DEATHSTALKER
(director/writer: Steven Kostanski; cinematographer: Andrew Appelle; editor: Robert Hyland; music: Blitz//Berlin; cast: Daniel Bernhardt (Deathstalker), Patton Oswalt (Doodad-voice), Laurie Field (Doodad), Christina Orjalo (Brisbayne), Paul Lazenby (Jotak), Nicholas Rice (Nekromemnon), Nina Bergman (Grendul), Tanya Saari (Toraiva, witch), Adam Brooks (Prince); Runtime: 102; MPAA Rating: NR; producers: Avi Federgreen, Michael Paszt, Pasha Patriki; Hangar 18 Media/Shout! Studios; 2025-USA/Canada)
“Should hit the spot for the less discerning viewer.”
Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz
A tongue-in-cheek 1980s type of fun schlock film that should hit the spot for the less discerning viewer and also find favor with those just looking for a few laughs along with a few bloody good decapitations.
The ultra-violent and cheesy crowd-pleasing low-budget film, with old school special effects, is written and directed by the former make-up artist, the Canadian writer/director Steven Kostanski (“PG: Frankie Freako”/”Psycho Goreman”). This entertaining trashy flick is an absurdly comical and gory ‘sword and sorcery pic’–a reboot of the awful 1983 Roger Corman produced cult one that was directed by James Sbardellati.
The ruined land of Abraxion is ruled by the evil Dreadite Horde, whose leader is Jotak (Paul Lazenby, former MMA fighter). In Abraxion, the wandering thief and hated loner scavenger called the Deathstalker (Daniel Bernhardt, the Swiss martial arts fighter & stuntman) steals a mysterious magical amulet on the battlefield from a dying prince (Adam Brooks) that carries a curse with it which affects him. The Deathstalker is seeking a reward for the Amulet, only to find out it’s sought by the evil sorcerer Necromemnon (Nicholas Rice), recently resurrected by the Dreadites to help them conquer the world.
This changes the Deathstalker’s quest from thief to hero, as he now vows to keep the amulet from the evil red-suited army and return it to its rightful owner. But to complete this quest and shake off the curse placed on him, he needs help from the pint-sized wizard Doodad (voiced by Patton Oswalt & acted by Laurie Field), and from the gritty warrior thief Brisbayne (Christina Orjalo).
Things play out as if your typical Dungeons & Dragons story, with lots of sword play and a story that defies logic. Action is what counts the most.
The fans of Kostanski should be pleased with his creativity and sense of humor, while others might cringe at how trashy it is. It’s not a film for all tastes, but those who like it will probably love it and those that don’t like it will probably hate it.
REVIEWED ON 10/12/2025 GRADE: B-
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