Krull (1983)

An ambitious sci-fi/fantasy that even in its failures can usually be forgiven for its sheer sense of bravado, Krull offers some truly memorable images despite its somewhat wooden leading man and familiar trappings. Remaining relatively tame in light of like-minded contemporary efforts, Krull nevertheless manages to be effective by means of some truly horrific foes, a reliance on solid storytelling, and a sinister villain pulled straight from the darkest of fairy tales. The melding of appropriately mythic Arthurian sensibilities with such futuristic elements as lasers and a mysterious fortress with the ability to shift location with the rising sun offers an original take on the familiar fantasy mainstays, and even if it does seem overly familiar at times there is just enough originality injected into the visualization of the film that it's hard to dismiss as just another Star Wars clone. Though many will ultimately write Krull off as such, memorable touches such as the shrieking death squeal of the Slayers, a highly original weapon, and an appropriately sweeping score will no doubt provide older viewers with a striking sense of nostalgia while simultaneously offering a solid guilty pleasure for the uninitiated. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide