‘Deathstalker’ Review – Badass Sword And Sorcery Action

We don’t have nearly enough sword and sorcery films these days. Like the Western, the musical, or any other genre that was popular in yesteryear, sword and sorcery films have been tossed to the wayside, until now. Yes, with the release of Deathstalker from writer/director Steven Kostanski, we finally have a sword and sorcery film to be proud of. And one that kicks an immeasurable amount of ass.

Deathstalker is a remake/reimagining of the classic 1983 film about the last great warrior king. This time around Deathstalker is played by action veteran Daniel Bernhardt and follows his quest to stop the siege of the Kingdom of Abraxeon by the Dreadites. Deathstalker recovers an ancient amulet and is marked for death by dark magic, and has to break the curse and destroy the rising evil.

The original came from Roger Corman, who gave us a world overrun by evil witches, sorcerers, and other monsters. Steven Kostanski does more of the same, giving us an effects-heavy actioner that should thrill any fans of those old school sword and sorcery movies. Kostanski’s style comes through, especially with the creatures and the ingenuity in their design and use on screen. If you enjoyed his previous films like PG: Psycho Goreman or Frankie Freako, you’ll get a kick out of this.

The movie wastes no time getting to the chase, the set-up is right there. The Dreadite hordes are taking over the kingdom and we get the answer to who is ready to take a stand against them: Deathstalker.

The best part about this new reimagining is that we actually learn more about the titular Deathstalker. He’s more than just a hulked-up muscleman. There are layers, and we even learn his real name over the course of the film. Daniel Bernhardt flat-out rules as the character. He’s an older, more grizzled version than we’ve seen before, but that adds to the character overall. The idea that this character,who’s given up on the world for so long, now has to save it, is great. That feeling of giving up is tied to the mystical amulet he’s now bonded with. No matter how hard he tries, the amulet keeps coming back, like that feeling of wanting to save the world.

Along the journey, he’s joined by Doodad, voiced by Patton Oswalt, a goblin that uses magic and assists Deathstalker. They also meet up with Brisbayne (Christina Orjalo) as they’re chased by Nekromemnon and his lackeys. Over the course of its 102-minute runtime, we get plenty of action and creatures. There’s no lack of things to look at on screen. There’s also a three-bladed sword that is utterly badass.

At the end of the day, this is a wonderful update to the 80s cult classic. Kostanski brings his own personal style, but this is still that sort of nostalgic feeling, sword and sorcery film.

Deathstalker is an insane time all around. There are practical effects galore. Daniel Bernhardt absolutely kicks a savage amount of ass in the title role. Steven Kostanski brings in his trademark style while still paying homage to the sword and sorcery films that came before it.

Deathstalker releases on October 10th.