THE RAIDERS OF ATLANTIS (1983)
aka I predatori di Atlantide
Article 5041 by Dave Sindelar
Date: 1-6-2016
Directed by Ruggero Deodato
Featuring Christopher Connelly, Gloia Scola, Tony King
Country: Italy / Philippines
What it is: Action smorgasbord

The raising of a downed Russian nuclear sub accidentally causes Atlantis to rise from the sea, and a pair of former Vietnam Vets must do battle with descendants of the Atlanteans which mean to rid the world of its current residents.

So this is what Ruggero Deodato makes when he isn’t working on Italian cannibal films! The tagline reads ” Action Unlike Any This Side of MAD MAX and RAMBO!” The Rambo connection comes from the fact that this is an action film featuring Vietnam veterans, and the Mad Max connection comes from the fact that the Atlantean descendants look like refugees from THE ROAD WARRIOR. When you finally get to Atlantis you’ll know why the title has the word RAIDERS in it as well. The overall rating for this one on IMDB is 4.7, but if you check the distribution of ratings, you’ll find they’re equally spaced all over the board. It’s easy to see why; if you just love nonstop action, you’ll probably love this movie. On the other hand, if you’re allergic to cliches and sheer dumbness, you’ll break out in hives. I am a bit taken with the fact that the story is a big mish-mash of unexpected elements; if it hangs together at all, it’s by the movie’s clear focus on being a big, dumb action flick. Beyond that, I can’t help but note that despite all the bizarre punk-like costumes of the Atlantean descendants, about the only thing they show any talent for is lining themselves up to be mowed down in quick succession. The movie is probably best enjoyed if you just don’t ask any questions.