Sheena (1984), directed by John Guillermin and starring Tanya Roberts, Ted Wass, and Doug McClure, is a film that straddles the line between adventure fantasy and unintentional comedy, making it a quintessential “awesome terrible” movie. From the very first frame, it’s clear that Sheena is a film that takes itself seriously while presenting a story so absurd, over-the-top, and occasionally ridiculous that it is impossible not to be entertained. A combination of jungle adventure, campy dialogue, and over-the-top performances creates a viewing experience that is simultaneously fascinating, bewildering, and laughably entertaining.
The plot centers on Sheena (Tanya Roberts), a woman raised in the African jungle who possesses the strength, agility, and innate ability to communicate with animals. She is the quintessential “jungle warrior,” swinging from vines, fighting poachers, and defending the wildlife she calls her family. When a corporate villain—portrayed by Ted Wass—attempts to exploit the jungle for profit, Sheena springs into action, deploying her athletic prowess and jungle know-how to stop him. The narrative is straightforward but delivered with such melodramatic earnestness that every fight, chase, and encounter feels simultaneously epic and absurd.
Tanya Roberts’ portrayal of Sheena is the film’s centerpiece. Roberts brings charisma, energy, and athleticism to the role, navigating jungle acrobatics, sword fights, and melodramatic monologues with a combination of skill and unintentional humor. Her performance is heightened by the campy dialogue and occasionally awkward romantic tension, creating moments that are funny, thrilling, and occasionally cringe-worthy. Roberts embodies Sheena with a confident, almost absurd dedication that perfectly matches the movie’s tone, making her both compelling and unintentionally hilarious.
Ted Wass plays the corporate villain with a level of seriousness that only amplifies the movie’s absurdity. His attempts at menacing authority, suave villainy, and calculated scheming often come across as exaggerated and over-the-top, creating comedic tension when paired against Sheena’s jungle prowess. The contrast between Wass’ stiff villainy and the chaotic jungle action generates a level of charm that elevates the film’s “awesome terrible” identity. His performance is a masterclass in unintentional comedy, demonstrating how tone and context can turn dramatic seriousness into entertainment gold.
Doug McClure, as a guide and occasional romantic interest, adds another layer to the film’s chaotic energy. McClure’s earnestness and occasional overacting provide comedic relief while also grounding some of the story’s more outlandish elements. Together with Roberts and Wass, he forms a dynamic trio that drives the narrative, blending romance, action, and absurdity in equal measure. The supporting cast as a whole contributes to the mayhem, embracing the ridiculous scenarios with dedication and energy.
One of the most memorable aspects of Sheena is its action sequences. Jungle fights, chase scenes, and daring escapes are staged with maximal chaos and minimal regard for realism. Sheena swings from vines, dodges bullets, and fights poachers with exaggerated flair, often in ways that defy logic and physics. While some sequences might feel unintentionally humorous due to awkward stunt work or overzealous choreography, they also showcase Roberts’ commitment to physical performance and the film’s willingness to embrace absurdity. The action is thrilling, ridiculous, and endlessly entertaining.
The humor in Sheena is largely unintentional, arising from dialogue, plot contrivances, and over-the-top performances. Lines that are meant to be serious or romantic often land as hilariously awkward, while the sheer improbability of certain jungle scenarios—Sheena taming wild animals, performing near-impossible acrobatics, and outsmarting villains at every turn—creates comedy gold. Even the film’s attempt at romance, with Sheena and McClure’s character, is filled with moments of melodrama and cringe-worthy tension that make the film endlessly watchable.
Visually, the film embraces the lush and exaggerated setting of the jungle. Exotic landscapes, dense foliage, and elaborate sets combine to create a world that is simultaneously beautiful and slightly ridiculous. Costumes, particularly Sheena’s iconic jungle outfit, amplify the fantasy aspect, emphasizing her role as an exaggerated, almost mythic, jungle heroine. The animals, both real and occasionally awkwardly staged, add to the sense of absurdity while reinforcing the film’s adventurous tone. Even the film’s use of practical effects, from staged fights to environmental hazards, contributes to the chaotic charm.
Narratively, Sheena is fast-paced and often chaotic. The story moves quickly from one scenario to the next, escalating tension, danger, and absurdity in rapid succession. Villains scheme, jungle animals intervene, and Sheena responds with a mix of athleticism and improvisation that feels both thrilling and hilariously improbable. This rapid pacing ensures that the audience is rarely bored, keeping viewers engaged in a whirlwind of action, melodrama, and unintentional comedy.
The film also leans heavily into melodrama, particularly in moments of romance and confrontation. Characters deliver lines with utmost seriousness, even in the midst of impossible circumstances, creating a tension between intent and execution that defines the “awesome terrible” tone. The dialogue, often stilted and exaggerated, contributes to the hilarity, turning moments that were intended to be serious into unintentionally funny highlights. These dramatic exaggerations elevate the film from a standard adventure flick to a delightfully ridiculous spectacle.
Supporting characters, from local guides to hapless henchmen, add layers of chaotic energy. Their overacting, improbable decisions, and reactions to Sheena’s jungle heroics amplify the absurdity of the story. Scenes involving henchmen attempting to outsmart Sheena are often staged with maximal silliness, combining pratfalls, exaggerated expressions, and unlikely scenarios that push the film further into “so bad it’s awesome” territory. The ensemble cast, knowingly or unknowingly, elevates every scene with their commitment to exaggerated performance.
Thematically, Sheena explores classic adventure motifs: the triumph of good over evil, man versus nature, and the power of courage and determination. However, these themes are delivered through a lens of exaggerated melodrama, improbable action, and chaotic narrative choices. The film never questions its own logic, instead prioritizing spectacle, absurdity, and entertainment. This approach allows viewers to enjoy a film that is both ridiculous and thrilling, balancing jungle adventure with unintentional comedy.
The soundtrack, a mix of dramatic orchestral swells and occasionally cheesy motifs, further underscores the film’s tone. Music punctuates action sequences, heightens tension, and amplifies comedic beats, contributing to the manic energy of the film. The combination of exaggerated musical cues with over-the-top performances creates a viewing experience that is chaotic, entertaining, and uniquely memorable.
While Sheena is undeniably flawed—its dialogue is occasionally laughable, special effects are low-budget, and narrative logic is inconsistent—these imperfections are inseparable from its charm. The film’s audacity, energetic performances, and commitment to over-the-top scenarios make it endlessly watchable. Its flaws are features, turning a potentially forgettable jungle adventure into a cult favorite of “awesome terrible” cinema.
The film’s enduring appeal lies in its unapologetic embrace of absurdity. Every fight, chase, and dramatic monologue contributes to a world where jungle fantasy and ridiculous over-the-top performances reign supreme. Tanya Roberts’ performance anchors the chaos, giving audiences someone to root for amidst the implausible action and melodrama. Her charisma and physicality elevate the film, making even the most absurd sequences entertaining.
Ultimately, Sheena is a film of contradictions. It is melodramatic yet hilarious, thrilling yet ridiculous, chaotic yet strangely structured. The combination of Roberts’ jungle heroics, Ted Wass’ over-the-top villainy, and a supporting cast committed to exaggeration creates a film that is both bewildering and delightful. Every element, from low-budget effects to improbable plot twists, reinforces the film’s identity as an “awesome terrible” movie: flawed, chaotic, and endlessly entertaining.
For viewers willing to embrace absurdity, jungle chaos, and melodramatic adventure, Sheena offers a viewing experience that is both hilarious and unforgettable. It is a film that entertains precisely because it refuses to take itself too seriously, delivering a whirlwind of action, comedy, and unintentional hilarity that is uniquely captivating. The combination of improbable plot, exaggerated performances, and chaotic energy ensures that the movie remains a cult favorite among fans of “so bad it’s good” cinema.
This post has already been read 31 times!
