Les gladiateurs de l'an 3000

There's your standard B-movie cheese and then there's the gloriously goofy "Deathsport". A follow-up, rather than sequel, to "Death Race 2000" (with David Carradine returning in a protagonist role), it shows us a Dystopian future in which "range guides" like Kaz Oshay (Carradine) and Deneer (B movie goddess Claudia Jennings) do battle with villains called "Statesmen". These baddies are led by a hilarious Richard Lynch (playing Ankar Moor), a guy given to making supposedly meaningful statements. Moor works for a dictator named Lord Zirpola (David McLean), whose sexual tastes tend towards the strange and sadistic.

You'll be busy trying to keep track of all the humans, objects, and animals zapped out of existence with this riotous debacle, began by a man named Nicholas Niciphor (a.k.a. Henry Suso), who proved to be not up to the task. Allan Arkush ("Get Crazy", "Rock 'n' Roll High School") then did his able best to try to salvage this production. The action is often very good, with tons of explosions, some intense camera-work, a bit of gore, some fire gags, and an occasional decapitation. There's even some cribbing of "Star Wars" sound effects, and a music score (composed by Andy Stein, with guitar performances by Jerry Garcia) that is PRICELESS in its tackiness. The script is by Niciphor and Donald E. Stewart, and it contains some of the funniest, most ridiculous dialogue that you'll hear in a movie of this kind. The so-called "mutants" are very low-rent: basically a few actors in rags scurrying about with golf-ball eyes.

Fortunately, the filmmakers aren't stupid, contriving a means to get Jennings, as well as Valerie Rae Clark as a dancer, out of their clothes. The performances are pretty straight-faced from all concerned, which only makes the "story", such as it is, even more humorous. Carradine runs around in a diaper for a while and is a hoot as the good guy, while Jennings retains her appeal as a performer. The supporting cast includes a couple of familiar faces, such as Jesse Vint, William Smithers, H.B. Haggerty, and Brenda Venus.

A real comedown from the social commentary, dark humour, and campy appeal of "Death Race 2000", but yet "Deathsport" has undeniable pleasures for anybody looking for a "so bad it's good" type of movie. At least it keeps moving.

Six out of 10.

I saw this movie as a kid at the theater "in the back corner of the mall" that showed those "hardcore R" movies in the late 70's - nervous buying the tix but the theater guy always let us in. Without a doubt, watchable. I'm just getting my kids to appreciate "cinema" and this one is one the list. Most of it is where we saw it versus what we saw but it's now viewable in your home at your calling. Technology. I personally dislike CGI and the proliferation of computers as "film" so these are the type of movies that now define an era gone by. Sad but true. There is an appreciation to be had with this movie that's like watching Shakespeare in the Park with motocross and entertaining foley artist work (albeit laughable).

Co-Directed by the one-and-only Roger Corman, DEATHSPORT takes place in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, where David Carradine runs around in his underwear and a cape. He also gets to wave a clear plastic sword around. Nefarious forces, led by Richard Lynch, are trying to stop those like Carradine's character from escorting people to freedom.

Once captured, our heroes are sentenced to participate in the titular tournament, sort of a souped-up motorcycle version of DEATH RACE 2000.

You've really got to hand it to Mr. Corman, who could always be counted on to keep churning out Drive-In fodder like this for the hungry masses. Co-star / schlock goddess, Claudia Jennings, spends a lot of her screen time in a groovy bikini, or completely naked. Usually while being tortured, so, fans take note.

Absolutely ridiculous from start to finish, the entertainment value is sky-high. Cheeeze addicts, gather your friends, distribute the intoxicants, and prepare for a rollicking good time!...

Deathsport (1978)

* 1/2 (out of 4)

Many people, magazines and books have called this a follow-up to DEATH RACE 2000 but I really don't see it as such. Yes, this film takes place in the future, has David Carradine and deals with a violent sport but I personally saw no connection to the previous film and not to mention Carradine is playing a different character. Set a thousand years in the future, an evil lord (David McLean) has eliminated the death penalty and instead inmates must earn their freedom by taking part in the "deathsport," which is a violent game on dirt bikes. A man (Carradine) and woman (Claudia Jennings) are selected to take part in the game and of course they're better than anyone who has played before. DEATHSPORT easily is no where near the quality of the original film (hey, I'm a fan) but at the same time it is so bad that I think bad movie fans might be able to have a good laugh at it. Whatever the budget was the majority of the money had to go towards the stunts in the film but more on that in a sec. Outside of the stunts everything in this film looks about as cheap as cheap can get and this includes the silly, futuristic dirt bikes, the silly looking swords and the countless bad costumes that are worn by everyone. Even worse is that the story itself really makes very little sense and in fact not too much happens throughout the running time. Those wanting gore will be disappointed because the majority of the kills are down with some sort of ray guns (obviously ripping the laser stuff from STAR WARS) that just make the people vanish into thin air. Both Carradine and Jennings are good sport about their roles but neither one exactly shines. Former Playmate Jennings has all sorts of nude scenes here so fans should at least enjoy this. Just wait until you check out the electrocution room and how it makes her jiggle for you. The stunt work here is actually rather incredible as there are all sorts of dangerous things being done. The highlight deals with an explosion where a man gets set on fire and he's in the middle of this amazing fire. I'm not sure how they did this stunt the way they did but it was very impressive to watch. Still, DEATHSPORT is pure cheapness from start to finish and only fans of the bad need to view.

A followup flick to Deathrace 2000,Deathsport is a wild thrilling ride.Very much underrated,and a cult classic for sure.You like deadly laser blasting dirt bikes?Futuristic noble knights of the apocalypse?Crystal sword fights?And a host of bad-guys dying ever few minutes?And an insane dictator with sadistic sexual tastes?If you find you like this movie or Deathrace 2000,check out Circle of Iron,another lost Carradine seventies classic that was scripted by Bruce Lee and stars Mr Carradine in four different roles.This ain't no academy award winning stuff,so don't expect a lot from a low budget sci fi opus.Just enjoy it for what it is,and tell all your friends.