Hammer of the Gods Blu-ray Review

 

Actors: Charlie Bewley, Clive Standen, James Cosmo

Director: Farren Blackburn

Format: Closed-captioned, Color, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen

Language: English

Subtitles: Spanish

Number of discs: 1

Rated: R (Restricted)

Studio: Magnolia Home Entertainment

Release Date: September 10, 2013

Run Time: 99 minutes

 

 

        Although there are actors borrowed from the television show “Vikings” in the cast of this period epic involving a Viking warrior, I found it much more difficult not to compare this film to Joseph Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness.” The narrative is less than satisfactory despite blatant borrowing from classic literature, which is disappointing considering some of the talented cast members involved. The focus instead remains on the violent action, which is not quite memorable or visually exciting enough to stand out amidst the many films and television shows tackling this style of entertainment.

 

        In Britain, 871 AD, the youngest son of a Viking king is called forth by his dying father for a final task. Steinar (Charlie Bewley) is sent to find his older brother, who was banished from the kingdom when he was still a child. This journey brings peril from many directions, as another brother dispatches ruthless mercenaries to stop him, knowing that the journey’s completion could change the successor to the throne. This journey is perilous and maddening, especially considering the uncertainty of what they seek.

 

        This film would make an interesting viewing companion with Nicolas Winding Refn’s Valhalla Rising, although this is merely because they are both films about journeys ending in madness which happen to involve Vikings and graphic violence. As an action film, however, Hammer of the Gods was extremely disappointing. The Blu-ray special features include behind-the scenes featurettes on the making of the film and the visual effects implemented. There are also some interviews and a promotional featurette from AXS TV.

 

       

Entertainment Value: 6/10

Quality of Filmmaking: 6/10

Historical Significance: 5/10

Disc Features: 6/10