Reviews

One of the best fantasy films ever - even though director John Milius deliberately left all the fantasy elements out that Oliver Stones original script had. Milius made it more a straight foreward historical epic, which doesn't necessarily has to take place in a fantasy world. Great, straight directing by Milius, great use of arnold's rather wooden acting, espiaclly since he was more or less a first-timer here - granted he never really much improved over the years, it all just depends on the kind of director he gets (like Cameron). Here Arnold just perfectly fits the character of Conan and Milius proves that a straight story of revenge about a grim barbarian doesn't have to be silly or b-moviesh. Conan stands the test of time, it's one the great sword and sorcery epics. To bad great writer-director John Milius got kinda lost in the shark tank that Hollywood is. But classic hero movies don't come much better than this one.

Stallones directing debut is a forgotten gem, back when it was released crushed by the critics and snubbed by the audiences. Wrongfully so, because this is great film that especially today makes you wonder whatever happened to Sylvster Stallone the artist. Here he was in all his glory: writer, director, star (even singer of the title song), and maybe that was the reason this film was ignored and critically lambasted back then. When Rocky came out, everybody body loved the writer-actor, but as we know, more sooner then later, people (especially the press) love to turn on the one they once favoured. Paradise Alley is a beautiful fim that needs to be rediscovered. Its made by someone who loves to tell a good, human story, captured in beautiful shots (just watch credit montage - the rooftop contest) Its full of colorful characters, full of warmth and feeling and wonderful humor. This film was a promise Stallone sadly later on never fulfilled, maybe because everyone turned so harsh on this one, which is something I will never understand. After decades of forgettable movies I wish Stallone would finally defy all nay-sayers and go back to stuff like this. He did by starring in Copland, but since then he made horribly choices as an actor, doing movies which didn't even make it to the theatres.

John Wayne is the man, when it comes to westerns - but this one...beautifully shot - but so damn boring. Flat characters, no surprises, bad guys we never see and just pop up to be shot from a distance. Except for a small twist at the ending, this film drags like a guy shot in the desert. Don't know what ole Burt Kennedy was thinking. One of John Waynes weakest.