Beastmaster 2 Through the Portal of Time ( 1991 )

Beastmaster 2: Through the Portal of Time - A Retrospective Look

Released in 1991, Beastmaster 2: Through the Portal of Time is a sequel to the cult classic The Beastmaster (1982). While the original is remembered fondly for its fantasy elements and Marc Singer's iconic performance as Dar, the sequel took a decidedly different approach, venturing into the realms of time travel and modern-day Los Angeles. This shift in tone and setting divided audiences and critics alike, leading to a film often remembered more for its oddities than its merits. This article delves into the plot, characters, production, reception, and enduring legacy of Beastmaster 2, examining why it holds a unique, albeit controversial, place in the Beastmaster franchise.

Plot Summary

The story begins in the familiar landscape of Dar's world, now plagued by an advanced, laser-wielding, water-stealing menace led by Arklon, Dar's half-brother (also played by Marc Singer). Arklon, driven by ambition and a desire to overthrow their father's legacy, discovers a time portal leading to modern-day Los Angeles. He travels through it, intending to acquire a neutron bomb to destroy Dar's world and seize power.

Dar, sensing the threat to his people and driven by his bond with the animals, follows Arklon through the portal. He arrives in a bewildering and unfamiliar world, where he encounters Jackie Trent (Kari Wührer), an electronics expert working for the shady tycoon Limepon. Jackie initially mistakes Dar for a dangerous vagrant, but soon learns about his true identity and his mission to stop Arklon.

The film then becomes a fish-out-of-water story, as Dar, accompanied by his loyal ferrets, navigates the urban jungle of Los Angeles. He struggles to understand modern technology, customs, and even the concept of money. Jackie assists him in understanding this strange new world, providing him with clothes, shelter, and, most importantly, technological knowledge to combat Arklon.

Arklon, meanwhile, quickly adapts to the modern world, utilizing his advanced weaponry and ruthlessness to locate the neutron bomb. He manipulates Limepon and uses him to further his plans. Dar and Jackie face numerous challenges in their pursuit of Arklon, including navigating bureaucratic red tape, dealing with skeptical authorities, and confronting Arklon's henchmen. The climax involves a confrontation between Dar and Arklon at Limepon's headquarters, where Dar uses his Beastmaster abilities, combined with Jackie's technological expertise, to defeat Arklon and destroy the neutron bomb, saving both his world and potentially Earth from a catastrophic explosion.

Characters

The characters in Beastmaster 2 are crucial to understanding the film's narrative and its departure from the original.

Dar: Marc Singer reprises his role as Dar, but this time he's transported to a drastically different environment. He retains his heroic qualities and connection to animals, but his unfamiliarity with modern technology and customs creates both comedic moments and challenges. The film explores his adaptability and resourcefulness in a world vastly different from his own.

Arklon: Also played by Marc Singer, Arklon is a more complex villain than the antagonists of the first film. He's not just driven by a desire for power, but also by a sense of resentment towards Dar and their father. His quick adaptation to the modern world highlights his intelligence and ruthlessness.

Jackie Trent: Kari Wührer's Jackie is a capable and independent woman who provides a much-needed counterpoint to Dar's naivete. She's intelligent, resourceful, and serves as Dar's guide and ally in the unfamiliar landscape of Los Angeles. Her technical skills are essential to thwarting Arklon's plans.

Limepon: Wings Hauser portrays Limepon as a caricature of a corrupt businessman. He's greedy, self-serving, and easily manipulated, representing the darker aspects of modern society. His involvement underscores the film's commentary on the potential dangers of unchecked technological advancement and corporate greed.

Production

The production of Beastmaster 2 was marked by a lower budget and a different creative vision compared to the original. The film was directed by Sylvio Tabet, replacing Don Coscarelli, who directed the first film. This change in direction contributed to the shift in tone and setting.

The lower budget meant that the special effects were less impressive than in the original film, and the action sequences were often more reliant on practical effects and stunt work. The decision to set the film in modern-day Los Angeles was likely influenced by budgetary constraints, as it allowed for the use of existing locations and avoided the need to create elaborate fantasy sets. However, this decision also contributed to the film's departure from the fantasy genre.

The screenplay, written by R.J. Robertson and Jim Wynorski, embraced a more comedic and satirical tone. The film incorporated elements of science fiction, action, and fish-out-of-water comedy, creating a blend that was both unconventional and divisive. The dialogue was often intentionally cheesy and self-aware, further contributing to the film's unique character.

Reception

Beastmaster 2: Through the Portal of Time received largely negative reviews upon its release. Critics criticized the film's plot, special effects, acting, and overall tone. The shift from a fantasy setting to modern-day Los Angeles was seen as a betrayal of the original film's spirit, and the comedic elements were often deemed to be forced and unfunny.

Many reviewers found the plot to be convoluted and nonsensical, with plot holes and inconsistencies throughout. The low-budget special effects were also a frequent target of criticism, particularly when compared to the original film. Marc Singer's performance was generally seen as adequate, but Kari Wührer's portrayal of Jackie Trent was often criticized for being wooden and unconvincing. Wings Hauser's over-the-top performance as Limepon was seen as either hilarious or grating, depending on the viewer's perspective.

Despite the negative reviews, Beastmaster 2 did manage to find a small cult following. Some viewers appreciated the film's campy humor, self-aware dialogue, and overall absurdity. They saw it as a guilty pleasure, a film that was so bad it was good. Others were simply intrigued by the novelty of seeing Dar, the Beastmaster, navigating the streets of Los Angeles.

Themes and Interpretations

Despite its flaws, Beastmaster 2 can be interpreted through several thematic lenses.

Clash of Cultures: The film explores the clash between Dar's primitive world and the technological advancements of modern society. Dar's struggles to understand and adapt to this new environment highlight the potential pitfalls of unchecked technological progress and the importance of preserving traditional values.

Good vs. Evil: The conflict between Dar and Arklon represents the classic battle between good and evil. Arklon's ruthlessness and ambition stand in stark contrast to Dar's compassion and dedication to protecting his people and the animals under his care.

Adaptability and Resilience: Dar's journey in Beastmaster 2 is a testament to his adaptability and resilience. Despite being thrust into an unfamiliar and hostile environment, he manages to learn, adapt, and ultimately overcome the challenges he faces. This theme resonates with audiences facing their own personal struggles and challenges.

Environmentalism: While not overtly stated, the film touches upon themes of environmentalism. Arklon's plan to steal water from Dar's world and Limepon's corrupt business practices suggest the potential for human greed to damage the environment. Dar's connection to nature and his desire to protect his world from destruction can be seen as a subtle endorsement of environmental responsibility.

Legacy

Beastmaster 2: Through the Portal of Time holds a unique and somewhat contradictory place in the Beastmaster franchise. It is widely considered to be the weakest entry in the series, but it also possesses a certain charm and notoriety that has allowed it to endure over the years. Its departure from the fantasy genre and its embrace of campy humor have made it a cult favorite for some, while others continue to view it as a disappointing sequel.

The film's impact on the Beastmaster franchise is undeniable. It demonstrated the willingness to experiment with different genres and settings, even if the results were not always successful. While subsequent Beastmaster projects, such as the television series, attempted to recapture the tone and atmosphere of the original film, Beastmaster 2 remains a curious and memorable anomaly.

Ultimately, Beastmaster 2: Through the Portal of Time is a film that is best appreciated for what it is: a low-budget, campy, and often ridiculous adventure that dares to take the Beastmaster out of his element and into the modern world. While it may not be a cinematic masterpiece, it is certainly a memorable and entertaining film that continues to provoke discussion and debate among fans of the Beastmaster franchise.

Comparison Table: Beastmaster (1982) vs. Beastmaster 2 (1991)