Welcome back to Nerd Legion’s 1980s Fantasy Marathon! This week we tackle one of the most infamous sword-and-sorcery B-movies ever made: Deathstalker (1983).

Produced by Roger Corman and loaded with bizarre editing, random plot “twists,” and way too much sleazy exploitation, Deathstalker has gone down in history as one of the strangest and most uncomfortable entries in ’80s fantasy cinema.

In this episode we break down:

⚔️ Why Deathstalker feels more like softcore than sword-and-sorcery

⚔️ The nonsensical “plot” and awkward tournament arc

⚔️ Garbage Yoda, the magical trans operation, and our favorite bad effects

⚔️ How this film made money — and why people kept watching

Is Deathstalker the worst fantasy movie of the 1980s, or just so-bad-it’s-good cult cinema? Join us for our breakdown, commentary, and plenty of laughs as we continue our marathon through the weirdest corners of ’80s fantasy.

Join us for our first impressions and review of Alien Earth as we dive into the show’s opening two episodes! Created by Noah Hawley (Fargo, Legion), this new sci-fi series expands the Alien universe with an intriguing premise: synthetics, creepy new alien species, and surprisingly heavy-handed Peter Pan parallels.

The episode of Nerd Legion kicks off with highlights from MonteCristo and DoA's watch-along of the first two episodes and then continues with our review and thematic discussion.

While Alien Earth impresses with its visuals and strong performances (including Timothy Olyphant as synth character Kirsch) we also examine its pacing issues, plot contrivances, and tonal inconsistencies. Can this series live up to the legacy of the original Alien films, or is it destined to become another overextended franchise experiment?

In this episode of Nerd Legion, we grapple with the first four episodes of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3. After a long two-year hiatus, the show has returned, but has it lived up to expectations? We discuss the highs and lows, such as the Gorn plotline wrapping up, thematic episodes like the musical and the holodeck murder mystery, and question whether the show is being overly self-referential. We also touch upon our hopes for Star Fleet: Academy and address concerns for the future of the show. Tune in for an in-depth analysis!

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Nerd Legion breaks down Fantastic Four First Steps, critiquing its flawed storyline, sometimes questionable CGI, and underwhelming writing. They discuss the film's failed promise and compare it to other Marvel and non-Marvel films, highlighting both the good and the not-so-good aspects. The film struggles to maintain the audience's suspension of disbelief and mostly squanders a strong start by the time the heroes visit Galactus in space. In spite of generally solid casting with Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby in the lead roles, believable chemistry between the actors, and a compelling alternate Earth with a Mid-Century Modern aesthetic, the film ultimately is weighed down by poor writing.

In this episode of Nerd Legion, we dive deep into the retrospective analysis of Krull, a polarizing cult classic of 1980s fantasy cinema. We break down the highs and lows, discussing everything from the film's impressive visuals, soundtrack by James Horner, and a strong ensemble cast including young Liam Neeson and Robbie Coltrane. We critique the film’s convoluted script, misaligned dialogue, and missed potential, comparing it with contemporaries like Conan and Star Wars. How could an all-star creative crew including director Peter Yates, cinematographer Peter Suschitzky, and editor Ray Lovejoy fail to live up to their potential in Krull?

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In this episode of Nerd Legion, Monte and DoA dive into the latest Superman reboot directed by James Gunn. The hosts discuss the film's light-hearted tone, its departure from traditional Superman lore, and the new interpretations of characters like Lex Luthor and Jor-El. They debate the merits of the movie's humor, its portrayal of media, and the overall freshness it brings to the superhero genre. Despite some disagreements on key elements, both find aspects to appreciate and speculate on the future of the DC Universe under Gunn's direction.

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In this episode of Nerd Legion, we conclude the first three years of our 1980s fantasy film marathon by discussing and ranking the best and worst films from 1980 through 1982. We delve into titles like Dragon Slayer, Excalibur, and Conan the Barbarian, while also debating the merits of cult classics and lesser-known gems. The hosts discuss their favorite fantasy movies, the most surprising finds, and the least enjoyable watches. They also dive deep into a discussion on Jim Henson's 'The Dark Crystal,' analyzing its storytelling, puppetry, and its influence on future fantasy media. Looking ahead, they tease the upcoming fantasy films of 1983. Tune in for a nostalgic trip through 1980s fantasy cinema!

This week, we dive into the 1983 animated fantasy film 'Fire and Ice'. Join us as we explore the unique rotoscoping animation technique used in the film, the notable artists involved like Frank Frazetta and James Gurney, and the film's place in 1980s fantasy cinema. We also discuss the film's storytelling, its less-than-edgy approach compared to its peers, and its influence on modern works. Plus, we touch on voice acting, missed meme opportunities, and amusing trivia related to 'Fire and Ice'. Tune in for an entertaining and insightful discussion!

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In this episode of Nerd Legion, the hosts dive deep into the 1982 Rankin/Bass animated film 'The Last Unicorn.' They discuss the movie's memorable characters, voice acting, animation style, musical contributions by the band America, and the profound themes that blend with some truly bizarre moments. They also touch on the film's cult classic status and speculate on its possible influence on later works by Studio Ghibli. Stay tuned for a lively talk filled with nostalgia, humor, and unique insights into this quirky 80s fantasy classic.

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Join us on Nerd Legion as we dive into the 1982 fantasy film 'Sorceress'—a movie so bad, it's good! From bizarre plot twists to unforgettable characters, this review covers the hilarious production history, the highly questionable special effects, and snippets of insane dialogue. Whether you're here for a laugh or to see why this is considered one of the most entertainingly bad movies of its time, we've got you covered. Explore why Sorceress stands out even in the crowded genre of 1980s fantasy films, and stay tuned for what's next in our marathon!