Review of Solomon Kane (2009) by Cameron J — 20 Jun 2011

Wait, this is "Solomon Kane", right? So where's the scene where he says "Rosebud" and then drop the snow globe? No, I'm kidding. If this was like "Citizen Kane", then he would have set the snow globe on fire, thrown it into the air and shot it 3 times. But seriously though, make no mistake. This is certainly not "Citizen Kane".

This film doesn't shoot for an extremely deep, complex character study, it's just action, action, action, with a hint of action and just a dash of action, with a side of action and action for desert. Would you like an appetizer? I would recommend the action in a blanket. Of course, as action-packed as this film is, it's really not too simple-minded. However, it is flawed. These flaws include some weak visual effects, some cheesiness, abrupt events, forced backstory and disturbances.

In spite of this, the film is supported by very good cinematography, a decent score, fine practical effects, an effective hook, fair dialogue, a decent ending and of course, action sequences that range from solid to flat-out spectacular. Of course, what might make these action sequences so tense is the character investment through all of it. When the action dies-down, there is a genuine, rather compelling story. Power to director Michael J. Bassett for making both of these elements high in their own quality and have a smooth connection without any pretense. In the end, "Solomon Kane" has its flaws, but is ultimately an entertaining and compelling adventure packed with grand action.