Amber Benson in "Gryphon"
courtesy of Sci Fi Channel
"Gryphon" (Sci Fi Channel)

The Sci Fi Channel has begun "Sci Fi Saturdays" which means the premiere of two original movies each month. These films will be "monster" movies of a sort and will be the type of fun films that used to be called "B Movies." The next one on the Sci Fi agenda is titled "Gryphon."

"Gryphon" takes place in medieval times and involves a wizard (Larry Drake) who conjures up a gryphon, which is a huge bird with razor sharp talons. The wizard wants to take over two kingdoms that have been at war with each other.

A Prince (Jonathan LaPaglia) leads one kingdom and a Princess (Amber Benson) leads the other. Although they are basically at war with each other they drop their hostilities to fight a common enemy - the wizard. To vanquish him they must undergo all sorts of horrible adventures in hopes of finding a mace like instrument with which the wizard can be killed. Meanwhile the gryphon is terrorizing everyone.

All of this is not enjoyable in the least unless you see the humor in it. And there is humor to be seen. First off is watching Larry Drake go completely over the top as the wizard. He does everything but roll his eyes, and maybe he does that too. He has two sidekicks and they are buxom beauties who must have taken acting lessons at "stars r us." He's funny, they're funny, and they all help make the movie funny.

Secondly, the language in this movie switches from medieval to modern at the drop of a hat. You are back in olden times and then something completely modern is said. It's a hoot! I have to think this switchabout is intentional for it does make the film better.

Thirdly, catch the passion between LaPaglia and Benson. That was sarcastic since there is none. Never have two actors looked less interested in each other. LaPaglia seems more interested in the gryphon than in the Princess.

So settle back and go for the humor in this "monster" movie. The special effects are "D" level, the acting is "C" level; but the humor is "B+" level. It makes it all worth watching.

So tune in for Sci Fi Saturdays and watch movies like "Gryphon." This one premieres Saturday, January 27 at 9PM on the Sci Fi Channel.
 

 

 

 

 

©2007 Jackie K. Cooper

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