Krull (PG)

As a young boy, I was somehow introduced to an almost unheard of British attempt at Science Fiction with 1983s highly unheralded fantasy tale “Krull.” With little acclaim and a seemingly nonexistent ability to withstand the test of time due to its laughable special effects and unforgiveable soundtrack (it was 1983 after all) “Krull” manages to pull together a fairly entertaining though nondescript story and keeps the viewer entertained in an even-keeled way throughout. The actors do their best with what they are given and you’ve no doubt never heard of any of them – save for a fledgling performance by superstar Liam Neeson in a complementary role.

“Krull” follows a linear story, so simple it could have been hashed out by a pair of teenage stoners lurking in the shadows of their parent’s suburban basement and that’s okay. Sometimes a simple story works the best, especially in the realm of sci-fi where convolution and suspension of reality are common play.

We begin with the marriage of Prince Colwyn (Ken Marshall) to the beautiful Princess Lyssa (Lysette Anthony) on the mythical planet of Krull. The marriage is designed to join the armies of two rival kingdoms in effort to combat an evil entity known as the Beast whose undead legion (known as Slayers) has recently invaded the planet. During the ceremony, the soldiers of the Beast attack, leaving the kingdom in ruin – and abducting Lyssa. Of course Colwyn survives, and is now tasked with rescuing his bride and saving his planet. Can the Beast be killed? Perhaps…but no one has ever faced him and lived.

Colwyn sets out alone, picking up stragglers that join his quest along the way; an old wise man, a clumsy magician, a Cyclops, and a band of thieves led by Torquil (Alun Armstrong) and Kegan (Neeson.) The mission to find Lyssa is hindered by the Beast’s Slayers who are following the posse, and the mysterious location of the Beast’s castle known as the Black Fortress, which vanishes every day at sunrise only to reappear in a new location.

There’s not much depth to the story or the characters in “Krull” but anyone who fancies themselves a fan of RPG’s or Dungeon’s & Dragons will probably enjoy the smooth story. The effects aren’t great – the battle at the end between Colwyn and the Beast is a piece of comedy compared to today’s standards – but they are acceptable.

Director Peter Yates obviously watched all three of the original Star Wars films (which were completed in 1983) before shooting “Krull” as there are a multitude of references and in some cases complete rip-offs; the Slayer army look identical to Imperial Stormtroopers, the Beast is a mysterious dark being in the mold of Palpatine, the wise old man who joins Colwyn’s band (Freddie Jones) is a parallel of Obi Wan Kenobi, and even Colwyn’s weapon of choice, a magical boomerang-like gold star called the Glaive, is akin to a combo of the Force and a light saber.

Too bad six-year-old Matt can’t review the film – “Krull” would obviously have gotten an A+ but all in all, it’s an okay movie to watch if you want to sit back and just watch a movie.

– by Matt Christopher