Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn (1983)

On a desert planet, warlord Jared-Syn is trying to convince a tribe of mutants that he's their messiah and gain unlimited power hidden in a crystal. Ranger Dogen and explorer Dhyana, who's father was murdered by Syn, must stop him.

Director:

Charles Band

Writer:

Alan J. Adler

Stars:

Jeffrey Byron, Michael Preston, Tim Thomerson

1 win.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jeffrey Byron	...	Dogen
Michael Preston	...	Jared-Syn (as Mike Preston)
Tim Thomerson	...	Rhodes
Kelly Preston	...	Dhyana
Richard Moll	...	Hurok
R. David Smith	...	Baal
Larry Pennell	...	Aix
Marty Zagon	...	Zax
Mickey Fox	...	Poker Annie
William Jones	...	Baal's Lieutenant (as J. Bill Jones)
Winston Jones	...	Chimera
Mike Jones	...	Miner #1
Michael Sinclair Walter	...	Miner #2 (as Michael S. Walter)
Rick Militi	...	Miner #3
Speed Stearns	...	Cyclopean Intruder

Storyline

A seeker named Dogen rescues Dhyana after her father is murdered by the evil Jared-Syn. To avenge her father's death, Dogen must find Jared-Syn's hideout in the mysterious "Lost City", but the only person who knows where it is an aging, burned-out seeker named Rhodes. Along the way, they will need to do battle against the hunter Baal and his Cyclopean minions for engaging Jared-Syn in a final encounter.

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Plot Keywords:

armored vehicle | one eyed man | crystal | rescue | desert | 

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Taglines:

It's High Noon at the end of the Universe.

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Romance | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

A video game tie-in was planned but never made. Charles Band even shot additional footage for the film to connect to said game.

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Quotes

[Hurok takes the special mask from Dogen]
Hurok: The two of you took this?
Rhodes: He took it!
[Points at Dogen]
Hurok: Then he lives. You do not.

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Alternate Versions

Released in Japan in the short-lived VHD format in 3-D. This disc has been widely copied to make bootleg tapes and DVDs.

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Connections

Referenced in Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday the 13th (2013)

User Reviews

bad sci-fi cheese

Dogen (Jeffrey Byron) is a Ranger out to take down Jared-Syn who is breaking the peace and recruiting mutants for his holy war. Dhyana (Kelly Preston) and her father are prospectors. They strike the motherlode but Jared-Syn's son Baal kills her father. Dogen finds Dhyana and they discover the crystals could store lifeforce. They are attacked by Baal. Dhyana is transported and taken prisoner. Jared-Syn is storing lifeforce in his giant crystal. Dogen recruits tired old-timer Rhodes (Tim Thomerson) to find Jared-Syn. They impress Hurok (Richard Moll) and his mutant warriors along the way.

This is pretty bad. Byron has as much charisma as a rock with as much usefulness for the lead actor. Tim Thomerson does a couple of good turns before he gets out of there. It's following Mad Max style in its desert car-chase action B-movie. However it doesn't have the kinetic energy and relies too much on slow motion. The special effects aren't that special. It's also part of the 80s 3D revival which only adds to the cheese factor. This is not good and not bad enough to be fun. The only good part is the memorable look of Baal.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 August 1983 (USA)

Also Known As:

Metalstorm

Filming Locations:

Bronson Caves, Bronson Canyon, Griffith Park - 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$2,019,000, 21 August 1983

Gross USA:

$5,301,085

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$5,301,085

Company Credits

Production Co:

Albert Band International Productions Inc., Hollywood Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

84 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1