples of the fantasy genre that are an uncomfortable fit with Conan’s world.
As for strengths, Conan the Destroyer does deliver what it promises: action, plain and simple. The special effects are a slight step up from the original, although they still come across as dated. Watching Arnold Schwarzenegger hack and stab his way through a variety of warriors, wizards, and beasts remains satisfying. And though the world is missing the depth it might have had, it does feel like a fantasy world, full of magic and mystery.
Give Conan the Destroyer a watch if you’re an action fan in the mood for some sword-and-sorcery. The movie abandons much of what made the original distinctive, but what remains is still a satisfying slice of adventure for the right viewer. Skip it if you’re looking for depth, modern-style action, or a true successor to Conan the Barbarian. For a modern action movie of similar virtues, check out The Scorpion King.
5.9 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for decent action held back by flimsy characters and a weak script.