Film review: Conan the Barbarian
by Suzan Ryan , under Reviews, Web Exclusives
Conan the Barbarian
Director: Marcus Nispel
Stars: Jason Momoa, Stephen Lang, Rachel Nichols, Rose McGowan, Leo Howard, Ron Perlman
Roadshow Films
Stepping into the shoes of one of the most popular action heroes was always going to be a tough ask for Jason Momoa (Game of Thrones), especially considering by taking on the role of Conan he was playing a much loved film icon and would have to deal with comparisons to the man who made the role his own, Arnold Schwarzenegger. He does a more than admirable job in both, with his stint as the Horse Lord Khal Drogo in HBO’s Game of Thrones providing the perfect training ground to get into character and make it his own.
The plot, much like its namesake original, is a tale of revenge with a smattering of sorcery, serpents and an evil overlord thrown in for good measure. Those expecting a shot for shot remake will be disappointed, though it does feel like a spiritual successor. It has all the elements of a big budget popcorn extravaganza with huge set pieces, hammy villains, laughable dialogue and gallons of blood. Momoa is perfect as the lead, Conan, more than looking the part when slaying his foes and armed with a charismatic glint in his eye and a wry smirk when not.
After watching his father die before his eyes, a young Conan vows revenge on Khalar Zym (Stephen Lang – Avatar), a power hungry tyrant with delusions of godhood. The tone is cemented early on by a fantastic performance from youngster Leo Howard (G.I. Joe – Rise of the Cobra) as the brutal and fearless young Conan, who bears more than a passing resemblance to Jason Momoa.
The costuming and set design certainly does help immerse the viewer, though the action sequences can be a little hard to follow at times. Given director Marcus Nispel’s portfolio, with the similarly styled film Pathfinder under his belt, he seemed a solid choice, but continuity discrepancies with scenes switching from night to day and vice verse for no apparent reason and blurry ultra close ups during swordplay makes it hard to see what exactly is going on. A step back from the action would have done wonders.
The father daughter duo of evil Khalar Zym and Marique (Rose McGowan – Planet Terror) are more than suitable villains, with the nature of their relationship bordering on creepy, though they fail to deliver any tension by film’s end with both reduced to delivering expansive lines rather than killing blows. By journey’s end all that oppose Conan end up going out with a whimper rather than in a blaze of glory, which is a tad unsatisfying.
The apparently necessary romance between Conan and Tamara (Rachel Nichols – G.I. Joe – Rise of the Cobra) is entirely forgettable, though both actors do the best they can with it, though the throwback to the 1980s love scene complete with Nichols whipping her hair back and forth in ecstasy is worthy of mention and a giggle.
When all is said and done, Conan the Barbarian is exactly what you expect it to be, a schlock action-fest showcasing the lead as he hacks and slashes his way to victory. It’s a great lazy Sunday film to switch off the brain and enjoy a little bloodlust.
Conan the Barbarian opens nationally on Thursday
Review: Dave Kozicki
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