The Beastmaster (1982) Review

A stolen child grows up with the ability to communicate telepathically with animals and begins to fulfil a prophesy after a village is destroyed by warriors under the control of an evil sorcerer.

Directed by DonCoscarelli of Phantasm (1979) fame this sword and sorcery film is very much of 1982. It's not as well put together or has the production values as Conan the Barbarian (1982) or the comparable Krull (1983). That said, Coscarelli clearly enjoys putting plenty of flesh on display, namely Tanya Roberts (which was cut from the UK version).

It's good too see some practical makeup effects, notably the witches, but Rip Torn's nose is an unnecessary distraction along with the real life tiger dyed black. Some of the sets are impressive but the unevenness in quality and choppy editing hampers it throughout.

Even though going onto star in two sequels Marc Singer does the best with what he has as Dar but looks sorely miscast. Roberts is surprisingly good, John Amos is reliable as usual and Torn as Maax appears uncomfortably off.

Overall, it's a fantasy comic book adventure come alive that isn't as good as its poster art work.