The Barbarians (1987)

This appropriately titled fantasy is an entertaining if not exactly "good" vehicle for acting / bodybuilding twins David and Peter Paul, otherwise known as the Barbarian Brothers. While watching it, one has to believe that the cast & crew, led by director Ruggero Deodato of "Cannibal Holocaust" fame, knew just what they were doing: this is so damn silly that it comes across as a spoof of the whole sword-and-sandal genre. There are plenty of laughs to be had, although the movie eventually wears out its welcome; it's a good thing that it's relatively short at just 88 minutes long. It's not for viewers looking for a lot of gore and/or exploitation, but it does have its moments, as well as a monster or two.

Just to let you know what you're in for, highlight moments for the Paul brothers include: grinning and celebrating when they're able to burst free from hangman's ropes, hissing at a snake, arm wrestling with Italian icon George Eastman (who has a fun cameo), mocking the head of a decapitated monster by growling at it, and even pretending to be making out (!) to throw off the baddies!

The two of them portray Kutcheck and Gore, orphans who were travelling with a theatrical troupe revolving around a queen, Canary (!) (Virginia Bryant) with a magical belly button. Villain Kadar (the late Richard Lynch, who's in fine form) covets her and attacks the troupe. The kids grow up to develop awe-inspiring physiques and unite to seek revenge.

Sexy TV veteran Eva LaRue co-stars as Kara, whom the Barbarians save from imprisonment; it's also a joy to see Michael Berryman of the original "The Hills Have Eyes" in a hammy comedic turn as an underling. The movie does hit the ground running but doesn't have that much action. It looks reasonably good, but the special effects are pretty damn funny. (Dig that dragon!) The rousing score is courtesy of the talented Pino Donaggio.

This may not be to some tastes, but people in the mood for an enormous hunk of cheese should be consistently amused.

Seven out of 10.