The Keeper of Time

Sword and Sorcery is a relatively new genre,really being created by pulp fiction writer Robert E. Howard back in the 30s.But,it has its antecedents,based in mythology,fairy tales,and epic fantasy.So,it just didn't drop off of a log,so to speak.

It really isn't everybody's dish,but,given the proper level of talent,still can be quite enjoyable.But it does require a considerable amount of work on everyone's part.And,here,to plagiarize Hamlet,is the rub.

Some of these films are quite good."The Beastmaster",starring Marc Singer,comes to mind.Humor,insight,wit,and effort showed up in that film.And "Deathstalker,"starring Rick Hill,was at the other end of the spectrum.Just a mess.I always thought they made that one as a parody of the genre.

Now,this one appears to have been written at the most elementary level.It's like they were going to do S&S for the after school,elementary kids.The plot does lag,the action could be faster,and yes,the wizard does sound like a parody of the blind monk in "Kung-Fu." But the technical aspects of the film are all well done,the direction is adequate,and the performers are all doing a valiant job with not very much.

O'Hearn,in particular,does a splendid job with a cliché.True,he poses,shows off his impressive physique,and turns in a standard muscle hero character.But he didn't have much to work with,his fight sequences are good,and he delivers his lines with talent and polish.

We all have to start somewhere,and gain some experience.So.next time,given this initial showing,we can hope for better.