Cult-Tastic: Warrior Women

The Arena (1973) / The Hot Box (1972) / The Barbarian Queen (1985) / TNT Jackson (1974) / Silk (1986) / The Sisterhood (1988) / Caged Heat (1974) 

The Arena (1973) Sharp tale of ancient Rome, with Pam Grier and Margaret Markov as female gladiators leading the rebellion and fighting a way to freedom. Persuasive production values, visceral action sequences and fluid widescreen visuals aided by an effective score.

The Hot Box (1972) Equal parts bluntly effective action drama alternates with awkward production and performances as four nurses are kidnapped by freedom fighters and end up fighting for the revolution. Explosions and the final river battle divert interest.

The Barbarian Queen (1985) Luridly misogynistic or feminist empowerment, the argument of perspective is more interesting than the film itself. Lana Clarkson seeks revenge and to rescue her sister, a journey punctuated by bouts of violence but little humor or involvement.

TNT Jackson (1974) Though never exactly dull, a murkily made slice of blaxploitation and female empowerment that never really involves or amuses. Remembered for a topless fight, Jeannie Bell embodies the 70s groove and of course won the first (and only) Ebony Fist award!

Silk (1986) There's an interesting character buried in the narrative shakiness and dreary filmmaking, a female variant on Dirty Harry, portrayed with fierce intensity by Cec Verrell. The story is throwaway but provides actions and explosions.  An inferior Silk 2 (1989) recast and added nudity.

The Sisterhood (1988) Dystopian action that infuses its desolate landscapes and explosive fights with an intriguing setup as the primal, ruling male society is threatened by women with intuitive, natural powers. Thematically confused, yet the potential resonates.

Caged Heat (1974) With its wild mix of the bracingly surreal, bluntly violent and surprisingly comic, a defiantly constructed women in prison movie, yet made with cinematic flair both visually and aurally. Jonathan Demme's directorial debut is gratuitous and good fun.