It's hard to rate this film in conventional terms. I am a sucker for this golden age of sci-fi fantasy. I did see it as an adult for the first time, so didn't imprint on it as a child. The good was wonderful and the bad was amusing. It's certainly derivative, but shines in moments of originality.
Plot: 6/10 (derivative fantasy; a cornucopia of Star Wars, Willow, LOTR and other classics)
Art direction: 10/10
World/Magic: 10/10
Characters: 6/10 (none evoke much empathy, development is mostly shallow)
Acting: 4/10 (mostly - a few good actors stood out)
Locations: 9/10
Pace: moves quickly, stays dynamic. Definitely doesn't drag.
Better than Legend, not as good as Willow. Similar in overall style & quality to Labyrinth, except no Bowie, no muppets.
Lowkey cameos by: Galadriel/Shelob, ponyta, Starlord, Highlander, the princess from Legend, Fin Raziel, Sauron, Capt. Archer's beagle, necromongers/stormtroopers/ringwraiths, light sabers, Obi Won, John Carpenter's The Thing, Mt. Doom, Sarumon, Road Warriors, Lothlorien x Death Star, Jodorowsky's Dune. Granted, in some cases this came first. Watch the madness unfold. Enjoy.
