Deathstalker II: Duel of the Titans

This has to rank alongside Roger Corman's best as one of the great cult favorites.

The acting is atrocious and the direction is primitive at best. But there's plenty of action and bare bosoms, which is what such movies are all about.

Terlesky seems to be getting by in Hollywood nowadays as a writer, director and actor in mostly B-movies, but D-2 represents the best of his early days.

"Is Deathstalker your first name or your last?" You gotta love lines like that.

A classic of sorts.

Deathstalker 2 is the second of a quad of Deathstalker movies. All four films have had the same executive producer, Roger Corman. If you are familiar with Corman's work you will know exactly what to expect. He is said to be the master of low-budget cinema. Just watch Deathstalker 2 and you'll see why. The whole point with Deathstalker 2 (for me anyway) is that it is lightweight, amusing and saucy. On the whole the action scenes involve plastic swords swinging wildly, obviously choreographed by a blind man, and punches missing their target by a good foot but still knocking over the person they were aimed at. The plot is interesting enough to make you want to keep watching and does not make the film seem overly long as a result. A high point for any red blooded B-Movie fan has to be the ladies. Monique Gabrielle, Toni Naples and a whole bunch of extras show some skin through the course of the film. Some might see this as unnecessary rubbish. Believe me, these are the high points of the film, enjoy.

O.K, so you are thinking, "a little bit crap then". But just hold on, try watching whilst a little drunk, or with a bunch of mates or very late at night when nothing else is on the tube. Only then will you get the joke. It's not supposed to be a documentary, it's just for laughs.The ladies are good looking, John Terlesky makes you smile and the action scenes are just down rite hilarious. If it appears in a video rental shops bargain sell-out section, buy it.

Scenes to watch out for include a scary wrestling match between Deathstalker and a huge woman who can only be described as terrifying. A freaky looking dwarf playing the guitar and an epileptic-fit inducing moment that gave me a headache (especially if you have the lights turned down).

The second part of the "Deathstalker" series has a spirited beginning, a fun score, and is overall entertaining because of its campiness, but it's not to be mistaken in any way as a good film. The big surprise here is that, unlike most former models, Monique Gabrielle CAN act: she plays two roles and she manages to give each one a distinct personality (intensely likable/intensely bitchy), and she's the best reason to see this movie. As for John Terlesky, he flashes a smile that is comparable to Tom Cruise's. (**)

Production values aside, this is one cool movie. The costumes are standard medievil fare and the 'magic' effects aren't that spectacular, but hey this was no 'Star Wars' budget production. The script is plausible and extremely hilarious. The best line is when two pig headed guards bring him into a room and he says, "Lots of Laughs those guys. Next time I see 'em its gonna be on a plate next to some eggs." However if you do nothing else, watch the bloopers during the end credits!

This movie stinks and it knows it!! That is what makes this movie so enjoyable to watch. A laugh riot throughout because of it's stupidity. Pokes great fun at all the sword and sorcery movies. It seems almost every video rental store has this film, so go rent it today! And don't forget to enjoy the credits, too!!