Beastmaster III: The Eye of Braxus (1996 TV Movie) User Reviews

Dar vs. Ninja Turtle

[unbrokenmetal · 5/10 · 13 December 2018]

Old Lord Agon (David Warner) desires an object of power, the Eye of Braxus, which would provide him with new energy. Dar (Marc Singer) owns one half of the amulet, young king Tal (Casper Van Dien, with a ridiculous wig) the other half. Tal is caught by Lord Agon. Dar starts a rescue mission across the jungle and meets Shada (Sandra Hess, "Mortal Kombat 2"). He makes the mistake to trust her, but then she tries to steal the amulet. And on who's side is the witch Morgana (Lesley-Anne Down)?

It looks like a cheap TV production, not a movie, because it is a cheap TV production. The demon Braxus could be one of the Ninja Turtles on a Monday morning. Gabrielle Beaumont, an experienced TV director ("Dynasty", "Star Trek: Next Generation") does a good job within the budget limitation. The story is solid, the characters have a certain charm, thus 'Beastmaster 3' is neither a contribution as important to the genre as the first installment, nor trash as bizarre as the second part, but simply average entertainment to pass the time.

Beastmaster III: The Eye of Braxus

[phubbs · 5/10 · 14 March 2014]

Singer is back and clearly has nothing else to do. No more hair extensions this time I think as we see the final adventure for Dar. It appears Dar has upgraded his menagerie of loyal performing creatures. He now has a lion under his control (with the same name? so...same creature somehow? or he just likes that name a lot), a new eagle (same name though) and Kodo and Podo seem to be back despite being left in 90's LA in the last film. Thing is the little ferrets are never called Kodo and Podo in the film so maybe they aren't the original critter duo.

This time we discover Dar has a brother King in the form of Casper Van Dien sporting a very hokey blonde wig. This relation gets kidnapped by an evil Lord/sorcerer so its up to Dar with his new sidekick Seth, a witch, errr...a jester guy and a female warrior to rescue him before he's drained of his youthful essence. Yep this evil bad guy is looking for immortality as they all do, popular spell huh.

I think this third film is generally better than the last because its set completely within a fantasy realm. There is no silly portal jumping into our reality which makes the characters look ridiculous, this is all within a nice barren desert fantasy universe. The bad guys are a bit better this time also, sure they look like ancient Greek Spartan warriors but hey it looks cool, its the helmets that do it.

What amazed me is the cast for this thing. Considering this is a straight to the waste bin production the cast is pretty decent...well a decent cast of B-movie regulars anyway. In terms of B-movie trash rankings this film is low and even the B-movie cast they have managed to muster is somewhat above this kind of schlock...usually. David Warner, Tony Todd, Casper Van Dien, Sandra Hess and Patrick Kilpatrick on show here folks.

Yes it all looks awful, the sets are clearly sets, the locations are the same places over and over, the effects are laughable, action is again a kids pantomime and 'acting' is beyond hammy. To be honest I think the slightly bigger names here know its crapola and are just having a good time chewing up scenery. You can see its a TV movie and I think you should know what to expect, but all that aside it can be a good laugh.

I still don't quite know why they ruined the franchise with such low rent sequels which make a mockery of everything the original had but there you go. Plus points are the animals and a nice big rubber monster suit for Dar to battle at the end.

5.5/10

Worst in the trilogy!

[swedzin · 3/10 · 17 October 2010]

I'll be short on this one. OK, I know how most of fans and non-fans of the original "Beastmaster" were annoyed by the sequel "Beastmaser - Through the Portal of Time". But this one, this one is the worst. How so? Here's why. The second one spawned this sequel. I don't know whose idea was it. And how come that such a bad sequel can produce the third one? The second one didn't even give any hints about the sequel. I just don't understand who decided to throw money away for this project? The story is ridiculous, clichéd and lame, visual and especial effects are terrible, acting, well... Not that quite, in short... Marc Singer was in his element of Darr, at least that was one thing that can make you enjoy the movie even a tiny bit. Sandra Hess was just hot in this film. And sadly, that's all she did. It's not her fault, the script and the director gave her nothing to work with. Casper Van Dien? This film was just a proof that his career will be destroyed at some point. Patrick Kilpatrick? Well, I guess that he was the man for the job when it comes to supporting villains and heavies. Patrick is a good actor, but the typecasting ruined him. David Warner, don't know how he ended up here, but obviously they needed a guy with suave looks and charming British accent. Lesley-Anne Down... well that was quite of surprise, although she didn't do much with her character. The only actor I admire here is Tony Todd, a great replacement for Seth from the original film. He didn't do much, but I think in this film Seth finally has some backstory and character, which is both serious and used, in a way, as a comic relief for just a second. Which is why I gave this film 3 of 10. Though his fight scenes were badly filmed and clumsy choreography, which basically goes for all characters in action scenes. I can also add that animals used in this film were pretty solid as trained actors. If you want a joke... Here it is - Beastmaster 3... time waster and the dullest of them all.

A return to the spirit of the bad barbarian movie

[pikachan · 6 October 1999]

Beastmaster III is a definite improvement over the second flick in this series. It's not the best in the genre, but it certainly is not the worst. Marc Singer still plays the best beast master around, and this time he has a supporting cast that chews as much scenery as he does! Tony Todd (of "Candyman" fame) and Sondra Hess (Sonya Blade from "Mortal Kombat 2") are fine as Singer's backups, but it's really the animals who steal this show. I'm not anxious for a Beastmaster 4, but this one definitely left a better taste in my mouth than number 2. Recommended for B-movie and barbarian flick fans.

The eyes that see...

[fmarkland32 · 4/10 · 6 September 2006]

Marc Singer returns as Dar "The Beastmaster" who this time helps save his brother king from an evil sorcerer named Agon(David Warner) in this made for TV version of the Beastmaster story. What helps Beastmaster III in being better than it's awful predecessor (Beastmaster 2) is that it stays in it's time zone and it doesn't have Kari Wuher (Always a plus) the movie plays out like a watchable sword and sorcery movie from the 80's. The action isn't very well staged because the camera angles give off the impression of made for TV but they do happen frequent enough and are occasionally fun to watch. Though the movie belongs to Marc Singer who basically is likable and very well suited to his part. Indeed the whole cast is fun as they include Tony Todd, Lesley Anne-Down, David Warner and Patrick Kilpatrick. Once again the movie ends on an unsatisfying note but basically it does represent a vast improvement over # 2. However stick with the first, as the best of the series.

* * out of 4-(Fair)

Horrible and hilarious movie

[Pete Falco · 3/10 · 12 January 2002]

Me and some friends went to the movie store to rent three movies one day back in 1996. From those three movies, this is the one I remember. It is simply one of the worst movies ever made. The acting is horrible, the music is awful and the script contradicts the other two movies. For example the animal who used to be a tiger is now a lion who changes sex during the movie!

Marc Singer looks like 65 something and is still the same stiff actor who tries to drop some "funny" lines from time to time.

On the other hand it's fun to watch just because it's so bad. I give it 3 out of 10. If you want a good laugh I would recommend it.

Best B-movie ever

[jjunkie2 · 1/10 · 27 January 1999]

Here, let me get this out of the way: this movie SUCKS. Big time. There are absolutely NO redeeming qualities about this movie. None whatsoever. Except it's hilarious to watch with friends.

My friends and I have watched quite a few bad movies in our time, but this is the all-time champ of B-movies. Sure, "Plan 9" might suck more, but this one is more fun to watch. And it's also great to see Casper Van Dien in one of his first roles. I recommend this one to any B-movie enthusiast. It is the best. Long live Dar! Shirac!

Dire, dire, dire!

[Rob_Taylor · 1/10 · 8 December 2004]

What was Marc Singer thinking? Was he truly that desperate for work, or was this just a fulfillment of some contractual obligation? Either way, he should be deeply ashamed of appearing in this turkey. The original Beastmaster was a wonderful film with a great deal of originality but the sequels have progressively deteriorated into farce.

I can't begin to tell you how bad this movie is. Memorable moments include Dar's Lion buddy, who clearly is too old to do his own stuntwork anymore (Old=not likely to attack the actors) so they employ a lioness to do the scenes where he gets caught in a net. Lion with a mane becomes lioness without one. Hmmm...that's not noticeable at all...no sir!

Suffice to say it's only saving grace is the finale where Dar (Singer) fights some demon lord. Why is this bit the best? Is it action packed? Is it full of great special effects? No. It's the best because it's just so farcical you'll be in stitches with laughter throughout it. The creature is a cross between a teenage mutant turtle and the Papa Dinosaur from the "Dinosaurs" TV series. Comical doesn't even begin to describe how this "evil" demon looks. It has all the menace of a Jim Henson muppet.

Ads if that weren't enough we are also treated to an early performance from Casper van Dien as some supposed king. Yep, that's believable....not. In fact, of all the cast, the only ones who even looked comfortable with their roles were Marc Singer and David Warner (yes, he's the bad guy - no surprise there). The rest were a mixture of woefully bad acting and miscasting.

One other thing of interest. Marc Singer now actually looks like he has spent a lifetime wandering the wilderness with nothing more than a loincloth to protect him from the elements. So that much was realistic.

SUMMARY: Watch it, grit your teeth, then laugh at the dumb finale.

Why can't I give it a 0?

[Vas-2 · 1/10 · 13 October 1999]

Voting 1 point for this was too much. What a horrible, horrible movie! Desert warrior girl with pink vinyl underwear that just got out of the hair salon....... Oh, and this lion keeps changing sex, during the movie. Why on earth would anyone waste money on making or watching this?

It was utter crap!

[RapdudeX3 · 2/10 · 10 June 2005]

Almost everything about this film sucks and blows major ass! The acting is the worst I have ever seen, and the action scenes starring the ridiculously muscled and hideously ugly lead actor involve nothing more than bludgeoning guards over the head with the hilt of his sword.

The fantastic array of beasts were extremely lacking, A lion and falcon I can understand, but a weasel? How terribly ferocious.

Even the title of this travesty of a movie was awful. I was led to believe this was some sick fetish film, but even that would have been more enjoyable than this turgid pile of stinking horse manure!

The only merit was the comedy effect of Braxus being lent by the Power Rangers special effects department. I was impressed by the plastic and 'scary' effect that literally had me crapping myself as an excuse to stop watching the film.

Who expects master class from the Beastmaster?

[mark.waltz · 4/10 · 14 October 2023]

Fortunately it's back to the past for Dar (Marc Singer) in hopefully the last incarnation of the 1982 cult classic that had a crowd pleasing manner and never went for trendy trickery like number two. The acting is definitely generally bad with Singer and most of the ensemble far too modern in their interpretations and Casper Van Dien and Sandra Hess in particular annoying in a plastic sort of way that made the ferrets better actors in comparison.

A great dark villain (David Warner) and an evil queen (Lesley Anne Downe) are scene stealers, and Tony Todd as Dar's sidekick are worthy of fair praise, showing some enthusiasm in creating a memorable performance. Keith Coulouris as Downe's acrobatic servant adds some delicious silliness.

It looks much cheaper than the original 14 years before, and seems unnecessary, but at least it didn't make me hold my nose like the 1991 entry. Warner's aging makeup is as stinky cheesy as part 2 was.

Enjoy for what it is!!

[Chameleon83 · 6/10 · 23 July 2005]

This movie will never win an Oscar (or any other award) but to be honest, I don't think it was ever made to do so. It is very much in a B-movie style and that's exactly how it should be. And shouldn't be taken too seriously.

I personally like the idea that ferrets and a lion can get on in harmony - but hey I'm an idealist.

The acting is terrible - the story has been done so often that anyone in their basement could probably make a decent job of a copy, but all that said the movie is enjoyable... as long as you take it for what it is!! AND NOTHING MORE!! In many ways it reminds me of movies like Willow and Krull - not huge productions, not great acting but enjoyable all the same.

Quick Review: Man who can command animals' sets off to save his brother (the king) from an evil sorcerer before same can let loose the power of a terrible creature... filled with swords, sorcery and scantily clad people.

'90s-era bargain basement sword and sorcery flick

[Leofwine_draca · 3/10 · 23 October 2015]

Marc Singer returns for another cheesy adventure romp in this second sequel to 1982's THE BEASTMASTER. While the original was not exactly a magnificent film, at least it had some redeeming qualities. This '90s version shows us how far things have sunk with even less originality, as this is strictly by-the-numbers fare. Almost every cliché of a sword and sorcery flick is thrown in here somewhere, making this a sufficient yet disappointing B-movie.

It's a shame, too, as a fun cast under and overact amazingly. Marc Singer shows us that he has learned absolutely no new acting skills in the thirteen years since the original. He's also aged quite considerably too, but at 48 years he's still looking as fit and as muscular as ever. Singer gets to team up with black actor Tony Todd, made famous by the CANDYMAN films, although Todd is given little to do apart from beat up the occasional bad guy.

A young Casper Van Dien (SLEEPY HOLLOW) puts in an embarrassing performance as a silly petulant King while a seriously strapped-for-cash Lesley Anne Down embarrasses herself even further as a witch. Also along for the ride is a braindead clown and Singer's animal friends, although somewhat inexplicably his black panther has now turned into a lion. In the baddie contingent, Patrick Kilpatrick lends some cheesy menace while David Warner hams for all he's worth as the chief villain.

You won't believe how bad this film is while you're watching it but at least it's a lot of fun. Amusing bits include a man being attacked by some tentacles, some bad computer effects, and the hilarious finale which has Singer taking on a ridiculous-looking monster designed by the Chiodo Brothers which never looks more than being a man in a rubber suit. You won't believe your eyes. The violence level is low but the cheese level is high in this silly adventure which is absolutely awful but strangely entertaining.

Did anyone catch the uncredited cameo?

[glossamir · 5 February 2002]

After seeing this movie(and while not as good as Beastmaster, but better than Beastmaster II) I have to ask if anyone else thought that the reptillian beast bore an uncanny resemblance to character of Earl Sinclair of the Jim Henson Tv series "Dinosaurs", if Earl Sinclair went on a diet and lost a ton or two? To me, the resemblance totally deflated the seriousness of the battle between the beast and Dar.

Well, at has Tony Todd in it!

[BandSAboutMovies · 5/10 · 1 February 2019]

Dar is back one more time, this time trying to rescue his brother, King Tal (finally grown up but now played by Casper Van Dien from Starship Troopers). He's joined by Tal's bodyguard Seth (no longer John Amos, but now Tony Todd, which make me audibly shout at 3 AM and wake up my entire house), a warrior woman named Shada (Sandra Hess, Mortal Kombat Annihilation), an acrobat named Bey and Seth's ex-girlfriend, a sorceress named Morgana (Lesley Anne-Down of all people!).

They're battling the slumming David Warner as Lord Agon, who has been sacrificing youngsters to shave years off his life. You know, the older I get, the more this seems like a great idea, because most kids I meet today are clueless. He's also trying to release the dark god Braxus, who looks like a human dinosaur.

This one's directed by Gabrielle Beaumont, whose was also behind the movie The Godsend and the Jamie Lee Curtis-starring TV movie about Dorothy Stratten, Death of a Centerfold. It was written David Wise, who was one of the main writers on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon, so that may account for this one being the most family-friendly of the three films.

OK. I know it's bad, but it's fun

[clauzy82 · 6/10 · 23 September 2021]

Not to be taken seriously, the cast didn't even take this seriously and it looked like they had a laugh filming this piece of c**p (except the fella who got mauled by the Lion).

Plot is simple: The Beastmaster named Dar (Marc Singer) must save his brother King Tal (Casper Van Dien) from Lord Agon (David Warner) who has captured him to make himself young for eternity or something like that, wasn't really paying attention. This inconvenience took Dar away from his wanderings around the wilderness playing with his animals. Dar is joined by Seth (Tony Todd) who can't seem to talk him out of making wrong decision after wrong decision. Later we are introduced to the stunning Shada (Sandra Hess), Jaggart (Patrick Kilpatrick), Morgana (Lesley-Anne Down) and the not-so-great acrobat Bey (Keith Coulouris) are they friends or foes? Not only these, but due to his continuous mishaps Dar gets plunged into the fires time after time with savage tribes, thieves, circuses, and un-cooperative animals.

To say the acting is poor, might be a bit harsh, Marc Singer definitely just showed up for his pay-check, if he even got one. The plot, dialogue, choreography of the fight scenes, budget, effort and the direction are the real culprits. The film feels like a series episode not far removed from Xena Warrior Princess or Hercules and I have my suspicions it was to be the first of a series but expanded into a film, maybe due to contract constraints or production issue's.

All-in-all it is a fun watch, especially the ending which is pure cheese with the super villain Braxus and the corny finish which bumped it up a star for me. Just be prepared it is not B-movie gold, but rather tv movie wtf is this s**t.

One disappointment, the massive build up for Seth revealing what he got turned into by the witch Morgana is a complete anti-climax.

Cheese moment to look out for anytime Dar summons his bird-of-prey.

Dumb

[RexMantis · 19 June 2001]

Beastmaster 3 and the whole series is dumb and faky. Everone of them are B movies but this is the worst one. It combines incredibly bad acting and cheesy special effects. It is worse than a made for TV movie. If you watch this on TV like I did then you would probably find better acting and effects in the commercials you see while it is on.

What Mortal Kombat the series was to the original...

[Alfabeta · 7 March 2009]

This movie (unlike the second one) committed one cardinal sin. It had a workable story so it took itself seriously in spite of extremely low budget and extremely low movie-making skills of the crew. Instead of being (for example) like Mortal Kombat the movies (by the way, Sandra Hess played Sonya Blade in MK2 as her next role) it's closer to Mortal Kombat: Conquest (the awful series). This whole movie looks like a pilot and uses all of those TV rules about violence, language, over-exposition in a scene etc.

Few complaints beside the main point...

Second part was in the future parallel dimension. OK. This one is apparently first in Egypt or middle east (Casper Van Dien has a Pharaoh-like costume, and camels and people in dresses and shorts (and boxers) are all over the place) and then South America (with the wild pygmy tribe).

As in the first one, people alone and even villages here get ambushed way too much. Didn't they have f-ing outposts in the dark ages? Or eyes for that matter? Surprise attacks are happening all over the place, sometimes simply by bad guys jumping in front of the characters.

And what's the deal with the glasses on that "Albert Einstein" guy? He bought them at his eye doctor's?

Not to forget to mention that apparently all tiger actors and trainers were busy at the time of the filming. Ra was first a black tiger, then a regular tiger and finally a Lion. The cat just can't make up its mind.