Space ranger Dogen searches for an intergalactic criminal with supernatural powers named Jared-Syn and must stop his plan to enslave them all.
Although cited as a Starwars meets Mad Max rip off director Charles Band offers more of a quick cash-in on Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone (1983) and the spate of 3-D films at the time. Band's framing is spot on even if the action scenes lack needed kinetic energy, the optical effects are of the time and budget along with the snake-like creature puppets . Band delivers some atmosphere mostly in the dream world, caves and smoke filled desert. The special make-up is well executed, even if the harsh lighting spoils some of the magic. Richard Band offers a score better than it should be for the low budget-space high jinx.
Kelly Preston lights up the the slow-moving scenes. Both Jeffrey Byron as Dogen and Tim Thomerson as Rhodes, who look quite similar, moodily chew up the scenes. Michael Preston as Bad guy Jared-Syn out acts his co-stars. Richard Moll is notable as Cyclopian Hurok. R. David Smith is memorable as Baal mainly due to his metal plated head and robotic limbs.
Overall, with monsters, a space-bike and vehicles from every 80s post apocalyptic movie, it's a little unfocused (including the camera work) and thoroughly derivative but nonetheless an enjoyable low budget bumpy ride.
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