Photo courtesy of MCA films Monica Bellucci plays the mysterious courtesan Sylvia in the Universal Focus film "Brotherhood of the Wolf" (Le Pacte Des Loups) in theaters today.

So you're caught up by the "Lord of the Rings" frenzy? Unable to wait an entire year for another exciting tale of fantastic lands, fabulous creatures and heroic swordplay? Need more, now? Well, you could always head to the library and read the book. Naw, just kidding. Instead, why not check out one of the literally hundreds of fantasy-adventure films Hollywood has produced. Here are just few selections to tickle your fancy. The cheesy dialogue and cheap special effects are more likely to make you laugh than to take your breath away, but at least you'll appreciate the next "Rings" flick even more.

- Surreal, brooding and bloody, director John Boorman's "Excalibur" (1981) is almost certainly the best version of the King Arthur legend to be put to film. Poor pacing and a convoluted plot, however, make it worth watching as much for the future celebrities it features - Liam Neeson in his first movie appearance and "Star Trek's" Patrick Stewart when he still had hair - as for its entertainment value.

- Speaking of entertainment, what could be more fun than a glowering Arnold Schwarzenegger decked out in horned helmet and breechcloth, facing off against an evil warlord named "Thulsa Doom?" That's the premise of "Conan the Barbarian" (1982), featuring Arnie as the brawny title character. Schwarzenegger couldn't speak English yet, but you don't rent a movie about barbarians for the dialogue, do you?

- The success of "Conan" spawned dozens of imitations, far more stupid than their inspiration. Filmed by an Italian porno director, "Ator the Blademaster" (1983) is one of the stupidest. "Ator" has a lot in common with porn in terms of production values and acting quality, but is not actually pornographic. It is, however, a whole lot of fun. Count how many times the same set is reused, or check out the pie plate the female character wears as armor. Best when viewed with alcohol in reach.

Happy renting!