Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Kevin Sorbo | ... | Kull | |
Tia Carrere | ... | Akivasha | |
Thomas Ian Griffith | ... | General Taligaro | |
Litefoot | ... | Ascalante | |
Roy Brocksmith | ... | Tu | |
Harvey Fierstein | ... | Juba | |
Karina Lombard | ... | Zareta | |
Edward Tudor-Pole | ... | Enaros | |
Douglas Henshall | ... | Ducalon | |
Joe Shaw | ... | Dalgar | |
Sven-Ole Thorsen | ... | King Borna (as Sven Ole Thorsen) | |
Terry O'Neill | ... | Ship Captain | |
Pat Roach | ... | Zulcki | |
John Hallam | ... | Mandara | |
Peter Petruna | ... | Slave |
A barbarian named Kull unexpectedly becomes a king after an old king (whom Kull has just killed in a battle) gives his crown to him. But direct heirs of a killed king, trying to topple Kull and regain the throne, bring an old witch-queen Akivasha back to life. Their plan backfires, however, as Akivasha is going to allow their lords - demons - to rule the kingdom. The only thing that can stop her now is a breath of the god Volka. Written by Boris Shafir <shafir@hsi.com>
Let me get one thing straight. Kull never is, never was, and never will be a relation of Conan's. He "existed" way before Conan. The Cimmerean's (Conan was Cimmerean) were descendants of the Atlanteans, but there does not appear to be a direct link between Kull and Conan.*phew* Glad to get that out of the way! So much for anyone who knows anything...*raises eyebrow*
Anyway, Sorba is pretty much what I imagined Kull to be; not as muscled as Conan, much more wiry, and a little less "Me hit thing hard with big sword" (OK, Conan not think but...you get the general idea...). The film itself is done in that Hercules style, typical of American S&S at the moment, but it doesn't lose the idea of the originals. OK not as much sex involved, and certainly a lot less violence and misogyny (to a certain extent), but it stil makes for a great brainless piece of fun, much like Conan The Barbarian (I try and forget Destroyer and Red Sonja...definitely not up to scratch).
The soundtrack wasn't as inspired as the Conan films (I mean metal in the Hyborian age? Please?!), and kinda took away from the flick in a way. Then again, it did come across as an extended Xena program...no bad thing.
I suppose it depends on what you want out of the film. If you want to relive the early 80's S&S stuff...maybe this isn't for you. If you just want some brainless fun...sweet. Give it a try. For those, wanting a bit more, keep your eye out. Arnie has confirmed he has signed on for King Conan (or Conan 3 effectively)...could be a good return to form here!
7 out of 10