Both fantasy films feature Arnold Schwarzenegger as Conan, the Cimmerian warrior and future king. (SPOILERS)
 |
| Conan the Barbarian |
Conan the Barbarian has a 77% rating on RottenTomatoes.com. It received 5 Saturn Award nominations, including one for Best Fantasy Film, and Sandahl Bergman won a Saturn for Best Actress and a Golden Globe for New Female Star. Conan the Destroyer has a 30% rating on RottenTomatoes.com. It received a Saturn Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress (Grace Jones), and Olivia d'Abo won a Razzie for Worst New Star.
Winner: Conan the BarbarianThe setup.
In Conan the Barbarian, a slave named Conan and his companions go on a quest to save a princess from a snake cult-leading sorcerer, and, perhaps, get revenge for the death of his parents. In Conan the Destroyer, warrior Conan - in exchange for his loved one back - escorts a virgin princess on a journey to acquire a horn, which will resurrect Dagoth, a god that will bring about the end of the world.
Winner: Conan the Barbarian |
| Conan the Destroyer |
Both films are cheesy fantasies with their share of action and laughable moments. Conan the Barbarian obviously covers his origins, but the quest doesn't come until halfway through the film. Conan the Destroyer begins with the quest and results in a shorter film with far less slow parts than its predecessor.
Winner: Conan the DestroyerThe ending.
In Conan the Barbarian, Conan defeats the sorcerer, returns the stolen princess, and leaves to roam the lands on many more adventures. The world is saved, but he has more battles to fight. In Conan the Destroyer, Conan kills the resurrected Dagoth and saves the girl from being sacrificed. Yet again, he must leave and fight more battles before he will one day claim his crown.
Winner: Conan the BarbarianThe wild card.
Conan the Barbarian has acting vets James Earl Jones and Max von Sydow. Conan the Destroyer has basketball star Wilt Chamberlain and the famous wrestler Andre the Giant. Is this really a competition?
Winner: Conan the Barbarian |
| Conan the Barbarian |
Ratings: Conan the Barbarian - ***, Conan the Destroyer - *** (They're flawed, but guilty pleasures.)
No comments:
Post a Comment