Reviews - Action films 

Beneath the 12-mile Reef 

Review

This story is built around a Greek father and son team who dive off the coast of Florida. The intense rivalry between the Greek and American sponge fisherman for the sponges that can be gleaned off the coast of Florida fuels the plot. After Mike and Tony Petrakis are robbed by crooks, the Rhys brothers, Mike decides they will travel to the 12 mile reef to dive for more sponges. There is only one problem with this; however. The reef is known to be particularly dangerous and Mike suffers a fatal accident after falling from a reef. This leaves Tony to continue running the business. At this point, Tony becomes torn between the intense love and devotion he feels for the beautiful Gwyneth (Terry Moore). His feelings are further divided over his intense anti-American sentiments.

The movie was directed by Robert D. Webb and filmed in Tarpon Springs, Florida; featuring beautiful videography. This was the first film to include underwater scenes. This was the third production ever by Cinemascope, who presented the challenge of including underwater scenes quite successfully. The gorgeous world beneath the blue depths and the intense rivalry between sponge farmers, that at times could prove to be fatal, is showcased wonderfully. The underwater shots in the film are absolutely breathtaking, adding to this already absorbing tale.

The romantic angle of the movie is presented cleverly, with unusual narrative and endearing performances that you are sure to remember. 

Border Cop 

Review

Telly Savalas stars in Border Cop as a tough cop who is working to help take down an operation that is trying to bring poor Mexican citizens across the U.S. border illegally in order for them to work in sweat shops as cheap labor.

The action shots were filmed in Mexico and the United States with a strong focus on the dangerous lives of Mexicans who attempt to cross the border to make a new life in the United States. Telly Savales’ character is portrayed as a tough no-nonsense cop who must deal with the Mexican officials who ship illegal immigrants over the border with no concern for their well-being.

The first five minutes of the film feature a car chase as well as shootout. Unfortunately, much of the dialogue is rather amateur and tends to reveal rather racist sentiments. Be aware that the violence in this film can be rather intense at times. 

Long John Silver's Return to Treasure Island 

Review

If you’re looking for a good family film to sit down and watch with the kids, this one is definitely a winner. This movie is a type of sequel to the well loved Treasure Island. In this film, the infamous pirate Long John Silver searches for the buried treasure. The film basically picks up where Treasure Island left off when Long John Silver finds himself on a Caribbean island. Long John Silver, portrayed by Robert Newton, hears a rumor that his rival (a pirate by the name of Mendoza) has absconded with the ship that happens to be carrying his friend Jim Hawkins as well as the daughter of the governor.

Long John Silver decided that he will attempt a rescue; however, just as always there is more to the story than just a simple rescue and this time his plan involves trying to get a new ship for himself while at the same time trying to find the buried treasure as well. The adventure is dangerous and exciting to be sure, as Hawkins is in possession of a rather rare medallion and bloodthirsty captain Mendoza is holding the governor’s daughter for ransom.

This movie is also sometimes billed as Return to Treasure Island. There is a cameo role portrayed by Rod Taylor, as another pirate who happens to be blind in this role. This Australian production is a great film to sit down and watch with the whole family. Robert Newton does an excellent job of reprising his role as Long John Silver; a role that would mark his career for many years to come. As an interesting side note, this film was directed by Byron Haskin, who also directed War of the Worlds. 

Black Brigade 

Review

This is one of those rare movies from the ‘70s that has it all; a good story and cast. Overall, it’s a really interesting movie. The cast list is really good, so just for that alone it’s worth seeing. Originally it was a made for TV movie and was actually written by Aaron Spelling and produced by Danny Thomas. How can you go wrong with that kind of combination? Stephen Boyd stars in the movie and turns out to be a great leading man. You may remember him from other movies, ‘Ben Hur’ just to name one.

There are some actors who are in the movie who were actually newcomers at the time but who are very well known today. Richard Pryor and Billy Dee Williams as well as Rosie Grier have supporting roles in the movie.

The film focuses on a U.S. Army unit in World War II that is all black and is forced to do the grunt work like picking up garbage and digging latrines and graves. It really shows how many black soldiers were treated during this time in history and how they were shown no respect by white soldiers.

As the film progresses the rather racist Major Carter (portrayed by Boyd) is assigned a dangerous mission in which he is supposed to blow up a dam that is under control of the Nazis. Company B, the all black company, is sent with him to assist but due to his racist beliefs the Major doesn’t think they will be able to help him much. He is proven wrong when the men show they are very capable of handling such a dangerous mission.

Not only does this movie have a solid script and story but if you are a fan of Richard Pryor it’s really worth it to get to see him in such an early role. 

Drums of the Deep South 

Review

This is a really great classic movie that should be on the must see list of anyone who enjoys the old classics. The story starts out with two best friends who are graduating from West Point. The friends, Clay Clayburn and Will Denning, quickly find themselves embroiled in the Civil War; unfortunately they are fighting on opposite sides. As the movie progresses, they are fighting against one another; however, they have no idea that they are literally fighting against one another just a few hundred yards away from one another.

While this film is a really good war movie, it also depicts a love triangle between the two best friends and Kathy, the woman they both love. Although they both love her, she marries the one she favors. When they are both away fighting in the war, Kathy discovers that they are embroiled in a battle being waged near her home when her manor is taken by Union forces. Although she is virtually a prisoner in her own home, she later discovers there is a plot to blow up some explosives near the area. She is reunited with her former lover and knows that she must do something to not only save her lover but also keep the two men from killing one another.

Not only does this movie have a really good story line but if you happen to be a history buff you will really enjoy the fact that some effort was obviously taken in making sure that the details for this time period were taken seriously. The uniforms appear to be quite right and not at all hokey.

Most films about the Civil War in the 1950s have a kind of cardboard ending but that isn’t the case with this movie. There are some twists and turns that you don’t expect and you don’t feel as though you come away knowing what was going to happen the whole time. 

Captain Scarlett 

Review

If you are a history buff, you will be sure to love Captain Scarlett. The action takes place in France just after Napoleon has fallen from power. In many ways this film is quite reminiscent of such tales as Zorro and Robin Hood. In the beginning of the movie Captain Scarlett, portrayed by Richard Greene, has just returned to France. Surely he is enjoying the thought of returning home to rest and relax; however his good friend, who just happens to be a friar, desperately informs him that the home he has longed to return to has been seized, along with all of his lands by a rather unscrupulous nobleman, the Duke of Corlaine.

Finding himself in a difficult predicament, Scarlett realizes he has no choice but to attempt to access his own castle by climbing through the window. It is during this scene that he meets the incredibly lovely Princess Maria, portrayed by Leonara Amar, and realizes that his life is about to change. After the princess inquires as to his identity, Scarlett delivers the very romantic and memorable line, "The name is Scarlett, as to what did I want when I climbed in here, or what do I want now that I have seen you?" Unfortunately the moment is interrupted when Scarlett is captured and tossed haplessly into a dungeon. He quickly discovers he is not the only prisoner here and makes friends with a man named Pierre, portrayed by Nedrick Young, who has also found himself in the unfortunate predicament of having his lands taken.

After the two escape from the dungeon, Scarlett relentlessly also frees the princess who is on the verge of being forced into marriage with a count. Now free, the three run away into the woods and then begin to assist their fellow countrymen who have fallen into the clutches of the evil duke. Scarlett finds himself once again needing to come to the rescue of the princess when she is not only captured by a group of soldiers but also sentenced to die. If you’re a classic adventure film fan, this is a film that will be sure to delight and entertain you from beginning to end. Not only is the action great and true to form for classic swashbuckler films, but the plot and characterization are also very well done. 

Daniel Boone, Trail Blazer 

Review

The story of Daniel Boone is probably one of the best adventure tales of all time and this dramatization of the tale makes good use of that fact. If you’re not familiar with this timeless historical tale, it follows Boone who is a frontiersmen leading a group of pioneers to a new home in the Cumberland Gap. The land here is practically nothing but wilderness and to say that building a fort in the wilderness, which also happens to be situated in the middle of very hostile Shawnee Indian territory, is difficult would be an understatement. Not only do Boone and his group have to fight against the land itself as well as the Shawnee but they also have to contend with a renegade Frenchman, Simon Girty, who is working against them by leading the Indian tribes in the area that the new pioneers have no peaceful intentions and instead intend only to kill the Indians and still their land.

This film features some great action scenes, one of which includes an attack on the pioneer fort by the Shawnee. The two main actors in this film, Bruce Bennett (portraying Daniel Boone) and Lon Chaney (portraying Chief Blackfish) do an excellent job. When the film is over you feel as though you understand a bit more about what the real life pioneers during this time in history must have faced in order to tame the wilderness.

All in all, this film has something for everyone; ranging from plenty of fight and action scenes to some very tender romance scenes as well. Fans of Faron Young will enjoy the country and western number that is weaved into the story. Although this was a low-budget film is still an excellent film. It should be noted that there is some mild violence in the film due to the fight scenes. 

Desert Commandos 

Review

In comparison to many of the war movies that were made during this time period, this film takes a divergent difference. That difference is in the form of the heroes portrayed in this movie. While most war movies clearly indicate the German soldiers to be the bad guys, Desert Commandos leads the viewer into sympathizing for the German commandos in this film. These unlikely heroes have a clear mission, to conquer the world, and they attempt to attain their goal by trying to assassinate several world leaders atttending a summit meeting.

Other than the unlikely heroes of this movie, perhaps the most interesting part of Desert Commandoes is the way in which it brings the viewer to an understanding of what it must have been like for German soldiers during the war. There are several moments throughout the film in which you view glimpses of that difficulty, leading you to consider the other side’s perspective, if only for a brief while. The film satisfies in providing several typical war scenes including some narrow escapes, several gunfights, some scenes with tanks and many other exciting heroic moments.

Due to the nature of this film, the viewer is allowed to see what war is really all about, different groups of people all with their own beliefs and agendas who are determined to accomplish them by killing one another. This isn’t a war film that clearly establishes a black and white concrete war perspective. It goes beyond that and this is a truly remarkable thing, especially considering the timeframe in which this film was produced.

This film was considered to be Umberto Lenz's finest WWII movie. Unfortunately, the film is in widescreen format and as a result some of the scenes are negatively affected by being chopped off on the sides. 

Swamp Women 

Review

In this fabulous movie a police woman finds herself infiltrating a group of female criminals who have plans to break out of jail. Their plan is to go back and get the diamonds they have previously stashed in a swamp. When they take a hostage, things get really interesting.

There are plenty of action and adventure scenes in this film along with some really good fight scenes as well. The women portrayed in the film are obviously smart and know how to go for what they want. You will be sitting on the edge of your seat and wondering what is going to happen next. One of the great things about this film is that it definitely isn’t like a lot of other women prisoner films. In fact, it is not stereotypical at all. Of course, the escapee prisoners have no idea that one of the women in co-hoots with them is really an undercover cop just pretending to be a partner in their crime.

After the diamonds are finally located, the girls all get into a fight with one another and one of them tries to run off with the goods. At the end of the movie there is a surprise ending that keeps you guessing for just a bit before everything is resolved nice and neatly.

Not only is there plenty of action and adventure in Swamp Women but the characters are portrayed so well this film will quickly become one of your favorites. 

The Black Pirate 

Review

In this winner movie a nobleman takes a vow to avenge the death of his father who happened to be killed by a group of pirates. In order to make good on his vow he infiltrates the same band of pirates. During his time with the group he helps capture a ship. Unfortunately, things get a bit more complicated when he finds out there is a woman on board the ship and he feels he must prevent her from being raped. The remainder of the movie is filled with memorable stunts, action and adventure along with some romance.

With Douglas Fairbanks swashbuckling through this fabulous silent era movie (that's right folks, this is a silent film, except for the background music), it can’t help but be an absolute delight to watch.

Historic movie buffs will find an early example of Technicolor presented in this film to be a special treat. Fairbanks is so believable as a real pirate you don’t feel as though you are watching an actor at all but the real thing come to life. There is no doubt about the fact that Fairbanks was at the top of his game in The Black Pirate. He is truly larger than life in this film, and that is saying quite a lot considering the other memorable roles he filled during his highly successful film career.

Filled with fabulous photography and scenery, The Black Pirate is sure to find a spot on your shelf (or your hard drive, as the case may be) as a beloved classic. The film and the Two-Strip Technicolor technology presented in this early delight are something to see. 

Kong Island 

Review

If you’re a fan of King Kong and horror movies you will absolutely love Kong Island. It mixes the best of both types of movies with some jungle adventure thrown in for good measure. Just the breathtaking scenery in this film makes it worth watching.

The jungle beat music score really adds to the overall effect. In this film, a mercenary portrayed by Brad Harris is shot in the back by a man who was once his friend (portrayed by Marc Lawrence) who then leaves him for dead. The friend disappears into the jungle and begins performing brain operations on gorillas who are the size of men. After the surgeries the gorillas act as his robot-like slaves.

Brad Harris’ character survives the shooting and begins trying to track down his ex-friend to exact revenge. When the daughter of another friend is kidnapped by the gorilla robots while on safari, he has even more of a reason to venture into the deep dark recesses of the jungle in order to put an end to the mad medical practices of his former friend.

This film is full of secrets, revelations and plenty of double crossing. Burt, portrayed by Brad Harris, finds himself having to fight off attacks from the gorillas as well as a tribe of savages. In the meanwhile he has to also get on the good side of Eva the Wild Woman who, as he says, is the daughter of the forest and communes with the beasts living there. With the power she holds over the animals, she is the only person who can successfully help him.

The scenery, music, plot and characterization are all top-notch in this kong/horror film that is sure to leave you guessing until the very end.

Webmaster note - I think my reviewer ET had overdosed on Reese's Pieces when he reviewed this movie. You might be interested in an alternate review that I found on IMDB by their reviewer Reptilicus of Vancouver under the heading "Most Misleading Title".

"The Italian title for this film was EVE, THE WILD WOMAN which makes a lot better sense than the one attached to it for foreign distribution, KING OF KONG ISLAND. There is no king, no kong, and no island! This is the sort of plot that Republic might have made a 12 chapter serial about. A mad scientist is performing brain operations on gorillas deep in the jungle (NOT on an island) to create an army of simian slaves. Why is he doing this? Because he is a MAD scientist and that is what mad scientists do! Enter the hero (Brad Harris from several muscleman movies) and the heroine (Esmeralda Barros as Eve, the erstwhile title character) to defeat the madman and restore the natural balance to the jungle.

Eve the jungle girl is topless for the whole picture but her long flowing hair is strategically arranged except at certain dramatic moments. Those gorillas with the stitches in their heads don't look like gorillas at all to me, they look like stuntmen in costumes! It takes forever for the plot to get going; in fact it starts like an action adventure with Harris' character as a mercenary looking for revenge against the guy who double crossed him. The science fiction element and the jungle girl subplot are introduced to wake the audience up later on.

Perhaps if they had thrown in a dinosaur or two and a nice big explosion at the end. Oh well. I am off to watch the old 1944 serial THE MONSTER AND THE APE. At least that one delivered what the title promised!" 

Hercules and the Masked Rider 

Review

In this film we find a masked rider, somewhat like a Zorro, who is attacked by rebels but then becomes friends with them and eventually makes a stand against Hercules in a knife fight. Hercules is portrayed by Alan Steel. There is even an element of romance when the masked rider discovers he must save his love interest from an arranged marriage. It’s actually at this point that the masked rider pulls on his red mask for the first time.

If you’re looking for adventure and romance this is an excellent choice and will thrill everyone. There are some fantastic fight scenes that will leave you breathless as well as several tender romance scenes.

The acting, direction and script are all excellent. This is one film you won’t regret seeing again and again. It will quickly become a favorite in your home movie collection. 

Hell in Normandy 

Review

Love WII films? This is a must see. The film is set in the days leading up to the invasion of Normandy, now well known as D-Day. In the film, a special parachute unit has been assigned to destroy a German installation on Omaha Beach. American commandos drop into occupied Normandy. Led by Captain Murphy the group is then aided in penetrating a German flame throw installation by an Allied spy. Penetrating the installation is critical to the upcoming invasion. Although Murphy is somewhat doubtful of the success of the mission, Lt. Strobel is determined the base must be destroyed in order for the invasion to take place. The two have several disagreements regarding the best way to proceed.

Beyond the fact that this is simply an exciting film, one of the best features of this film is the cinematography. It appears to have actually been shot in France, so unlike many war films, which are not actually shot on location. The scenery is right on target and looks quite real. Everything is authentic from the vehicles to the weapons to the uniforms. This is one film that ranks top notch in terms of both action and accuracy.

This is truly an action-packed, real war movie that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Those looking for a bit of romance won’t be disappointed either. Lt. Storbel has a love affair with a French girl, providing plenty of relief from the very action packed war scenes. This is an excellent film in every regard with fantastic direction, acting, suspense, action and even a little romance. The details to accuracy takes it over the top. 

Infernal Street 

Review

This film tracks trouble that begins to brew between a group of Japanese individuals who sell opium to the Chinese.

Action/adventure fans will enjoy the terrific use of cinematography as well as the use of many innovative devices. High quality script, excellent acting, superb direction and action scenes that will leave you in awe - this film has it all. The artistry involved in the fight scenes is amazing. In addition, Infernal Street provides a wealth of insight into the opium trade as well as Japanese and Chinese relations.

By the end of the film, viewers will feel as though they really know the characters. Unlike many action films which do not lend themselves well to character development, Infernal Street focuses on action as well as the character depth many other films miss. This will become a must see you will want to add to your movie collection and watch again and again. 

Sword of Lancelot 

Review

If you are a fan of knights of the round table, Camelot and ladies, you will love this film. The classic story of Lancelot and Guinevere is familiar to most. However, this particular version of the film provides excellent insight into the couple as well as the love triangle that developed between King Arthur, his wife and his knight. The film begins when Lancelot is sent to bring Guinevere to King Arthur, who she eventually marries.

Interestingly enough, the film was directed by Cornel Wilde who also stars as Lancelot in the film. In this fascinating version of the much loved tale, Lancelot is portrayed as a Frenchman. Wilde’s wife, Jean Wallace, portrays the lovely Guievere. Arthur is portrayed by Brian Aherne. Aherne’s approach to his role is one of the best around. His portrayal of Arthur shows the development of Arthur from being a carefree ruler through to the painstaking realization that his wife has not only been unfaithful but the object of her desire is his own knight.

Men and women will both love this film. It not only provides an excellent portrayal of the love affair between Lancelot and Guinevere, but also provides a lot of action as well in the form of numerous fight and battle scenes. 

Target of an Assassin 

Review

Action and adventure film lovers will really love this film! The plot focuses on an ailing African leader who has been admitted to a hospital. A male nurse working at the hospital then kidnaps him. However, things go awry and there are several twists and turns that lead the characters and the viewer on an exhilarating ride.

Anthony Quinn portrays the nurse who, as it turns out, has only kidnapped the visiting African dignitary as a way of providing for his daughter since he has contracted a fatal illness. Meanwhile, an assassin has been hired to kill the dignitary and both the kidnapper and the leader find themselves growing closer as they both turn out to be targets. This is a riveting movie that will hold your attention all the way to the surprising conclusion. The climax, which takes place at a remote mountain lodge, is unforgettable.

The sound, score, plot, character development and acting are all handled very well. Adventure fans will want to make this film a favorite in their collection. 

Devil of the Desert Against the Son of Hercules 

Review

Action and adventure fans won’t want to miss this enthralling film. In it we follow the story of a daughter from nobility whose father has been killed by an evil tyrant. The daughter is then sold into slavery. However, she finds that her new owner is a strong, honest and brave man who is from common origins rather than nobility.

The pace of the film moves along quite well and keeps you interested throughout. Directed by Anthony Dawson, also known as Antonio Margetti, who has found fame in several Italian classic films. This wonderful film features several unexpected visual shots that add to the interest and ambience of the film.

While the setting is somewhat offbeat it works quite well in this film. In addition to the wonderful storyline and characterization, this film contains some beautiful cinematography set on location in North Africa. All in all, this is a winner of a movie that is well worth watching. 

The Black Godfather 

Review

Our main character, named J.J., is a rising star in a black crime gang. He is in the process of consolidating his power over the entire neighborhood and only has one obstacle left in his way. It's the white heroin cartel that isn’t too happy about the prospect of abandoning a market that is quite lucrative.

Quite naturally, tension begins to rise between the cartel and the black crime gang and there are killings on both sides. As matters go from bad to worse, the scene is set for an explosive confrontation.

As with any good crime movie, just to make things interesting, there are a few corrupt cops tossed in for good measure. As the action begins to heat up you’ll find yourself clinging to the edge of your seat wondering what’s going to happen next. There is just enough of a twist in the plot to keep things interesting. The exciting, dramatic climatic conclusion doesn’t disappoint in the least. 

The Boxer 

Review

We begin this film with boxer Teddy Wilcox, portrayed by none other than Robert Blake. Wilcox has left his manager and relocated. Eventually, he finds a new manager and trainer, Nick. Unfortunately, right before Wilcox’s first fight, Nick receives a threat. Either Wilcox must lose or Nick will die. Nick tries to sabotage the fight to save his own skin. Wilcox wins the fight anyway.

Realizing what his new trainer has done, Wilcox becomes enraged and tells Nick to keep away from him or else. That very night Nick is murdered. Naturally, Wilcox becomes the primary suspect in the case. Now he finds he must clear his name and find out who really killed Nick.

Filled with suspense, surprise and plot twists this is a film you won’t want to miss. You will find yourself pleasantly surprised right up to the very last moment. Even if you’re not a Robert Blake fan this is a film worth catching. 

Laser Mission 

Review

Brandon Lee stars as Michael Gold, a mercenary who has been hired by the CIA in order to locate a German scientist portrayed by Ernest Borgnine. In this dramatic film, Borgnine’s character has developed a type of laser technology that everyone is after. Unfortunately after the mercenary and scientist meet they are both captured. This sets the tone for a daring escape by the CIA agent who later volunteers to go back and find the scientist and set him free as well. Of course, no film would be complete without a beautiful accomplice, in this case the very beautiful and sexy Debi Monahan. With a secret agent story line, a daring mission intent on preventing World War III and a beautiful co-star this is a thrilling adventure you won’t want to miss.

Although this was only Brandon Lee’s second leading role his performance proves that he has the charisma to pull it off beautifully. His terrific fighting skills are showcased well, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.

With the chase on for a huge diamond, with an all star cast, quality photography and excellent direction, there’s not much more you could ask for in this fantastic film. 

The Devil's Cavaliers 

Review

Fans of action/adventure films will love this movie, set in France during the 17th century. The leading role is played by Frank Latimore as Richard Stiller, a cavalier who has returned from war in Spain in order to lay claim to the hand of his childhood sweetheart Louise (Emma Danieli.) The snobbery of class, however, intervenes in the form of the Duke of Varse, portrayed by Andrea Aureli. Before long swords come to battle and there is a struggle for who will ultimately win control of the court. The Baroness Elaine is portrayed by Gianna Maria Canale, a devious woman who is intent on destroying the lovebirds.

Action scenes add to the drama of this film along with excellent costuming and casting. Those who love history, drama and action won’t be disappointed in the least with this wonderful film. This could very well become a beloved classic that will be watched many times. 

Trained to Kill 

Review

Set in a rural town during the 1970s, this film focuses on a special forces Vietnam Nam veteran who has returned home following an honorable discharge from the military. Sandor is welcomed home as a hero but the town is experiencing some problems from carnival ruffians who have camped just out side of town. Although he is somewhat reluctant to do it, wanting only to return to a normal way of life following everything he has seen and done during the war, Sandor calls on some of his Green Beret friends to help out the town as they experience yet more problems with the carnies.

The character of Sandor is solidly portrayed with dimension and empathy. In addition to excellent characterization, the action scenes are also handled quite well; which apparently doesn’t usually occur with films that were originally created on a low-budget. The various fights and brawls that lead up to the final fight scene in the end of the film are handled with precision, creating an overall excellent effect.

Set in the Southwest, the film also makes good use of on-site desert locations; featuring excellent cinematography. While the storyline is quite familiar from the era, the film combines good acting along with a different kind of twist that really works to set the film apart from many of the films that were produced during this time period (so I am told). 

She Gods of Shark Reef 

Review

Adventure fans will be anchored to their seats. The film begins when two brothers, Chris and Lee Johnston, are swept away in a violent typhoon near the South China Sea. They find themselves several hundred miles off course on an all women inhabited island known as Rara Tu. Prior to their catastrophe, Chris had been attempting to save his brother, a criminal, from being taken into custody by the authorities for a murder he committed while trying to raid an armory and steal a stash of weapons.

The two brothers are taken ashore by women of the island and are provided with water and food as well as native hospitality. They are told that a ship will arrive within a few days in order to retrieve them and take them back home. The brothers realize they will be arrested and brought back to stand trail on the mainland for their various crimes. They then locate a small ship on the island and take refuge there until they can develop a plan for their getaway.

Unfortunately, those plans are interrupted by events involving the native god Tanga Roah. The natives feel that the god is angry at them and before long several young maidens are taken out to sea and fed to the sharks as a form of sacrifice to resolve the bad weather the natives feel their god has sent their way.

Chris swims out and saves one of the women, to the rage of the island Queen; who believes this will make the god even angrier. The maiden falls in love with Chris and conspires to help him and his brother escape from the island. Unfortunately, things are not quite that easy.

Filled with adventure and romance, this is a movie you won’t want to miss! 

Son of Hercules in the Land of Darkness 

Review

Hercules fans will be enthralled with this take on the story of the Son of Hercules. Featuring several breathtaking fight scenes in which Hercules bravely fights several beasts including a lion and a bear, this is a film that won’t disappoint in the least. In this version, he has a sidekick who provides comedic relief throughout the film.

As one might expect, there is a love interest. Yes, the son of Hercules falls in love with the daughter of a king those kingdom has been taken over by a rather wicked queen. Before long, the hero becomes the captive of the queen and he must find a way to escape when she orders him to be pulled apart by teams of wild animals.

After he manages to escape from the entire ordeal virtually unscathed, the queen falls in love with him, but our loyal hero remains true to the daughter of the deposed king. Eventually the slaves rise in revolt. Before the end of the film the citizenry are liberated and the hero and princess are free to live happily ever after. If you see this, you will get to find out what happened to the evil queen. 

Damon and Pythias 

Review

In this highly entertaining film Pythias, an Athenian liberal who shockingly believes all men to be brothers, finds himself condemned to death by the tyrant of Syracus, Dionysus, who finds Pythias’ views to be quite dangerous.

However, Dionysis does allow Pythias to return to Athens in order to visit his sick wife with the understanding that he will return to face up to his punishment. A friend of Pythias’, Damon, volunteers to act as a hostage in order to guarantee the return of Pythias. Dionysius never expects Pythias to keep his word and his part of the bargain but he is surprised when Pythias turns out to be a man of his word.

One of the most inspiring elements of this film is the effort that obviously went into providing the characters with depth. As a result, much of this film will stay with you even after the final credits roll. This is a film that is truly full of heart; something that is not often seen in films of this genre. 

Caesar the Conqueror 

Review

The pace of the film moves along quite well and keeps you interested throughout. While the setting is somewhat offbeat it works quite well in this film. In addition to the wonderful storyline and characterizations, this film contains some great cinematography as well. All in all, this is a winner of a movie that is well worth sitting down to watch.

By the end of the film you will feel as though you really know the characters. Unlike many films which do not lend themselves well to character development, this is a film that focuses on action as well as depth that many other films miss.

Great characterization, a strong storyline and some comedic relief moments all add up to a wonderfully satisfying film. This will become a must see you will want to add to your movie collection and watch again and again.

Gladiator film fans won’t want to miss this one. Unlike some movies in this genre, this film contains fighting scenes that are truly believable. It also contains excellent characterizations while the action scenes are phenomenal. This is a rare movie that is definitely worth seeing with plenty of exciting action and adventure. Interesting dialogue and excellent acting compliment a well crafted storyline. 

Gladiators Seven 

Review

The son of one of Sparta’s leading citizens has been framed for the escape of five gladiators. Now he has been sentenced to the arena to fight as a gladiator as well and is being forced to fight for his life in the Colosseum. Eventually he manages to escape and returns to his hometown of Sparta.

Unfortunatley, he discovers that his father has been murdered, even though it was officially considered to be a suicide, and the only woman he has ever loved is about to marry an evil king who has assumed the throne. Infuriated, he sets out on a path to locate fellow gladiators and return home to save his kingdom and the woman he loves.

Set in multiple scenic locations, featuring fantastic color, this is a film that will delight the senses as well as entertain. Interestingly, the costuming is handled very well; quite a feat for the time period in which the film was set. Filled with hard hitting action, this is a film that will leave you standing on the edge of your seat, waiting with baited breath to discover how the hero will get out of the seemingly impossible situations that are tossed his way.

The final confrontation is not disappointing in the least, featuring an elaborate infiltration of a mountain citadel. (Let's see, "Seven Samurai", "Magnificent Seven", "Gladiators Seven", is there a pattern here? And how does "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" fit into the picture?) 

Gladiator of Rome 

Review

In this highly entertaining film, a warrior protecting a young slave girl, who is in reality a princess, discovers himself fighting as a gladiator in the arenas in Rome.

Starring Gordon Scott, of Tarzan movie fame, this is a very satisfying and entertaining film. Not without a bit of romance, this is a film that will delight everyone. Though our hero is threatened with every kind of torture the Romans could drum up, he remains stalwart and dedicated to his cause.

Several twists and turns will leave you wondering how our heroine and her one true love will ever make it through the problems that are tossed their way. Truly classic gladiator fight scenes provide the impetus for the suspense while the romance provides a softer side to this hard edged gladiator film.

Maciste in King Solomons Mines