Dark Angel (1990) - 3/5

This is a good idea for a movie wrapped in a B-movie production. It’s full of ‘80s sci-fi camp, low-budget special effects, and Dolf Lundgren-level of acting. For all that, it’s still got a solid story that never gets bogged down by the production flaws. It’s easily one of the best Lundgren films of the era and worth checking out if you like hidden ‘80s sci-fi gems.

Content warning: female nudity

Closest comparison: It’s like Sicario by way of The Terminator (1984) with the production values of Masters of the Universe (1987).

Setting: Detective
Plot: Thriller
Tone: Action

Masters of the Universe (1987) - 1/5

This movie is very very campy. Some may remember it fondly, but apart from nostalgia there’s really nothing good about it. The costuming is chintzy and for the most part doesn’t even look like the costumes in the 1983 TV show. The special effects are not only dated but aren’t even remotely as good as Krull from four years earlier. The plot is as thin as ‘they come to our world and have to get back’, and the characters are interchangeably bland. The most impressive costuming and effects are on Gwildor, the comic relief character, because his mouth moves in synch with his speech. If you’re going to watch an old, campy movie, just watch Krull instead.

Closest comparison: It’s like Super Mario Bros. (1993) with the special effects of the original Power Rangers TV show.

Setting: Fantasy meets Modern
Plot: Sci-fi
Tone: Campy action

Creed II - 3/5

Don’t get me wrong, this is still a good movie. It’s an interesting logical continuation of the story from Creed and is enjoyable to watch. It almost crested to a 4/5, but there are just too many plot points that never go anywhere and missed opportunities to have really great moments. All of the interesting camera work from the first installment is gone and the writing turns the story into a family drama. The acting is still good but without the subsance there’s no reason to see this movie over any other.