MajorMercyFlush

7/10

Ronal Barbaren had been on my radar for some time waiting for what I hoped was a serviceable English dub (did I mention that it’s Danish? No? It’s Danish). The trailer painted it as a comedy full of visual and slapstick gags and I didn’t want to be flicking eyes up and down to the bottom of the screen reading and missing punch lines. I saw the trailer again a couple of weeks ago and just couldn’t wait any longer. Ok, here we go... Ronal Barbaren (Ronal the Barbarian) is a 3D animated film from the people that brought you things you’ve probably never heard of nor seen (unless you’re Danish in which case, touché). Ronal is a Barbarian, he’s just not a very good one. Missing out on but a drop of the life blood that gave The Barbarians their strength and prowess (“Boobs, Balls and Muscles” as the tag line proclaims), he is weak and puny and the others find him rather tiresome. Left on watch, catastrophe strikes and Ronal must test his mettle and save his tribe from the evil Lord Volcazar. The story treads the well worn trail of an unlikely hero who finds his inner strength to save the day, but does so with bawdy humor bringing genuine laugh out loud moments. To aid him on his “It’s not a quest” Ronal has help from Alibert, an apprentice bard with a penchant for metal and babes, Zandra a busty shield maiden and Elric, an overly melodramatic elf. The characters all have their moments and all get laughs. The film doffs its hat at the swords and sandals of the 80’s like Conan and Red Sonia (Brigitte Neilson voices an Amazon Queen in this film), but also has many more obscure references I also enjoyed. I was going to try and make some comparison to Hollywood animated films, but have decided against it. There is no point comparing because they would never make this film in Hollywood, it doesn’t sit with their perceived demographic for animated features which is a shame because I think it would be quite liberating for them. Don’t go in expecting Pixar, these guys could never hope for that kind of budget; the film was made for about US$3 million which could make many dismiss it, but it would be their loss. If you aren’t convinced check out the International trailer (actually there are a couple), it’s a pretty good indication of what you are going to get. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jM-MnDGu7Dc Ronal Barbaren is a genuinely funny and light hearted romp full of the aforementioned “Boobs, Balls and Muscles” but the rest of the tagline “Fun for the whole family!” should probably be taken under advisement; teens and up. Should you wait for the eventual English dub? The subtitles often come thick and fast, particularly at the beginning, and there were a few times I was sitting with my finger on the remote to jump back and take in the full hilarity of a scene. The dub has apparently already been recorded but it has no release date as of yet while they look for an international distributor. Your call. Ronal is Totally Barbaric!! UPDATE: I've now watched the English dub and have to say I was sadly disappointed. Initially Ronal sounded a little too young but I got used to it. Elric could have sounded a little more melodramatic. Zandra is ok. The voice for Alibert however is horribly wrong; his instrument has skulls on it, we get the metal sign 2 minutes in, the land is called Metalonia... and they made him sound country. I can't recommend it based on him alone, he grated me from start to finish. Overall it just didn't have the energy of its native tongue and the film suffered for it. Weak dub.

kibasnowpaw

8/10

### An Epic, Tail-Wagging Triumph: Ronal the Barbarian (2011) Hey there, fellow cinephiles and furry enthusiasts! Kiba Snowpaw here, your favorite Ice Wolf and seasoned anime, movie, and series critic. Today, I’m here to tell you all about a wild ride through the whimsical world of "Ronal the Barbarian" (Ronal Barbaren), a 2011 Danish animated fantasy comedy! So, grab your popcorn, and let’s dive into the fantastical, furry-friendly realm of this cinematic gem. #### **A Howl-Worthy Plot** In the mystical land of Metalonia, Ronal, voiced by Anders Juul, is not your typical barbarian. While his tribe boasts muscles, might, and plenty of bravado, Ronal is...well, let’s just say he’s more of a soft paw in a world of iron claws. Lacking the brawn but making up for it with brains, Ronal is thrust into a perilous quest to rescue his captured tribe from the evil Lord Volcazar (voiced by Lars Mikkelsen). Picture this: a scrawny underdog with more heart than muscle, venturing through dangerous terrains, confronting menacing foes, and discovering the true strength that lies within. It’s like watching a fox kit turn into a mighty alpha! #### **Characters That Make You Howl with Laughter** Let’s talk about the colorful pack that joins Ronal on his quest. First, there’s Alibert (Hadi Ka-Koush), a bard in training with a love for metal music and babes—seriously, this guy is like if Jack Black’s Tenacious D character was dropped into a fantasy world. Then we have Zandra (Lærke Winther), a fierce shield-maiden who could give Xena a run for her money. And let’s not forget Elric (Brian Lykke), the overly melodramatic elf who adds a touch of flamboyant flair to the group. Each character is a delightful parody of classic fantasy tropes, and their interactions are pure comedic gold. You’ll find yourself laughing out loud at their antics and rooting for their success. #### **A Feast for the Eyes and Ears** The animation, for a film with a modest budget of $3 million, is surprisingly top-notch. The vibrant colors, detailed character designs, and fluid movements make every scene a visual treat. And let’s not forget the voice acting! The original Danish cast delivers their lines with perfect comedic timing, bringing each character to life in a way that’s both endearing and hilarious. The soundtrack, composed by Nicklas Schmidt, is a head-banging mix of epic orchestral scores and heavy metal riffs. It’s the perfect backdrop for a tale of barbarians, bards, and battles. #### **Action-Packed and Hilariously Over-the-Top** From the moment Ronal’s village is attacked by Volcazar’s army, the film kicks into high gear with non-stop action. There are epic battles, daring rescues, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. One of the highlights is a scene where Ronal, using an invisibility potion, attempts to sneak through enemy lines—only to realize it doesn’t cover his, uh, more intimate parts. It’s moments like these that make "Ronal the Barbarian" a joy to watch. #### **Heartwarming Themes Wrapped in Fur** Beneath all the humor and action, "Ronal the Barbarian" has a heartwarming message about finding your inner strength and embracing who you are. Ronal’s journey from a timid, self-doubting barbarian to a hero who saves his tribe is both inspiring and relatable. It’s a reminder that you don’t need to be the biggest or the strongest to make a difference—you just need courage, determination, and a little help from your friends. #### **A Howling Good Time for All Ages** While the film is packed with raunchy humor and innuendos that make it more suitable for teens and adults, it’s done in a way that’s cheeky rather than crude. The jokes are well-timed, the dialogue is witty, and the overall tone is light-hearted and fun. It’s a perfect flick for a movie night with friends or fellow furries looking for a good laugh. #### **Critically Acclaimed and Furry Approved** "Ronal the Barbarian" may not have been a box office hit, but it has garnered a cult following among fans of animated fantasy comedies. Its unique blend of humor, action, and heartfelt moments make it a standout film that deserves more recognition. Critics have praised its clever writing, engaging characters, and impressive animation. It’s a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s part of its charm. Whether you’re a fan of fantasy, comedy, or just looking for a good time, "Ronal the Barbarian" delivers in spades. #### **Final Thoughts** In a world where animated films often stick to safe, family-friendly fare, "Ronal the Barbarian" is a breath of fresh air. It’s daring, funny, and full of heart—a perfect blend of adventure and comedy that will leave you grinning from ear to ear. So, if you’re looking for a movie that’s as wild and free-spirited as a wolf running through the snow, give "Ronal the Barbarian" a watch. You won’t be disappointed! And remember, as the tagline says, "Babes, balls, and muscles in 3D for the whole family!"—well, maybe not the whole family, but definitely for those who appreciate a good laugh and a rollicking adventure. Until next time, keep your tails wagging and your spirits high!