What makes it different from others?
Excellent, a Must See
A Disappointing Continuation
It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.
View MoreFamed adventurer / sea captain Sinbad (John Phillip Law) comes into the possession of a mysterious bauble while sailing. Soon after, he arrives at the kingdom of Marabia, where he meets the Vizier (Douglas Wilmer), and Prince Koura (Tom Baker), the evil and cunning man who will become his nemesis. In the company of the Vizier, an indolent shopkeepers' son (Kurt Christian), an incredibly gorgeous slave gal (Caroline Munro), and assorted others, he sets sail for the island of Lemuria, where he will have his final showdown with Koura and where the mystery of the bauble(s) will be solved.The under rated director Gordon Hessler is in fine form here, guiding a spirited fantasy / adventure with robust action, excellent location shooting, rousing music (by Miklos Rozsa), lovely photography, and a top cast. Naturally, the film comes to life whenever Ray Harryhausens' effects creations are on screen - whether they be a griffin, a one eyed centaur, or a sword wielding and six armed statue. They never become the whole show, as well they shouldn't, but serve to function as wonderful set pieces that enhance the experience. The screenplay by Brian Clemens (based on a story by him and Harryhausen) is filled with literate & colourful dialogue, as well as a sense of humour. "Trust in Allah, but tie up your camel." becomes a recurring line.Law is an amiable, vivid hero. Wilmer, and Martin Shaw as Sinbads' compatriot Rachid, are excellent. Christian is a hoot as a character whom we don't doubt WILL rise up to the challenge once the stakes are raised. Spaghetti Western actor Aldo Sambrell also appears. Baker is a wonderful villain, camping it up a bit but never becoming TOO outrageous. You can't wait to see him get his. One might wish that the eternally stunning Munro had more to do, but her presence in anything is ALWAYS welcome.Fairly lengthy for this sort of thing, at an hour and 45 minutes, but it is able to hold your interest and provide a great diversion, for any old school fan of this genre.Eight out of 10.
View MoreSinbad was made just a few years before I was born. A lot of my (slightly) older friends speak very highly of this adaptation and reminisce about it with much fondness. Throughout my childhood I managed to accidentally catch the odd few minutes here and there and, I have to say, I always liked what I saw.This is the first time I have ever seen the whole film. In short, I was bored. The first half dragged and I found myself idly browsing my laptop for other things to amuse me. I was just on the verge of turning it off when it suddenly picked up.Ultimately, I'm glad I stuck with it (and not just for Caroline Munro's outfit). The second half features much more action, better sets, many more monsters and even a bit of tension thrown in there.It's a good romp. I'd give it a solid 3/5. But I'm guessing that if I'd watched it more when I was younger I'd probably regard it with a bit more nostalgia (like I do with the awful Star Crash *blushes*). You have to like a bit of cheesiness to sit through it, but, if you can appreciate the time and effort put into the sets and monsters, you might get something out of it.Did I mention Caroline Munro's costume?http://thewrongtreemoviereviews.blogspot.co.uk/
View MoreBy all means this is not my favourite Sinbad movie, that is the family favourite that is The 7th Voyage of Sinbad, but I still really like this movie. The ending isn't quite as strong as the majority of the film, in fact the last twenty five minutes or so meander slightly, but it is certainly isn't terrible either. The Golden Voyage of Sinbad is still a delight to watch, especially visually. The story is exciting enough, the screenplay has some nice elements to it, the direction is fine and the score by the legendary Miklos Rosza compliments the film beautifully. The acting isn't that bad really. John Phillip Law is likable enough in the lead, and Caroline Munro is incredibly beautiful. Tom Baker is a joy to behold as a somewhat campy villain(even so it works!), while Douglas Wilmer is good as the Vizier. The cinematography is skillful, and the scenery is splendid. What steals the film though are the fantastic special effects by Ray Harryhousen. They all look wonderful and meticulous after all this time. My favourites are the walking figurehead, the hideous centaur and the multi-armed statue. Overall, delightful film, well worth watching for the special effects alone. 9/10 Bethany Cox
View MoreThis story unfolds effortlessly with noble characters who take us on a spontaneous adventure. It is a spin on the original story from "1,001 Arabian Nights." John Philip Law makes a dashing Sinbad, and he and his costars do a great job of underplaying. Even the villain is likable. This movie is a feast for the eyes with amazing costumes, sets, and Ray Harryhausen's legendary special effects. I love the historical and anthropological references to the evil eye, the temple of faces at Ankor Wat, the Gryphon, and a multi-armed Kali doing best version of Bharata Natyam. I also appreciate the message of fighting evil with bravery, positive attitude, etc. This is a great movie for kids.
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