BK,
I haven't seen ISHTAR in years.
I saw it on home video...not in the theater.
Certainly it's no "classic"...but (its budget aside) I don't recall it being the total disaster that you and most of the critics claim it to be.
Thinking back, I thought there were a few very funny moments in the picture.
Bottom line: the movie, I thought, was just okay...not good...but not that bad either.
I had a similar reaction to HEAVEN'S GATE.
Both films have their individual problems, but they are also both "watchable," and somewhat entertaining.
I think the problem with these overly expensive pictures is that, with the huge amounts of money they cost and the talent involved, "great" things are expected.
That doesn't always happen.
I wonder how a person who does not know the history of ISHTAR and HEAVEN''S GATE would view them today.