Izzy_Z

Let me start with the fact that I personally do NOT like Alexander "Nevsky", or whatever his real name might be, either as an actor, or a person, mostly due to the fact that he's so full of himself it's almost comical. And yes, up until now, I don't remember seeing him in anything other than (lower grade) B-rate material. (Disclaimer: myself being a connoisseur of SyFy originals AND/OR not liking the very mentioned A. Schwartzenegger either, or, say, S. Stallone having some roles he doesn't want you to know). But who cares about it as long as this particular film is perfectly watchable and enjoyable in the finest spaghetti western tradition. I can't find any obvious flaws with its direction, acting, dialogue, music, camera work, etc. Everything looks solid, and the film being rather short, is a plus in my view, as I am SO tired fast forwarding through 3-hour dribble so common these days. Can't wait for the sequel.

I guess I should have read the reviews here before watching. A promising beginning and a decent idea ruined by poor execution. Where do I start? Perhaps with the lead actress capable of the same one stupefied facial expression throughout the entire movie? Or it taking itself pathetically seriously? Or the EXTREMELY dragged-out scenes someone must've thought were its "thing"? (Tarkovsky you are not). The "thing" however, were the obvious green screen scenes and laughable special effects the likes of Star Trek did better 40 years ago. Cut the whole thing in half, drop the pathetic gloom, fire the clown who did your SFX, and you might just have a shot at being noticed.

Sadly, the title says it all. Being a long time fan of campy B-flicks (SyFy and Asylum kind), I was genuinely having fun for the first half of the movie, then grew increasingly disappointed and bored, and finally ended up simply fast forwarding to the end at about three quarters in. I'm not sure how they managed to ruin such a promising start, but have to give credit to them where it's due, they sure did. My guess is it became too serious for its own good, bordering on what one might call woke (where "too serious" is a default lowest setting, never a good thing on its own). Too bad for Casper Van Dien, the hero of oh so many trashy flicks I am such a fan of.