Indeed, Z’Dar was prolific, appearing in more than 120 movies.
Here are the most enjoyable ones, ranked.
Taken as a whole,Beastmaster 2is thoroughly ridiculous, like a low-budget fusion ofConan the BarbarianandHe-Man.
Image via CineRidge Entertainment
Prior
“You’re my enemy… and my only friend.”
America’s champion is condemned soldier Sgt.
Tom Batanaic (Ted Prior), while the USSR is represented by the merciless Sergei (Z’Dar).
Image via Hollywood Royal Pictures
The premise is actually kind of cool, and could have been turned into a tongue-in-cheek black comedy.
The third-act plot developments are also rather disappointing.
Z’Dar shows up as Yamashita, the brutal enforcer for the Katana Gang.
The cinematography is also grimy and the color correction is terrible.
Nevertheless, the film’s goofy energy and ridiculousness prevent it from being a total slog.
It’s at least ironically entertaining.
Z’Dar has top billing as Sheriff Arkin, the lawman tasked with protecting the community from the vengeful revenant.
While far from fantastic,Easter Sundayis at least intentionally wild.
DirectorJeremy Todd Moreheadcranks everything to the max, from the camp to the violence.
Similarly, the low-fi aethestic and cheesy dialogue are winks to ’80s B-movies.
Consequently, it seems like Morehead deliberately cast Z’Dar in the part to draw on his pulp credentials.
He rises to the occasion with an intense, gruff, performance.
Image via Hollywood Royal Pictures
However, she quickly realizes that the facility is more prison than asylum.
What follows is a decidedly trashy genre romp, jam-packed with sadistic experiments and shameless nudity.
Murray Abrahamare also solid in the supporting cast.
Many reviewers accused it of placing style over substance, likening it to an extended commercial.
Unfortunately, his visual flair does not translate into great directing with this one.
It’s too silly, too dated, and wraps up in an overly cute ending.
The acting is mostly wooden and hammy, except for Griffith, who is oddly flat.
Fans of trashy sci-fi might enjoy this gonzo ’80s fever dream.
He’s not a cop.
He’s a monster!"
Maniac Copis ludicrous, to be sure, but it’s entertaining enough in its low-budget, rough-around-the-edges way.
Fundamentally, it’s a decent B-movie outing.
In 1987 Poland, a police officer investigating mysterious disappearances infiltrates a remote monastery and discovers a dark truth about its clergy.
The film at least gives Z’Dar room to have fun and lean into his scenery-chewing.
Plus, Campbell is always fun in these kinds of roles.
Consequently,Maniac Copis a bit of a cult movie, and spawned a few sequels.
At one point,Nicolas Winding Refnwas evenattachedto a TV series remake.
They’re like Batman and Robin, only worse."
The pair must clear their names after being set up by a powerful drug lord.
It was a recipe that pleased audiences if not critics, with the moviegrossingan impressive $120m.
Z’Dar reportedly landed the role because the director liked his performance inManiac Cop.
NEXT:The 10 Best William Goldman Books, Ranked According to Goodreads
