'Solomon Kane' (2009)

Title: Solomon Kane

Rating: 15

Released: 2009

Director: Michael J. Bassett

Starring: James Purefoy, Rachel Hurd-Wood, Pete Postlethwaite, Mackenzie Crook, Max von Sydow

Our Verdict: ** 2.5 Stars

In a line: Complex spiritual-fantasy story of redemption and overcoming darkness

Background: 'Solomon Kane' is director Michael J. Bassett's third directorial outing, and third time acting as writer. The film is centred around the eponymous character, created by the pulp fiction writer Robert E. Howard (note: Howard was a writer during the pulp fiction era (1896-1950s) from which the 1994 Quentin Tarantino film took its name). Howard's first story to feature the adventurer character, Solomon Kane, was 'Red Shadows' which was first printed in the 'Weird Tales' pulp magazine in August of 1928. In total, there are 13 original stories featuring Kane, with 4 of these being completed by authors other than Howard, and the character is also featured in 3 poems. Kane is a 16th century Puritan who (in the film) has turned from a life of violence to one of peace, until he is called upon to defeat the evil forces sent by the Devil. The film's production was announced at the 2006 San Diego Comic Convention. Filming took place in 2008, although the production company (Wandering Star) acquired the publishing rights for the film from the Robert E. Howard Estate in 1997. The film is set to be the first part of a trilogy, with two further films in the pipeline.

Synopsis: Writing a synopsis for this film is particularly hard as it has a relatively complex plotline. The film opens in North Africa in 1600 with footage of the English fleet attacking a coastal town. From the flames of a burning building comes the dark figure that we eventually learn is the protagonist, Solomon Kane. He appears to be after some sort of treasure. When he enters the room containing the booty, he comes face-to-face with the Devil's Reaper who tells Solomon that after a life of violence and bloodshed, his soul is damned. The action jumps forward to a year later, and relocates to England. Solomon is now living with an order of priests, living a life of solitude and peace having renounced his power and worldly goods. He comments that he is still haunted by his dreams, but knows that he must live a life free from violence, and if he strays from his virtuous path that the Devil will take his damned soul. Having been expelled from the haven he lived in with the priests, Solomon wanders across the snowy English landscape until he is attacked by robbers. He awakes to find himself in the care of the kindly Crowthorn family who are heading for a ship to take them to the New World. They invite Solomon to join them. Before they manage to leave England, the Crowthorn's are attacked by the followers of the evil sorcerer, Malachi, led by his lieutenant, the Masked Rider. Most of the Crowthorn's are killed, and their daughter Meredith is kidnapped. As he dies, William Crowthorn tells Solomon that if he saves Meredith, his soul will be redeemed. Solomon begins his journey after the assailants. Solomon is again attacked by the band of robbers - though they are now part of Malachi's army - but this time fights back. He is told by them that Meredith is dead. Solomon drowns his sorrows and is asked to join a resistance army against Malachi's followers. The Inn he is in is attacked by Malachi's followers and those found inside are crucified, including Solomon. Whilst on the cross, Solomon realises that Meredith is not dead and literally pulls himself off the cross. Solomon is told that Malachi has his base at Solomon's ancestral home. Solomon leads a small band of men to the location, where he finds his father who tells him that the Masked Rider is none other than Solomon's brother, who he thought he had killed in childhood. Solomon faces a final showdown with his brother and then his master, Malachi, in order to save Meredith and redeem his soul.

Review: The opening to the film is very promising. I immediately scribbled in my notes 'adult version of 'Pirates of the Caribbean' as the English fleet attacked the North African coastline. The senses are immediately bombarded with rousing music and the beautiful shots of the coastline at night, lit up by a number of raging fires. From the flames steps our hero, or more suitably, our anti-hero. Like the eponymous protagonist of 'Solomon Kane', I feel conflicted. The film was impressive, particularly in a visual sense, with some stunning shots of Solomon wandering through the desolate and snow-covered English countryside.

However, there was just something about the film that didn't please me and try as I might, I couldn't put my finger on it. As I left the cinema, a guy in front of me really hit the nail on the head when he turned to his cinema-going companion and said "it was a good film, but there was something missing that would have made it really great". Like me, the gentleman didn't know just what the film lacked, but it clearly lacked something that would give it that magical vibe of a truly great film.

I also think that the film fell short when portraying action scenes. They just felt a bit flat, probably because any action was dominated by the unstoppable force that was Solomon Kane. The storyline was complex, but not overly so, and had just enough twists and turns to keep the audience entertained. The characters felt a bit 2D and underdeveloped, but any time spent developing characters further would have eaten into time necessary to move along the plotline. It's a sacrifice that must be made. The whole idea of damnation versus salvation does make for an enjoyable viewing experience.

I really must praise the score of the film. It was beautifully done by the master of cinematic music; Klaus Badelt. Equally praise-worthy is the cinematography.

The ending, with its relatively corny voice-over by Solomon, is clearly left open for further films. Maybe the missing component was a conclusive ending?

Either way, the point is that this film just has a vital something missing that would elevate it from a good film, to a really great one. I left the cinema with a feeling that can only be described as "Woo...meh". It remains to be seen if the further 'Solomon Kane' films will have that special something. Maybe I need to invest in the DVD for this film, and give it a second go. I recommend the film, and I'd love for someone to give me their opinion on what, if anything, is missing.