Finally this underrated movie will see the light of day. James Purefoy (John Carter)stars as Solomon Kane in Michael J. Basset’s (Silent Hill 2) amazing film adaptation of Robert E. Howard’s tales of the man shadowed by a wide-brimmed hat who fights to vanquish evil . Renowned for his brutality in battle and reputation of leading pillaging paths through foreign lands, the infamous Captain Kane comes face to face with a demonic reaper sent to claim his soul for the devil. After narrowly escaping the encounter, Solomon seeks redemption and refuge in religion to ward off the evils set on getting the devil’s due.
As he embarks on a spiritual path of non-violence, his newly found way of life is brought into question when he fails to save a puritan family from being slaughtered by diabolical human Raiders. Peter Postlethwaite delivers an inspired performance in one of his last roles as the head of the family whose dying wish beckons Kane to embrace his kick-ass talents to save his kidnapped daughter. That’s right, he practically tells him he is meant to use his killing skills for good! This 16th century set flick brings it with Kane doling out justice, ripping through anyone in his path armed with his trusty sword and pistol. Purefoy brings so much truth and vindication to Solomon’s rage which is essential for any sacrilegious hero’s journey.
This movie is the perfect blend for horror fantasy fans that love violent battles replete with sliced off limbs, beheadings, and a healthy overdose of blood spray. The effects were brutal, particularly in a scene where Solomon had to remove himself from a sticky situation. Even the character designs by the team behind the demonic armies in Silent Hill were fantastically done with little use of CG, which was thankfully only used for the reapers and a big hulking flaming behemoth in the end. Immersive cinematography and realistic medieval locations are the backdrop for the badass sword fights that will rouse in any weapons fan the desire to slice through baddies at home (or their furniture). It would be a shame if this movie doesn’t reach a wider audience; the world needs to see more Kane vs. the armies of darkness.
Rating: A+
For fans of movies like: 13th Warrior, Boondock Saints, Army of Darkness
Solomon Kane will be available on V.O.D. August 24th and in theaters September 28th.