Roger Ebert’s Unexpected Love for ‘Conan the Destroyer’ Resurfaces – Is the 80s Cult Classic Due for a Re-Evaluation?
[URGENT: Breaking News] A surprising rediscovery of a glowing review from the late, great film critic Roger Ebert is sending ripples through the film community. Ebert, known for his discerning taste, championed “Conan the Destroyer,” the 1984 sequel to “Conan the Barbarian,” calling it “more stupid, funnier and more entertaining” than the original. This revelation comes as the film airs tonight on Tele5, prompting a question: has this often-maligned fantasy adventure been unfairly judged?
From Box Office Flop to Cult Favorite: A History of ‘Conan the Destroyer’
Released in 1984, “Conan the Destroyer” aimed to recapture the magic of its predecessor, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as the iconic Cimmerian warrior. However, the film took a different approach, dialing down the grim darkness in favor of broader adventure and humor. This shift proved divisive, with many critics at the time panning the film. It didn’t achieve the same box office success as the original, and was largely dismissed by the press. Yet, a dedicated fanbase has kept the film alive, elevating it to cult status over the decades.
The film boasts a memorable cast, including Grace Jones as Zula, a fierce warrior queen, and a surprising appearance by basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain. Adding to the film’s quirky appeal is Pat Roach, who famously battled both James Bond and Indiana Jones, playing the villainous Toth-Amon. But the story doesn’t end with the silver screen.
Marvel’s Unexpected Connection: The ‘Conan’ Comics
What many don’t realize is that the world of Conan extends far beyond the films. Marvel Comics began publishing “Conan the Barbarian” comics in the early 1970s, long before Schwarzenegger donned the lion’s mane. Remarkably, Marvel even adapted “Conan the Destroyer” into a comic book in 1985, further cementing the character’s place in pop culture history. The enduring popularity of the Marvel “Conan” comics speaks to the character’s lasting appeal and the rich world created by Robert E. Howard.
Why Now? Re-Evaluating a Forgotten Gem
Tonight’s airing of “Conan the Destroyer” on Tele5 (December 25th at 8:15 PM, though likely a shortened version) provides a perfect opportunity to revisit the film and assess its merits. While the FILMSTARTS review gives it a modest 2 out of 5 stars, calling it “too wooden as a trash film, too arbitrary as a fantasy adventure,” Ebert’s enthusiastic endorsement begs the question: could our tastes have changed enough to appreciate the film’s unique charms? The film is also available uncut on DVD, Blu-ray, and Amazon Prime Video.
The production itself was fraught with creative differences. Director John Milius, who helmed the first film, wasn’t involved in the sequel, and both he and Schwarzenegger reportedly expressed skepticism about the lighter tone. This behind-the-scenes tension may explain some of the film’s inconsistencies, but it also adds to its intriguing backstory.
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The resurgence of interest in “Conan the Destroyer,” fueled by Ebert’s rediscovered praise and tonight’s broadcast, demonstrates the power of nostalgia and the enduring appeal of classic fantasy adventures. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, now is the perfect time to rediscover this often-overlooked gem and decide for yourself if it deserves a second look.
