Kull the Conqueror (1997)

If you're into sword-and-sorcery tales, look no further than this critically underrated big-screen fantasy based on the fiction of Conan the Barbarian creator Robert E. Howard. It was a troubled production and the outcome is far different from the more serious and intelligent epic that screenwriter Charles Pogue had originally conceived. Still, this is a giddy, energetic throwback to the Ray Harryhausen movie fantasies of the 1950s and '60s, and it's a perfect vehicle for Kevin Sorbo, the hunky star of TV's Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. Sorbo brings an appropriate combination of depth and physical agility to the role of Kull (son of Conan), but he and director John Nicolella know better than to take this stuff too seriously. The movie's humor is nicely integrated into the dialogue without resorting to lame punch lines, and Tia Carrere is enjoyably campy as the evil goddess who lures Kull from his favorite concubine (Karina Lombard) as she plots to overthrow the kingdom of Valusia. Playwright Harvey Fierstein also provides comic relief in a scene-stealing role, and with an abundance of black magic, stunning Slovakian locations, and grand battles of good versus evil, this heroic adventure is more entertaining than you might expect. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com

Barbarian comedy

As always whenever someone sees another Conan style film, they roll their eyes and walk away. With this film, however, you have got to remember one thing - IT'S KEVIN SORBO!! If you expect anything else from this movie other than goofy one liners and campy fight scenes then go away. If you like just plain fun films with a decent story and acting then this is a hit!!! December 3, 2008

An insult to Fantasy!

Kull the Conqueror was quite a disappointment, considering that it supposedly follows in the footsteps of such films as the two Conans and Red Sonja!
The movie brings to the screen the story of Kull, as he ascends to the throne of Valusia only to be overthrown by a long dead witch-queen brought back to life by an evil wizard.
The acting is weak, the humor and the dialogues are way below average, while the plot is just bearable.
The major setbacks are in relation to:
1) Kevin Sorbo playing Kull the Barbarian. Am I missing something here? With his "pretty" looks and mannerisms, his civilized way of fighting and his liberal 20th century ideas, it seems he is anything but a Barbarian!
2) The dialogues-oh my- the dialogues are beyond words...
School plays (and pre-school for that matter) have better lines! It is truly sad...
3) The awful amateurish fight scenes that I could have staged better myself...
4) The annoyingly bad heavy metal/hard rock music out of hell that greatly contributed to the lack of enjoyment for the movie.
5) The apparently low budget that made the whole thing look fake and cheap.
6) The weak minor characters like the eunuch who was plain sad, and the wizard and his "pet" that were just pathetic.
7) The plot where things were happening too fast and with no logic or continuity e.g. how did Kull get to the palace so fast in the very beginning of the film, and how did he sail back on his own from the Isle of Ice to mention a few.
8) The poor acting, which brought to mind Xena and Hercules (it was bad enough with Kevin Sorbo there not to think of the latter of the two abominations). And then out of nowhere appears Harvey Fierstein (!!!), a dreadful actor (if one may call him an actor) who was not surprisingly dismal in his respective role.
9) The terrible plot/storyline, which turned out what should have been a film related to Conan the Barbarian with the realistic violence and mature and explicit scenes to another episode of sadly... Hercules.
10) The humor, or lack of it.
It seems that the only positive aspect of the film was the ladies: Tia Carrere is one of the most beautiful and attractive actresses out there and Karina Lombard was doing just fine, though a little exposure would have definitely spiced things up...
Though the potential for a good, or even decent, movie was definitely there it fails to take off, primarily due to the writers.
In a nutshell, it's an ok movie if you're under 13 and/or are heavily intoxicated, and
that's about it. Wait till they show it on TV. 1.5 Stars
July 8, 2007

Kevin over Arnold anytime

Well.. at least this time. This movie is a funny, action packed, sword slashing, babe rescuing, good time. May 7, 2007

"That's How A Barbarian Fights"

'Kull' released in '97 is an enjoyable fantasy action/adventure starring Kevin Sorbo as the invincible barbarian Kull. There's not much difference in Kevin's characterization in this film from his 'Hercules' role he played so well for 6 seasons on television, but when you've got a good thing going why change.

The film has all the required elements; attractive hero Kull (Kevin Sorbo), beautiful love interest Zareta (Karina Lombard), sexy evil villianess Akivasha (Tia Carrera), likeable side-kick Ascalante (Litefoot), an oncoming invasion of demons, and a dangerous quest against impossible odds. What else could anyone ask for? Add to that a superior supporting cast of other would be heroes and villians and you've got a pretty good evening of entertainment awaiting.

Maybe it's not exactly a classic, but if you're a Hercules fan or just a kid (chronologically or at heart) who loves sword and sorcery movies this is one you'll watch over and over again. July 13, 2006

the best rainy saturday afternoon movie I know

Kevin Sorbo is fun to watch, with or without a shirt. But for a rainy Saturday afternoon, I will opt for this delightful actor, fencing across the screen, tossing one-liners such as "She said she was only 18" and doing in the bad guys, or bad girls, as the moment requires.

Is the story original? No, but it is intertaining.
Is the acting legendary? No, but does it matter?
Are the special effects the best I have ever seen? I don't know, I got lost in the movie again and forgot to pay attention to the electronic wizardry.
Does the good guy get the girl? Silly question, considering the good guy is a tall, gorgeous man with muscles and a twinkle in his eye.
Go get the popcorn, pour out a glass of iced tea, turn off the phone and settle back and just enjoy the show. June 29, 2006

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