AG Stephenson

Good fun entertainment, 6 April 2008

Very much standard peplum fare, this is not bad.

The story is simple. Jason & the Argonauts have set off to find the golden fleece. Meanwhile, back home, the evil dictator is trying to bed Jason's fiance - or something like that.

It's a little episodic in places - basically the Argonauts have one adventure following another, but that's okay, it provides plenty of variety and you can never guess what's coming next. Nadine Sanders, Miss Texas 1953, stands out as the Queen of the Witches, and also French actress Cathia Caro as the love interest of one of the Argonauts.

A Good Evening's Entertainment, 6 April 2008

This is a very jolly Hercules movie - although originally in Italy, the hero was Maciste, an almost identical rival to Hercules. Hercules is Italian actor Sergio Ciani (or Alan Steel in the credits). The star of the show, however, is the evil femme fatale, Jany Clair, a French actress starring as Queen Samara.

The plot is a bit odd to say the least. Queen Samara is sacrificing peasants to the moon men (who look like rock monsters) - it's never realy explained why but it keeps them happy. The Queen's sister, however, has to be a special sacrifice in order to bring the moon men's queen back to life. But fear not, our hero Hercules will set about rescuing her - and in doing so win… Read more

Big & Heavy, 5 April 2008

Orson Welles looks slow and lumbering in this slow and lumbering adaptation of the Bibical story.

For about 80% of the film, there's nothing but a succession of static (though beautifully crafted) sets and lots of talk, talk, talk. Hey guys - remember these are meant to be MOTION pictures!

There are some good points - Orson's acting carries depth, although he only has a relatively small role; the giant Kronos who plays Goliath is an interesting personality; and the final battle scene has some merits.

Overall, however, you have to work at this one to enjoy it.