Review Quickie: I wasn’t expecting much from Solomon Kane…the movie based on Robert E. Howard’s fictional pulp character from the 1930s. But I now eat my words. Robert E. Howard is the mastermind behind Conan, tuberculosis, and the early 20th century. He wrote several stories featuring his character Solomon Kane: a 17th century pirate that pillages his way across northern Africa. Then the Devil catches up with him. He wants Solomon’s black soul. Solomon flees, but if he commits one more act of violence, he’s going to be pulled right down to Hell.

Solomon, played really well by James Purefoy (HBO’s Rome), then becomes a Puritan and lives a quiet life of prayer. That is until a family he befriends is attacked and their daughter gets jacked by some enslaving bastards. Solomon decides to break his vow of peace and starts killing everything ever on his path to save the girl.

The movie’s fucking raw, violent, and I wasn’t bored for one frame. The cinematography is also pretty damn gorgeous at some points and the fight’s are well choreographed. Meaning unlike many contemporary action movies, you could tell what the hell was going on. Director Michael J. Bassett is a young dude with only a couple flicks under his belt. It’s obvious that he knows how to do fantasy-action and he’s stated he wishes to make this a trilogy. I wouldn’t mind that at all.

So if you’re looking for a great throwback to sword and sorcery movies, check out Solomon Kane.

- Oh Mars