Many moons back, I got into a debate with a certain someone regarding Metalstorm: The Destruction Of Jared-Syn.
Now, don't worry: it was a friendly debate.
The point he made was a bit dismissive, in my mind. He contended that if it weren't for the 3D craze of the 1980's then Metalstorm would be a completely forgotten motion picture that no one would ever give a second thought but less even know of its existence. I argued, simply, by saying that he didn't know how cult films worked, that what draws subsequent generations to often dismissed genre films isn't a momentary craze ... because those new generations usually know very little of those. Instead, they're drawn to a film's charm (or lack thereof) or intelligence (or lack thereof) or its flash and sizzle (or lack thereof). Merely writing off everything else that could draw audiences to it is usually the flaw of limited perceptions ... but I'll leave it at that.
Still, Metalstorm did come out at the time of and tried to capitalize on the 3D craze -- there's no denying that -- but I'd also have to point out that any time I've heard fans discussing the flick it's more than likely owed to the picture's villains. TV's Richard Moll chews scenery, all the while with only a single eye. And Michael Preston makes for a good central baddie. Rarely -- very rarely -- do I hear folks sound off on the feature's heroes, with the notable exception possibly being that this was one of Kelly Preston's earliest theatrical efforts and needs to be seen in order to enjoy her in her youth. That might be silly, but if it brings folks to see it, then so be it.
Genre legend Charles Band -- the film's director -- owes much of the credit to bringing this B-Movie gem to the screen. With a script written by Alan J. Adler, Band directed stars Jeffrey Byron, Tim Thomerson, R. David Smith, Larry Pennell, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"On a desert planet, warlord Jared-Syn is trying to convince a tribe of mutants that he's their messiah and gain unlimited power hidden in a crystal. Ranger Dogen and explorer Dhyana, who's father was murdered by Syn, must stop him."
Now, don't worry: it was a friendly debate.
The point he made was a bit dismissive, in my mind. He contended that if it weren't for the 3D craze of the 1980's then Metalstorm would be a completely forgotten motion picture that no one would ever give a second thought but less even know of its existence. I argued, simply, by saying that he didn't know how cult films worked, that what draws subsequent generations to often dismissed genre films isn't a momentary craze ... because those new generations usually know very little of those. Instead, they're drawn to a film's charm (or lack thereof) or intelligence (or lack thereof) or its flash and sizzle (or lack thereof). Merely writing off everything else that could draw audiences to it is usually the flaw of limited perceptions ... but I'll leave it at that.
Still, Metalstorm did come out at the time of and tried to capitalize on the 3D craze -- there's no denying that -- but I'd also have to point out that any time I've heard fans discussing the flick it's more than likely owed to the picture's villains. TV's Richard Moll chews scenery, all the while with only a single eye. And Michael Preston makes for a good central baddie. Rarely -- very rarely -- do I hear folks sound off on the feature's heroes, with the notable exception possibly being that this was one of Kelly Preston's earliest theatrical efforts and needs to be seen in order to enjoy her in her youth. That might be silly, but if it brings folks to see it, then so be it.
Genre legend Charles Band -- the film's director -- owes much of the credit to bringing this B-Movie gem to the screen. With a script written by Alan J. Adler, Band directed stars Jeffrey Byron, Tim Thomerson, R. David Smith, Larry Pennell, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"On a desert planet, warlord Jared-Syn is trying to convince a tribe of mutants that he's their messiah and gain unlimited power hidden in a crystal. Ranger Dogen and explorer Dhyana, who's father was murdered by Syn, must stop him."
Sure, it's imperfect, but all B-Movies are. That's part and parcel of the charm in watching them, and fans have learned to accept an awful lot of camp despite the blemishes.
In 2016, Shout Factory released a Blu-ray edition of Metalstorm, and I see that the pressing is still available on Amazon.com. Though the disk's review over on Bluray.com only gives the package a solid 3.0 (on the 5.0 scale), the critic reports that the collection boasts a 45-minute 'making of' documentary that's very well done. That alone might be reason enough for true fans of genre outings to pick up a copy.
As always, thanks for reading ... and live long and prosper!
-- EZ
In 2016, Shout Factory released a Blu-ray edition of Metalstorm, and I see that the pressing is still available on Amazon.com. Though the disk's review over on Bluray.com only gives the package a solid 3.0 (on the 5.0 scale), the critic reports that the collection boasts a 45-minute 'making of' documentary that's very well done. That alone might be reason enough for true fans of genre outings to pick up a copy.
As always, thanks for reading ... and live long and prosper!
-- EZ
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