Today’s quick review: Solomon Kane. Fearing the Devil’s claim on his soul, Captain Solomon Kane (James Purefoy) repents his life of violence and takes a vow of pacifism. Seeking attonement for his past sins, Solomon journeys to his father’s lands in England, only to find them terrorized by the sorcerer Malachi (Jason Flemyng) and his raiders. Solomon must risk his soul to take up his sword and save the life of a kidnapped girl (Rachel Hurd-Wood).
Solomon Kane is a fantasy action movie based on Robert E. Howard’s Puritan adventurer. Solomon Kane offers violent action, a decent plot, and reasonably well-drawn characters. The film shows signs of a limited budget, but it makes smart use of the tools at its disposal. Solomon Kane cannot match the greats of the fantasy genre for plot or action, but it does carve out a niche for itself as a lesser-known fantasy flick with unusual craft.
Solomon Kane works best when it focuses on Solomon himself. The disowned second son of an English nobleman, Solomon takes up a life of crime and adventure until he nearly loses his soul to the Devil. Now a penitent, peaceful man, he struggles with the need to do violence to protect the innocent. James Purefoy captures both sides of the character well and gives the sword-toting action hero a shade more depth than usual.
Elsewhere, Solomon Kane is a mixed bag. The fight choreography is fine but unexceptional, the usual array of sword fights and decapitations. The film’s demons are one of its strong points, unnerving creatures with interesting designs. However, their appearances are brief and hampered by a restricted special effects budget. As for the plot, it has all it needs but drags in places and misses a few chances to drive its emotional arcs home.
Give Solomon Kane a shot if you’re a fantasy fan with an appreciation for fundamentals. Though rough around the edges and not as impactful as other films in the genre, Solomon Kane is a satisfying little watch if you go in with the right expectations. For a movie with a similar premise and less character, check out Season of the Witch. For a comical action horror movie with monster-hunting elements, check out Van Helsing or Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters.
6.1 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for effective writing, an impressive lead, and decent action.