Plot Details: This opinion reveals major details about the movie's plot.

SUMMARY

The lovely Lana Clarkson returns in 1989's Barbarian Queen 2: The Empress Strikes Back. This is closer to a remake than a sequel to 1985's Barbarian Queen. Clarkson plays a different (but similar) character named Princess Athalia, whose kingdom is taken from her by her evil brother Ankaris. She must recruit a band of warriors to overthrow her brother and recapture the throne.


HIGHLIGHTS

Mud wrestling. Takes place 14 minutes into the movie. Athalia gets into a heated argument with the female leader of a village. Next thing you know, they're rolling around in the mud like a couple of happy hogs, pulling hair and ripping each other's tops off while the rest of the village watches in awe. Who knew that this would inspire WWE women's matches years afterward? Finally, our heroine delivers a mighty knockout blow to end it. Topless but victorious, Athalia then grabs a barrel of water and dumps it on the loser, which of course revives her instantly. Winner in the best right hook and best breasts categories, Athalia!

Torture on the rack. Takes place 43 minutes into the movie. Fans of the first film, rejoice, for the torture rack has returned! The filmmakers recognized what made the first Barbarian Queen a hit with moviegoers, and they've delivered the goods in Part 2. The scene begins with Athalia captured and tied, arms stretched overhead, to an upright torture rack. But what's this, she's fully clothed? This can't be! Hofrax the torturer knows what the audience wants, though, and he soon has our heroine's breasts fully displayed in all their naked glory. "What an awesomely disgusting sight," he says as he stares at the ample bosom before him. Whatever, dude. Moments later they are joined by the king's young daughter, who asks if she can watch. Yes, even little girls like to watch topless women being tortured. This one goes so far as to say, "I'm going to like this part when I'm queen." The girl has potential, indeed! Meanwhile, Hofrax continues to taunt Athalia and occasionally pulls a lever that, though it isn't made clear how, causes the rack to inflict pain to her. She screams and groans, but remains defiant throughout. Eventually the rack is lowered horizontally inches above a bed of spikes, but now we only see Athalia from the neck up, with the torturer and little girl leaning into the picture as well. You can tell that she really isn't suspended over the spikes, she's just leaning into the picture like everyone else. The filmmakers really dropped the ball here.

Back on the rack. Takes place 49 minutes into the movie. Athalia has miraculously escaped the bed of spikes only to be recaptured and thrown back into the dungeon, thanks to the king's daughter. As the scene begins, she's tied, arms stretched overhead, to the upright rack. Apparently, a long session of torture has taken place that we didn't get to see, for she has once again been stripped topless, is a bit sweaty, and now looks very tired. (Poor woman! Every time she gets her top on, somebody comes along and rips it right back off.) Hofrax walks into view and begins the usual questioning/taunting. Athalia is silent other than to stick out her chest and gasp, "Someday, someone will come and stop you." No torture this time, though. Just another nice, long look at Lana's breasts. What a trooper.


FINAL WORD

If you're looking for a cheesy sword and sorcery flick, this one will satisfy your appetite quite nicely, especially if you liked the original Barbarian Queen. As for the T&A department, the rest of the cast doesn't show much, but this is easily balanced out by Lana Clarkson's numerous topless scenes. So, don't wait any longer, go check this movie out!


Related review:
Barbarian Queen

Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Better than Watching TV
Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age