Review of Solomon Kane (2009) by Tomas T — 18 Dec 2011

The fictional character of Solomon Kane was the production of a much unknown author Robert Ervin in the late 1920's. The author imagined a grim world where his anti hero (Kane) goes about vanquishing evil in the 16th century fantasy world where magic and monsters ravage the world at will. Sounds bit "Been there, Done that" but Solomon Kane's character and his grim world is way more intriguing than e.g. what Marvel's super heroes have to offer today. Solomon Kane has undoubtedly been overshadowed by the authors much more renowned character Conan the Barbarian and the similarities between the two characters are unquestionable. Solomon Kane might have never become as famous as Conan did but his world provides a good setting for a modern hack and slash action movie, something which the director Michael J. Bassett manages to utilize in moderate succession.

First of all Solomon Kane is not your average save the world hero. Far from it as Solomon is an unforgiving killer and mercenary looking out to strike rich under the flag of 16th century British empire. Solomon goes about pillaging and exploiting until the day he meets his match at a remote African garrison where he comes face to face with the Grim Reaper. From this experience emerges a changed man of faith dedicated to redeem himself from all the evil he has done. Solomon's quiet days do not last for long and soon enough he must wield the sword again and battle the evil again.

The storyline proves to be the Solomon Kane's greatest Achille's Heel as it could not be anymore predictable. On the other hand the charismatic lead actor James Purefoy manages to keep up the interest as he suits the role of dark avenger perfectly. But sadly even with Purefoy's good performance he could not turn the movie into a success alone and so the Solomon Kane the movie was destined for the bargain bins. Too bad as the Ervin's dark avenger character deserved more attention than it ever received with this movie.