Deathstalker II (1987)



The sequel to the incredible Deathstalker (1983), directed by Jim Wynorski.


















































CHARACTERS
RATING: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ 6/10

REVIEW: Well, it certainly does not compare to the original. It trimmed back the sleaze and worst of all, had long stretches of absolute yawns. That wrestling match was brutal. But despite its flaws (of which there are many), it still is a fun fantasy flick overall. Monique Gabrielle is always great, and at times if feels like an episode of 1960s Batman, with its cheesy villains, cheap sets and tongue-in-cheek vibe, which I love.


DOUBLE FEATURE - Deathstalker (1983) and Deathstalker II (1987)




SYNOPSIS

Deathstalker (John Terlesky) is playing Indiana Jones, grabbing an ancient treasure then dodging swords and arrows toward escape. He's pursued by Sultana (Toni Naples) who arrives just a few seconds too late to catch him. But Sultana doesn't give up so easily. Reena (Monique Gabrielle) is thrown into the dirt for being a vagrant. But Reena isn't really a peasant. She's actually Princess Evie of Jzafir who has been banished after the takeover by Jarek the Sorcerer.

Deathstalker enjoys wine, women and song at a local tavern. A topless dancer provides entertainment. Deathstalker's ribaldry is ended when Reena interrupts saying it's a matter of life or death. Deathstalker takes Reena out of town on the back of his horse. Reena explains that she's actually Princess Evie. She's also a seer - and uses a crystal ball (actually a doorknob) to see Deathstalker's future. Reena has been replaced by a clone, created by Jarek the Sorcerer (John Lazar). Sultana returns. She colludes with Jarek to take out both Deathstalker and Reena. Deathstalker and Reena continue their journey to the castle. Sultana goes to the tavern to gather mercenaries to kill Deathstalker and Reena. A fat pirate (Marcos Woinsky) leads the bandits. Deathstalker and Reena are attacked by exploding arrows. But Deathstalker is able to win in the end. (Of course.) Sultana loses this time, but lives to fight another day.

Jarek continues his spellcasting trickery. Deathstalker and Reena wind up at a haunted graveyard. They're attacked by zombies This scene where Evie's clone is serenaded has become a bit of a meme is it's so awful as to be almost surreal. Evie's clone summons a victim. By drinking his blood, the clone is able to stay alive. Deathstalker and Reena are carried to the Amazon stronghold. They meet the Amazon Queen (María Socas). Deathstalker is forced to fight in a wrestling ring. After Deathstalker wins the wrestling match, the Amazon Queen is ready to make love. But when she slips into something more comfortable, Deathstalker is gone. Evie's clone continues to act spoiled and bitchy. Reena is captured by Sultana. But Deathstalker stabs her to death. Deathstalker rescues Reena. Sultana's body is brought to Jarek. Jarek does some spellcasting and resurrects Sultana.

Reena is chased on horseback. One of the ninja warriors hits her over the head with a boomerang. Reena falls off her horse and is knocked out. The warriors rip Reena's clothes off and try to rape her. Suddenly, arrows zip by and hit Reena's attackers. The Amazons have arrived. Reena's attackers are all dead. She's saved. Sultana has Deathstalker captive. He's brought before the Evie clone. Evie is ready for some action with Deathstalker. Someone draws closer carrying a bronze statue. Evie clone is knocked out. We see that it is Reena with statue. Deathstalker has the Evie clone unconscious on top of him. He rolls her to the side and accepts the sword Reena presents... But they don't get very far. Sultana and Jarek block their escape.

The Amazons arrive and storm the castle. The Evie clone and Jarek make a hasty escape back into the castle. Jarek is sick of her shit. Deathstalker and Reena leave the battlefield in pursuit of Jarek. Reena comes upon her clone. Before her clone can throw the dagger, Reena gets her in the gut. Deathstalker faces off against Jarek and wins. Deathstalker faces off against Jarek and wins. Reena is back to being Evie again - Queen Evie to be exact. Deathstalker, the Amazons, and the townsfolk celebrate her return. Queen Evie offers herself to Deathstalker and they kiss. THE END



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