Review of Conan the Barbarian (2011) by Scott E — 02 Aug 2012

I liked the film. I really did. The obvious comparisons go with the Arnold Schwartzeneggar Conan films. So let's get to it. Arnold's Conan was bigger, dumber, and less charismatic than Mamoa's.

This film actually gives an origin story to Conan, how he was born, raised, how he became the ultimate barbarian warrior. All that worked to give real emotion to the character in his quest for revenge.

In the Arnold films I never got any sincere emotion as to why Conan would be so motivated. So that is the key for me. I believed this Conan, where as the Arnold Conan was never meant to be believed. Now to the supporting cast.

Stephen Lang once again plays the villain. This villain is similar in some ways to the one he played in Avatar, in that you sense right away that a big showdown is inevitable. He plays Khalar Zym, and he kills Conan's father and his entire village seeking to get a piece to a magical mask that he can use to bring back his deceased witch wife.

This is a fantasy people, so suspension of disbelief is required. Rose McGowan plays Zym's witch daughter Marique and she is QUITE good in the role. The lovely Rachel Nichols plays the female lead Tamara.

No complaints with her or her performance. The plot is okay, the action and fighting scenes are tremendous, there is a very game chase scene with horses, some stunts etc. The score is fine the cinematography is fine the directing is fine.

This was a game effort to entertain. Now this film has nudity and violence galore it is a hard rated R and it is pretty much a guy flick. I am not sure women would dig it. But because of the sincerity of Jason Mamoa it comes across as less silly than previous Conan the Barbarian films.

Mamoa nailed it and owned the role. One thing it seemed to lack was great catch phrases. Good costumes, sets, tempo, editing. I enjoyed it. I am wondering what in the world the critics want from a Conan movie.

For the genre, this was good.