Krull – (1983)
It could have been worse. The film was one of the most expensive movies of its time in 1983, with a reported budget of 30 MUSD. But it only grossed half of it. Columbia Pictures expected it to be a hit, and likely a franchise. It had the Marvel comic adaptation as well as Atari and arcade games based on it. But it was released only a few weeks after Return of the Jedi and it got bad reviews. But the people who ignored it at the cinema gave it a shot on the cables and its reputation has steadily grown over the years. Today it has a cult status and has gained a whole lot of fans.
It could have been worse. The film was one of the most expensive movies of its time in 1983, with a reported budget of 30 MUSD. But it only grossed half of it. Columbia Pictures expected it to be a hit, and likely a franchise. It had the Marvel comic adaptation as well as Atari and arcade games based on it. But it was released only a few weeks after Return of the Jedi and it got bad reviews. But the people who ignored it at the cinema gave it a shot on the cables and its reputation has steadily grown over the years. Today it has a cult status and has gained a whole lot of fans.
Krull was done in the same era as Ivanhoe and Excalibur, Dune and Willow, Superman and Flash Gordon. I was a fantasy film lover during the 1980’s and still am. I don’t recall that I ever saw Krull at the theaters, but it did grab our attention at the video store. And I stumbled over it recently.
The Styrofoam
sets and the too many transportation routes – endless fighting, climbing,
walking, riding, flying – could have made it unbearable. Aliens are from outer
space, but they still use horses as a means of transportation. The laser guns
appear to have only one or two shots apiece, as the aliens turn their weapons
over in combat to reveal blades for close-quarters fighting.
From the
sky drops a “Black Fortress” inhabited by an evil monster “The Beast” and its
soldiers called “Slayers”. They want to concur the planet. To stop the invasion,
the two rival kingdoms join forces by the marriage of Princess Lyssa and Prince
Colwyn. Unfortunately during the ceremony the Slayers attack the palace, kill
both kings, wound Colwyn and kidnap Lyssa. The next morning, the wise Ynyr helps
Colwyn to find the magic weapon “Glaive” (French for “double-edged sword”), a
giant mind-controlled sort of shuriken.
Together
they go on a quest for the monster’s black fortress to free Lyssa. During their
quest they face a number of dangers and challenges, and form a band of strange
characters they meet on their trip, including a Cyclops and a magician who can
change people into animals. And in the end the Black Fortress and the Beast explodes.
It could
have been unbearable, but what really save the movie are the impressive UK cast
and a really good music score. For Swedish readers: Star Lysette Anthony also
played Rowena in the 1982 TV film Ivanhoe, with actors James Mason, Sam Neill
and Anthony Andrews. (Since the premiere in 1982, Ivanhoe has been broadcast on
Swedish television on the January 1st every year. It's now considered a
tradition.)
Peter
Yates’ direction is competent, even though it’s hardly the equal of his
masterpiece Bullitt. The special effects are decent for the time, but look a
little primitive to our modern over-spoilt eyes.
It’s an
enjoyable popcorn-viewing experience. What else do you need here?
Grade: B
Advisory:
seeing Liam Neeson and Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid) before anyone knew who they were.
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