Hawk The Slayer (1981)

Among its many dubious distinctions, Hawk the Slayer is the only sword-and-sorcery movie to feature Silly-String® as a medieval weapon! This splendidly wretched British fantasy also boasts such magical wonders as an automatic fast-action crossbow and an archer who shoots instantly replenished arrows in rapid succession, never missing his target! At the lowest ebb of his career, Jack Palance is gleefully hammy as Voltan, the disfigured (i.e., irredeemably evil) elder brother of Hawk (John Terry), who swears vengeance after Voltan kills their father, kidnaps a virginal abbess (Annette Crosbie), and threatens a nunnery for ransom. Add an ultracheesy '80s soundtrack (imagine Rick Wakeman playing roller disco) and some respectable British thespians (Patrick Magee, Roy Kinnear, Harry Andrews), and you've got a poor man's Willow with a dash of Krull, laughably awful and surprisingly entertaining. Fully aware of its own low-budget absurdity, Hawk the Slayer is a Bad Movie classic, guaranteed to satisfy connoisseurs of garbage. (Trivia note: Terry survived his titular heroics and was guest-starring on the popular TV series 24 when this DVD was released in late 2002.) --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com

I love this movie.

Its as good as it gets.
Makes me want to dance naked with a sword.
August 25, 2008

FOR GREAT JUSTICE!

Oh Wow. I have been actively seeking this movie for years. I finally found it with the correct and magical keywords per the google: "machine gun crossbow fantasy". I know this movie will be awesome, just like processed government cheese in a can. Just like I remembered it, I can't wait! Ahh, the Olden Days of Yore, when we were young and played D&D. That being said, if you were not a teenager in the 80's and cannot admit to playing D&D then you will not appreciate or digg this wondrous gem. But if you do get it, then get it for great justice and do it for the lulz. May 22, 2008

80's fantasy with cheese!

Description
Two brothers vie for the possession of a magical sword. Hawk (John Terry) is the younger brother, known for his duty, honour and courage. Voltan (Jack Palance) is the older brother who is known for his villainous ways. The lethal weapon bestows upon its owner incredible powers of destruction and Hawk, along with his comrades, the Elf and the Dwarf, must combat the forces of evil. *I still love this film even though it is dated badly.
a "B" flick at its best and high speed arrow shooting still looks cool *see LOTR* Sadly only a Trailer as a dvd extra August 18, 2007

High fantasy, low,low budget

I saw this film in fifth grade and absolutely loved it. Recently on a nostalgic whim I picked up a copy and was pleasantly surprised. Though it is extremely low-budget, campy as leisure suits, and has a script any ten year old could have written, I still enjoyed it. Now I have to warn you if your expecting epic, Peter Jacksonesk film making here you will be very disappointed. Do not purchase or view this film if you are the highly critical, earnest, deeply intellectual sort. This is pure fun. The three supporting characters (the elf, the dwarf, and the giant) are the highlight of the film. The comradery between the dwarf and giant is especially enjoyable. Palance's Voltan is so overwraught he makes Ricardo Montolban's (I'm pretty sure I misspelled that,sorry) portrayal of Khan look subtle and nuanced. You're looking for the fishing line on most of the special effects shots, and I'm pretty sure the elf is wearing penny loafers. The soundtrack is phenominal, in a bad way of coarse, think of a fifth rate Rick Wakeman knock-off doing a disco/fantasy album. Yet inspite of all its weaknesses I have watched this film not once, but half a dozen times. It's a blast. It's got guilty pleasure written all over it. June 17, 2007

HAWK THE SLAYER Review

I sought this movie out from seeing it many years back. The film is somewhat low-budget, the plot is simple, but the characters in the film really hold your interest. Jack Palance has some unforgetable one-liners.
Some friends and I have fun quoting his lines.
In some ways it is similar to "KRULL" and "EXCALIBER", but not as scenic. It was neat to watch it again and I am happy to have this movie in my collection. June 7, 2007

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