Redeemed?

Solomon Kane (2009)

Set in the 17th century and based on Robert E. Howard's pulp magazine character this is the story of Solomon Kane, a privateer whose soul has been damned. Shocked by his damnation Kane returns to an England beset by winter and evil across the land, after renouncing his violent ways Kane is forced to return to them to save a young girl from the bad guys and redeem his soul.

It is hard to say what this film does well but I think the easiest way to summarise this film is to say that it manages to avoid all the pit falls that similar films fall into. The plot is fairly basic but managed to stay clear of out right stupidity or ham fisted attempts to give events deeper meaning that make you want to bang your head on the wall. While the action sequences do not stand out and there are a couple of glaring historical errors in the opening minutes they do not hold things back too far. There is just enough atmosphere and tension to keep the film going and hold your attention that minor problems can be over looked.

It feels strange to give this film a 4/5 but for what it is it does manage to be a good film.