Deathstalker (1983): Is it supposed to be bad? 🤔

Okay, so I finally got around to watching Deathstalker (1983). And...wow. Just wow. I went in expecting Conan-lite, but I think even Conan's loincloth would blush at some of this stuff. I mean, the dialogue? Sheesh. When Deathstalker says, "I live to kill and kill to live," I swear I actually felt my brain cells committing seppuku. And the acting...oof. Richard Hill as Deathstalker looks like he's trying REALLY hard, but mostly just ends up looking constipated. It's almost mesmerizingly bad, like a train wreck you can't look away from. But here's my theory: is it supposed to be this… special? I mean, some of the scenes, like the "arena" fight with the hilariously unconvincing monsters, are so over-the-top that it almost feels intentional. Like, are they winking at the audience? I'm not saying it's good in a traditional sense. It's definitely no Excalibur or even The Beastmaster. But maybe it's aiming for that "so bad it's good" territory? I'm not sure, it's the kind of film where you need to watch it with a bunch of friends and some adult beverages. Speaking of beverage, anyone else notice how the chalice that Deathstalker is supposed to get looks like something they picked up from a 99 cent store? He could have found a better chalice at the dollar store! The pacing is also wild. One minute they're trekking through the desert, the next they're in a torture chamber, then suddenly there's a full-blown tournament happening. It's like the script was written on the back of a napkin during a particularly heavy metal concert. The only real redeeming thing is Lana Clarkson. She's clearly above the material, but she rocks the "kicking ass and taking names" vibe. But...it all adds to my theory, right? Nobody could have made a competent film with the material. So, what do you guys think? Is Deathstalker a genuine stinker, or a misunderstood masterpiece of cheesy sword-and-sorcery? Is it "What is Best in Life?" Or worst? I'm genuinely curious to hear other peoples perspectives here! "Is it death you want?" (Deathstalker line) because if so, watch it with a group? Let me know!