Needless to say that I had never actually heard about this 2008 TV movie titled "Cyclops" prior to stumbling upon it by random chance here in 2024. And being familiar with the mythological creature, the cyclops, of course I opted to watch the movie. Sure, I wasn't really expecting a whole lot from it, given the somewhat dubious cover.
And then I saw that it was starring Eric Roberts, and my expectations went from slim to none.
Writer Frances Doel put together a fair enough script. It was a pretty straight forward storyline and it actually made for adequate enough entertainment. Sure, it wasn't stellar entertainment, but it was sufficient enough for a single viewing if you enjoy fantasy movies.
The acting performances in "Cyclops" were good. I was only familiar with Eric Roberts in the movie, and you know what you get from his acting. While I wasn't familiar with the rest of the cast, I will say that there were some good performances that helped to carry the movie.
Something that worked out well in the movie was the sets, costumes and props. It definitely looked like a movie set in ancient rome, and the costumes were really great. However, while the costumes were great, they were all just a tad too new and in mint condition. I would assume that commoners and slaves would have worn weathered garments with wear and tear, but oddly enough, everyone in the movie wore costumes and clothes that looked like they were straight and fresh out of the factory. It was a shame, because it made the production feel a bit amateurish. Some dirt and some wear and tear on the costumes would have added a lot of authentism to the movie.
The CGI animated cyclops creature in the movie was atrocious to look at. It looked like rejected CGI graphics from a 1990s computer game. It was really horrible to look at. Sure, the intention was good, but the CGI budget could have benefitted from a more handsome handout, or perhaps more skilled people working on the graphics. The texture of the cyclops felt incomplete and too smooth and shiny.
Oddly enough, there was a surprising amount of visceral gore and mayhem in the movie. Which definitely surprised me, because I wasn't expecting that from a TV movie with Eric Roberts in it.
"Cyclops" is a movie that is suitable for a single viewing if you like cheesy fantasy movies.
Funny fact here, you could actually watch "Cyclops" with just one eye, limited attention span, on the screen and still keep up with the events and happenings on the screen.
My rating of director Declan O'Brien's 2008 TV movie "Cyclops" lands on a three out of ten stars.
