Dragon Fury II

Mike Norris wore a cloak over his head through the whole picture giving the two other actors a chance to shine in their character rolls. And that they did. Hats off to Robert Chapin the hero and Cathleen Ann Gardner who played Crystal Blu.

In a future not entirely beyond our wildest imaginings, the despotic leader of the evil Dragon's, Molech, (Mike Norris) vies desperately to appropriate a weaponized satellite technology so he might gain mastery over the earth, with only heroic sword master Mason (Robert Chapin)to thwart his hubristic scheming!!!!!! Not quite as essential as cult favourite Dragon Fury, the equally noisome sequel is not without some psychotronically inclined distractions. I appreciated the welcome return of tall, dynamic, golden mullet'd future warrior, Robert Chapin, the appetizing addition of statuesque bombshell sidekick Crystal (Cathleen Ann Gardner), and a giddy profusion of goofily mounted jackanapes.

It is fair to say that the law of diminishing returns is readily applicable, yet the rampant outbursts of clunky schlock socky herein remains (almost) comparable to the original. Molech, weakly portrayed by Mike Norris, is a paltry replacement for Richard Lynch, but Norris's absurd, crudely computer augmented baritone provides unintentional humour! Bonus points are the low budget actioner's deep-seated Ed Wooden aesthetic, and the vivacious, spandex-slinky Amazon Crystal, but, sadly, the woeful lack of a credible nemesis proved a challenge. At its very best, Dragon Fury II can be likened to a flavoursome garlic belch, while it certainly doesn't beat the impact of the original meatball sandwich, it's a modestly satisfying, tantalisingly odoriferous reminder of its past glories!