1. MarkA.

   10

   Whenever I tell people that one of my favorite movies is "Conan the Barbarian" they tend to tilt their heads and wonder why. I receive the same reaction when I admit the same thing about "Spirited Away". Both movies stir my imagination to the point of having to love them. I don't care if the acting can occasionally reach cheesy levels, this will continue to be in my top 10.… Collapse

   • Helpful? 2 of 2 users said Yes.
2. ballpark_frank

   8

   This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. With a mix of fantasy, humor, and Arnold's big arms, this flick is one that I think gets better and better with repeat viewings. I haven't read the Howard books, so I can't make any comparison. But until I do read them, Schwarzenegger is my first thought when I hear "Conan" (with O'Brien a distant second). The classic saga of a boy who eventually extracts revenge on the person who was responsible for killing his parents (Holy Batman!), the film traces the training (strength through slavery) Conan receives as a child. This leads to a life as a gladiator, thief, and eventually vigilante. I find the ending to be 'lacking', and rather bland, but the final scene 'promises' more high adventure (re: Conan the Conqueror). As I mentioned, there is actually quite a bit of humor in this film (which helps to maintain the fantasy elements, I believe), with some of the better quotes that I remember. The assorted members of Conan's loose cadre offer various aspects: Valeria (sex), Subota (loyal companion - like a proto-'George Stone' of "The Untouchables"), and The Wizard (start thinking of a Dungeons and Dragons quest party). I've really started to like this movie (since AMC seems to offer it on a regular basis), and though I pretty much know the dialog by heart, it still offers light entertainment.… Expand

   • Helpful? 0 of 1 users said Yes.
3. grandpajoe6191

   6

   Although the movie has so many unnecessary parts with a hurried ending, John Millius created "Conan the Barbarian" with a appropriate cast and fantastic visuals, which is why its regarded as a classic.… Expand

   • Helpful? 3 of 3 users said Yes.
4. jp992751

   4

   I love Arnie and even though I love cheesy 80s movies this one just didn't catch me. The plot was lame, the acting terrible, the audio was at times unintelligible, and other than the over-the-top gore there was really nothing to savor. Perhaps had I seen it in the 80s I would have had a better appreciation for it, but by somehow missing it I just can't accept giving it anything higher than a 4.… Expand

   • Helpful? 0 of 0 users said Yes.

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