CONAN THE BARBARIAN

title: CONAN THE BARBARIAN

cast: Arnold Schwartzeneggar, William Smith, James Earl Jones, Gerry Lopez, Sandahl Bergman, Max Von Sydow

director: John Milius

rating: **

This film has little to nothing to do with those incredibly involving Robert E. Howard tales. Instead of following Conan on various adventures, Milius and co-writer Oliver Stone chose one long drawn-out tale of revenge that has tar on its beefy heels. I realize there must be a central plot, which leads the rugged swordsman to his destination, but along the way there lacked the pulpy action needed to keep things flowing, which this doesn't do. Basically, it's not enough butter spread onto too much bread.