Finally, we get an homage to Solomon Kane, the other creation from Robert E. Howard next to the far more famous, and widely known, Conan. Now I'll go ahead and say that I've never read any of the books Solomon Kane originally appeared in, but I do like the character immensely after reading a bit about him, and I did just see the movie, and since that's what I am here to talk about, I must say...I am impressed with his screen debut. It's Horror, it's Action, it's Drama...what it's notably missing however, is Comedy, or humor in any form for that matter. Let's get one thing straight, this movie does not try to make you laugh at any point, and while some may find that a strike against it, I find it refreshing and stark in it's presentation. Though things can border on out and out bleakness and gloomy depression at times, I still feel it was the right move where this particular story is concerned. A brief overview/synopsis of the story for those whose attention I've managed to snag:

Solomon Kane is an infamous pirate, he is a bloodthirsty seeker of treasure at whatever the moral cost, as he has none, and further, he revels in the murder and subjugation of those who stand in his way in this pursuit. The film begins by reminding you of this in bloody, violent, fashion as he and his crew storm a castle intent on not only pillaging the valuables, but also utterly destroying anyone their path, and delighting in their slaughter. A brisk pace is taken almost immediately as the movie starts, and you get a very clear picture of the type of man Kane is, and what he is about. Things change, however, almost as fast as they start, when he and his crew find themselves in a very mysterious chamber just before the throne room/treasure room, and while I won't cite any specifics...let's just say it's not what Kane or his men expect after such an easy massacre, and at the end of the scene, Solomon Kane is a changed man. We join him a year later at a religious monastery in the service of good, and on the path of redemption for his many evil deeds following the events in the aforementioned throne room. He is soon approached by one of the brothers and informed of his destiny, which requires him to leave the monastery he has called home for the last year, and where he has found easy comfort in simple inaction, and passiveness, which, for one of his caliber, and prowess in combat...simply will not do. He is destined for more, and indeed, more is required of him.

Now, we all love a true tale of redemption, or at least, I know I do, and this one certainly does not disappoint in that regard. When you get right down to it, this is a thoroughly evil man, who attempts to change that, and he does so with very little back-peddling on the moral standpoint. He does however, find the need to take up arms once again for much nobler, righteous reasons, and the story that unfolds due to that reason is quite...awesome, if not a bit predictable. He does so with reluctance, and an understandable fear of falling back to his old ways, yet the purpose is justified in this case, and his cause is worthy. I can't say I saw anything about this film that would not be at least somewhat attractive to most people I know, as it covers so many genres that many of us adore, and it doesn't lack on any of them. James Purefoy plays the starring character, Solomon Kane, and I will say, he does a fantastic job of it, I was not really all that familiar with his work before this, I knew he had smaller roles in "Resident Evil", "A Knight's Tale", and a few other minor, scattered, television roles, but this in particular really made an impression on me. I want to say that they will make at least a trilogy of Solomon Kane films, as they show a lot of promise, and definitely have that Epic smell about them. But if not, I really enjoyed this one, and am glad I got this one offering at least.