We have reached the top three in our search for the Best Movies of 2010 and it’s Solomon Kane that misses on a spot in the top two as it has reached number three.
Solomon Kane has been a personal favourite of mine since its release at the beginning of the year and should have done better at the box office than it did - if you have not seen this movie then you really are missing out.
Solomon Kane (Purefoy) is a 16th Century soldier who learns that his brutal and cruel actions have damned him and his soul is wanted by the devil.
Determined to redeem himself, Kane swears to live a life of peace and goodness but is forced to fight once more when a dark power threatens the land and the innocent people that live there.
Alright let’s get the bad out of the way first at time the pacing of the film does go a little wayward at times, which loses the film momentum, but that really would be my only criticism.
The sword and sorcery film hasn't exactly dominated the big screen in recent years, in fact it has been almost forgotten, so it's great to see filmmaker Bassett and actor Purefoy take a chance on Solomon Kane.
The sword fights are really some of the most exciting points of the movie and Purefoy becomes a somewhat unexpected action hero.
His performance as the tortured Kane is really very good as he drives the movie forward. He's a very troubled character as he tries to run and hide from the past he is ashamed of.
Trying to stay on the path of good he soon learns that the road to redemption is not always a peaceful one. He once again picks up his sword to save the daughter of the family who showed him kindness and drive evil out of the land.
Purefoy has often been labelled as an up and coming leading man and this could really be the role that announces his arrival.
Given the fact that Solomon Kane was made on a rather modest budget of around $40 million it's a great looking movie, the CGI is particularly impressive.
The movie is loaded with exciting set pieces and sword play, evil creatures and is an adventure that you can't help get swept along with.
Purefoy's charisma oozes through the character of Kane and he really is a great leading man that deserves major success.
Solomon Kane is the movie that perhaps Van Helsing should have been and it would be great to see a franchise develop, it's was left perfectly poised for a sequel.
While the movie is by no means perfect it's highly entertaining with a very rich and interesting central character.
The sword and sorcery movie has perhaps not always been a success but, as they say, there is an exception to every rule. I love it!
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw
Tagged in James Purefoy