After Parasite 3D was a moderate success, Charles Band wanted to make another 3D movie, but in a different genre. At the time, post-apocalyptic movies set in the desert were popular following the success of The Road Warrior. Also, numerous sci-fi epics were released to capitalize on Star Wars, including Krull and Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone. With this in mind, Band decided to combine elements of both to create a new 3D sci-fi epic adventure. In true Charles Band fashion, he raised funding by preselling the film to investors based on a concept and poster. After getting a budget together, they started their three-week shoot at Vasquez Rocks, one of the most famous filming locations. Charles Band was able to get distribution through Universal, who wanted another 3D film to release after Jaws 3D. Finally, August of 1983 saw the release of Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn.
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Synopsis
On the desert planet Lemuria, ranger Dogen (Jeffrey Byron) is tracking down the intergalactic sorcerer Jared-Syn (Michael Preston). He meets local miner Dhyana (Kelly Preston), who witnessed her father be murdered by Jared-Syn’s son Baal (R. David Smith). She teams up with Dogen to hunt down Jared-Syn, but she gets kidnapped after Dogen is paralyzed by Baal. Soon, Dogen meets Rhodes (Tim Thomerson), a washed-up soldier who reluctantly agrees to help him in his quest. Turns out to defeat Jared-Syn, they must find a crystal mask used by an ancient race called the Cyclopians. They find the mask, only to be ambushed by nomads known as “One-Eyes” led by Hurok (Richard Moll). After challenging Dogen to a duel and losing, Hurok agrees to help him take on Jared-Syn and his forces. It’s high noon at the end of the universe as Dogen must rescue Dhyana and defeat Jared-Syn!
Review
Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn, on top of having a great title, is an enjoyable if somewhat derivative sci-fi adventure. While you can clearly tell what movies they’re taking elements from, they uniquely use them to create their own story. They essentially took the post-apocalyptic look of The Road Warrior and mixed it with elements of sci-fi fantasy films. You’ve got the leather-clad hero, the desert landscape, the vehicles made of recycled parts, and numerous car stunts. Said leather-clad hero is played by Jeffrey Byron, who brings plenty of charisma and likability to the role. Michael Preston makes for a great villain and is taking the otherwise ridiculous material seriously, giving a solid performance. Tim Thomerson, who later starred in the Empire classic Trancers, delivers the same wit and sarcastic attitude he’s known for. As soon as he arrives, the film picks up significantly and becomes much more entertaining.
Richard Moll gives a very stern and imposing performance as the one-eyed Hurok, though he doesn’t have much screentime. The late Kelly Preston works as the love interest Dhyana, though her and Byron’s romance comes almost out of nowhere. Admittedly, the pacing is a bit sluggish, as there are tons of scenes consisting of characters either driving or walking. Plus, the plot can be somewhat hard to follow at times, especially since not much of what’s happening is explained. The action picks up in the second half, and at slightly over 80 minutes, the film never overstays its welcome. For the budget they had, many of the creature designs are impressive, though some of the composites haven’t aged well. There are some fun 3D sequences and Richard Band’s score adds to the film’s sense of fun and adventure. Overall, Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn works as fun ’80s sci-fi cheese.
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