Mythic Physique Goliath___the

I grew up watching Sword & Sandal epics. And they shaped my psyche in powerful ways. Watching Goliath and the Dragon was a trip down memory lane to the very roots of my life's endeavors.

Goliath (Mark Forest) is the Protector of Grecian Thebes, a hero who faithfully serves the God of Vengeance and the Goddess of the Four Winds. His final quest, to find the mysterious Blood Diamond and place it in the stony brow of his demanding deity, has been completed... he's even defeated a sluggish Cerberus. Goliath is now free to settle down with his beloved Thea and enjoy the rest of his life.

But such happy ever afters are not the lot of the gods' chosen instruments. Eurytus (Broderick Crawford), a gruff neighboring king who sports a scar and has a gangster's demeanor, killed Goliath's parents... and now he wants to bring our hero to his knees - literally.

Manipulating Illus, Goliath's younger brother, into hating his heroic sibling is just part of Eurytus' evil plan. He sends a centaur to kidnap Goliath's wife. Our hero appeals to the gods in his time of need, but they lend a deaf ear! Goliath renounces the ungrateful gods and declares himself their enemy.

Mythic mayhem follows, walls and pillars are toppled, armies and monsters defeated. Goliath braves the stomping feet of enraged elephants, the perils of Eurytus' Horror Cave and even a fire breathing dragon that is sometimes clearly clay...

This Sword & Sandal epic contains the best elements the genre has to offer, including such tried and true cliches as a comical midget (named Antonius) and the obligatory cast of costumed thousands.

True love triumphs in the end, and the worthy (including brave Alcinoe) are redeemed.

Review by Hercules Invictus