John Milius' direction was outstanding in the first. That's what made that movie what it is, imo, and the Basil Poledoiris' legendary score. I really don't think Destroyer's story was any better than the 2011 film.
I totally agree. John Milius' writing and direction in
Barbarian were damn near perfect. Sure he strayed from RE Howard's original stories somewhat (mostly with Conan's origins) but because it was my introduction to the character (I'd never read any Conan novels or comics before I saw this movie) I never really cared. The story they told, and the music that went with it, were all superbly done.
Destroyer was far weaker, mostly thanks to its PG rating. Also, if
Barbarian somewhat strayed from the original stories,
Destroyer was so far off the beaten track that it hardly resembles a Conan film at all. Making Queen Taramis an evil b**ch (Taramis was a good benevolent queen, it was her identical twin sister who was the evil b**ch). Making The Heart of Aroman a key to a secret treasure (originally it was a powerful artifact capable of raising the dead). Making Thoth-Amon the guardian of the key (he was originally one of Conan's most feared and powerful mortal enemies), and having him die so easily (the key could have been guarded by an iron golem just as effectively). Zula being written as a woman (the character was even a man in the cartoon for Christ sake).
However, even with everything that's wrong with
Destroyer, I have to admit that it is good cheesy fun. And the score from the second film is almost as good as the first (it should be, it was composed by the same guy).
The Jason Mamoa one though? A good effort, but it just didn't really click the way the 1982 movie does. Too much emphasis on CGI and wire fighting, not enough on good compelling story telling. Plus, much of the film was kinda boring. I was never bored with either of Arnie's Conan movies. Disappointed in the second one maybe, but never bored.
