"Ator, The Fighting Eagle" is an early Conan ripoff from the prolific and usually enjoyable Italian schlock director Joe D'Amato. While the basics are in place here (swords, sorcery, and that's about it), the execution entirely misses the mark. It's hard to describe what exactly it is that is so off-putting about this film, probably because there is not a whole lot going on IN the film. The titular character is portrayed as weak, and not in the sense that it is part of his personality or backstory. He avoids most combat by simply running away, which is absurd (no D'Amato pun intended) considering what makes these types of flicks so enjoyable are the battles. The villain is about as threatening as the stupid skunk-striped bear cub that runs and grunts it's way through the movie by Ator's side, dying almost immediately upon being confronted and showing almost none of the tyrannical traits his cult is supposed to exhibit.
Sabrina Siani is hot as Roon, if that's any consolation, but it only brings me to my next point: This film is basically FAMILY FRIENDLY. There is no gore, no nudity, and basically nothing else that makes films of this caliber a treat. The dialog, weapons, scenery and characters are cookie cutter and mostly formulaic, which is the biggest shame. Even the giant spider is a disappointment and is disposed of with little effort in one of the only actual battles of the whole movie. There is no tension, no dramatic build toward the climax and no real reason to care about any of the characters. Foremost, don't even get me started on the awkward and blatant incest sub-plot.
I want to like this movie. I really do. But, unfortunately, I just don't.
Sabrina Siani is hot as Roon, if that's any consolation, but it only brings me to my next point: This film is basically FAMILY FRIENDLY. There is no gore, no nudity, and basically nothing else that makes films of this caliber a treat. The dialog, weapons, scenery and characters are cookie cutter and mostly formulaic, which is the biggest shame. Even the giant spider is a disappointment and is disposed of with little effort in one of the only actual battles of the whole movie. There is no tension, no dramatic build toward the climax and no real reason to care about any of the characters. Foremost, don't even get me started on the awkward and blatant incest sub-plot.
I want to like this movie. I really do. But, unfortunately, I just don't.