Review of Solomon Kane (2009) by Guy G — 02 Nov 2011

[C/60] The downside to this dark, historical sword-and-sorcery tale is that it follows in the footsteps of most modern-day comic book action hero movies, and their ilk, in mistaking quality filmmaking with an overload of special visual effects, a dearth of dialogue of any dramatic worth whatsoever, a pompously intrusive soundtrack, and a general philosophy of over-processing everything in sight. We've seen so much of that kind of thing over the years, the genre has almost settled into an ironic grace of stupefied innocence.

In spite of this predicament, there are elements to be recommended in this cinematic foray into Robert E. Howard's tales of the dour Puritan adventurer. In many ways, Solomon Kane is a far more interesting and complex character than Howard's more famous Conan, and much of the religious zeal, the spiritual desperation, the supernatural peril, and grim monotony of Kane's heroism are successfully imported into this big-screen adaptation. There is too much obvious borrowing from the Lord Of The Rings movies, but James Purefoy is truly compelling as Kane, and single-handedly saves the movie with a professional performance that endures much and transforms a lot of overwrought product with a sense of personal meaning and even psychological depth.

Repetitive, and with a bloated narrative (and unworthy climax), but nevertheless very atmospheric and imbued with a determination that is true to the spirit of the title character. Purefoy amplifies the pulp figure, and succeeds in making Kane a comic book hero worth caring about.