Leofwine_draca
Marc Singer returns for another cheesy adventure romp in this second sequel to 1982's THE BEASTMASTER. While the original was not exactly a magnificent film, at least it had some redeeming qualities. This '90s version shows us how far things have sunk with even less originality, as this is strictly by-the-numbers fare. Almost every cliché of a sword and sorcery flick is thrown in here somewhere, making this a sufficient yet disappointing B-movie.It's a shame, too, as a fun cast under and overact amazingly. Marc Singer shows us that he has learned absolutely no new acting skills in the thirteen years since the original. He's also aged quite considerably too, but at 48 years he's still looking as fit and as muscular as ever. Singer gets to team up with black actor Tony Todd, made famous by the CANDYMAN films, although Todd is given little to do apart from beat up the occasional bad guy.A young Casper Van Dien (SLEEPY HOLLOW) puts in an embarrassing performance as a silly petulant King while a seriously strapped-for-cash Lesley Anne Down embarrasses herself even further as a witch. Also along for the ride is a braindead clown and Singer's animal friends, although somewhat inexplicably his black panther has now turned into a lion. In the baddie contingent, Patrick Kilpatrick lends some cheesy menace while David Warner hams for all he's worth as the chief villain.You won't believe how bad this film is while you're watching it but at least it's a lot of fun. Amusing bits include a man being attacked by some tentacles, some bad computer effects, and the hilarious finale which has Singer taking on a ridiculous-looking monster designed by the Chiodo Brothers which never looks more than being a man in a rubber suit. You won't believe your eyes. The violence level is low but the cheese level is high in this silly adventure which is absolutely awful but strangely entertaining.
Rob_Taylor
What was Marc Singer thinking? Was he truly that desperate for work, or was this just a fulfillment of some contractual obligation? Either way, he should be deeply ashamed of appearing in this turkey. The original Beastmaster was a wonderful film with a great deal of originality but the sequels have progressively deteriorated into farce.I can't begin to tell you how bad this movie is. Memorable moments include Dar's Lion buddy, who clearly is too old to do his own stuntwork anymore (Old=not likely to attack the actors) so they employ a lioness to do the scenes where he gets caught in a net. Lion with a mane becomes lioness without one. Hmmm...that's not noticeable at all...no sir!Suffice to say it's only saving grace is the finale where Dar (Singer) fights some demon lord. Why is this bit the best? Is it action packed? Is it full of great special effects? No. It's the best because it's just so farcical you'll be in stitches with laughter throughout it. The creature is a cross between a teenage mutant turtle and the Papa Dinosaur from the "Dinosaurs" TV series. Comical doesn't even begin to describe how this "evil" demon looks. It has all the menace of a Jim Henson muppet.Ads if that weren't enough we are also treated to an early performance from Casper van Dien as some supposed king. Yep, that's believable....not. In fact, of all the cast, the only ones who even looked comfortable with their roles were Marc Singer and David Warner (yes, he's the bad guy - no surprise there). The rest were a mixture of woefully bad acting and miscasting.One other thing of interest. Marc Singer now actually looks like he has spent a lifetime wandering the wilderness with nothing more than a loincloth to protect him from the elements. So that much was realistic.SUMMARY: Watch it, grit your teeth, then laugh at the dumb finale.
pikachan
Beastmaster III is a definite improvement over the second flick in this series. It's not the best in the genre, but it certainly is not the worst. Marc Singer still plays the best beast master around, and this time he has a supporting cast that chews as much scenery as he does! Tony Todd (of "Candyman" fame) and Sondra Hess (Sonya Blade from "Mortal Kombat 2") are fine as Singer's backups, but it's really the animals who steal this show. I'm not anxious for a Beastmaster 4, but this one definitely left a better taste in my mouth than number 2. Recommended for B-movie and barbarian flick fans.
jjunkie2
Here, let me get this out of the way: this movie SUCKS. Big time. There are absolutely NO redeeming qualities about this movie. None whatsoever. Except it's hilarious to watch with friends.My friends and I have watched quite a few bad movies in our time, but this is the all-time champ of B-movies. Sure, "Plan 9" might suck more, but this one is more fun to watch. And it's also great to see Casper Van Dien in one of his first roles. I recommend this one to any B-movie enthusiast. It is the best. Long live Dar! Shirac!
AD
