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Rating: Robert Erwin Howard was undoubtedly the greatest American author of heroic fantasy of the 1930s: from his pen came the sagas of Conan, Bran Mac Morn, and Kull of Atlantis, king of Valusia, a character created before the more famous Conan, who anticipates many of his traits. The cinema has drawn from Howard's works to create films like ""Conan the Barbarian" by Milius and ""Conan the Destroyer" by Fleischer, in 1982 and 1984 respectively. It was not until 1997 that director John Nicolella thought of dedicating a film to the fantasy hero who is, if you will, a bit of a father figure to Conan: thus was born the idea of "Kull the Conqueror".
The film, however, even though it respects the original Howardian setting, also takes some cues from the Conan cycle (the ancient empire of Acheron indeed belongs to the latter cycle, for example, or the sorceress Akivasha herself, who is Kull's enemy here). The real surprise, however, is finding in the shoes of the Atlantean barbarian hero our very own Kevin Sorbo, whom everyone will know for having played Hercules in the eponymous TV series! At this point, the reader will have already realized that the film in question is somewhat of a papier-mâché epic, but it has its strong points: first and foremost, a fairly convincing plot, which knows how to engage especially those who already know the hero from having read his exploits somewhere; special effects done as Valka commands (for those who don't know, Valka is a god of Valusia and Atlantis); a somewhat out of place soundtrack (it's a bit strange to witness duels fought 18,000 years ago with a Heavy Metal backdrop and distorted guitars) but at the same time fitting and capable of highlighting the most exciting moments with epic-style guitar rides, somewhat in the manner of Rhapsody. The actors, even though they are not exactly the best around, nevertheless manage the arduous task of not being pathetic.
The plot in brief is as follows: the barbarian Kull, hailing from Atlantis, serves under General Taligaro (Thomas Ian Griffith), head of the army of King Borna of Valusia, the most powerful empire on earth 20-15,000 years ago; one night the king slaughters his own lineage and Kull, having killed him, rightfully ascends to the Throne of Topaz. But he immediately understands that he will not have an easy life due to court etiquette, managed by the fat and soft eunuch Thu, jealous keeper of ancient and now outdated traditions, and especially due to the envy of Taligaro, the deceased king's cousin, and the priests unhappy with the freedom of worship promulgated by Kull, who continuously organize conspiracies. Only the oracle Zareta (Karina Lombard) and the priest of Valka, Ascalante (Litefoot), stand by his side. The conspirators seize an opportunity thanks to the sorcerer Enaros (Edward Tudor-Pole), who summons from the Underworld the Red Witch Akivasha (Tia Carrere), ancient queen of Acheron, the evil empire, to kill the king in an unsuspecting manner. Kull falls victim to their plans but manages to escape and with his only friends will set sail towards the Island of Ice, to retrieve the Breath of Valka, the only weapon capable of defeating Akivasha. Will Kull be able to stop his opponents? Will the barbarian be able to assert himself as king in the civilized and somewhat decadent Valusia? These are somewhat rhetorical questions, but I still avoid giving the answer, even to intrigue you and push you to watch this film.
In conclusion, I feel the need to add that the film is very respectful, if not strictly of the Kull cycle, at least of the spirit of Robert E. Howard's fantasy, who probably would have been able to appreciate the movie, and I encourage all fans of the genre to watch this film if they have the opportunity...
...if you don't, then remember: Valka sees you and will punish you!
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