The sword and sandals tale of “Conan the Barbarian” is revisited in a modified version which is not a remake of the 1982 Schwarzenegger film. This mediocre “Conan” has the expected production values of stunts, special F/X, CGI, and action galore. The fictional warrior is embodied by muscleman Jason Momoa, formerly a lifeguard on TV’s “Baywatch Hawaii.” Story-wise, Conan is a Cimmerian swordsman of Greek mythology in the Hyborian era of Robert E. Howard’s 1932 pulp stories. As a young boy he sees his father (Ron Perlman) slain by the villainous Khalar Zim (Stephen Lang) and seeks to avenge his death as well as deal with Kim’s daughter, the evil sorceress Marique (Rose McGowan).
Vigorously directed by Marcus Nispel, “Conan” should satisfy action fans, especially those looking to compare both films. There’s a well-done sequence involving a humongous sea serpent. Unfortunately, Momoa does not have the quippy personality of Schwarzenegger. His leading lady, beautiful Tamara (Rachel Nichols), adds more guts to the usual “damsel in distress” role and provides a romantic interlude to temper the atmospheric mood of thrills and gore. For comic book violence escapism, this entry of the genre suffices as entertaining popcorn fodder.
Image Source: Period Drama
