Review: Conan the Barbarian 3D (15) **

Almost thirty years after Arnold Schwarzenegger donned a leather loincloth, the legendary Conan The Barbarian is back on the big screen and this time it’s been given a 3D reboot.
By Susan Griffin
Published 26th Aug 2011, 12:15 BST

Based on the original works of pulp fiction writer Robert E Howard, this is a swords and sorcery tale in all its violent glory, and stars Game Of Thrones actor Jason Momoa as the Cimmerian warrior. The film begins as it means to go on with a bloody battle and the sight of a sword ripping into a woman’s womb, which explains how Conan came to be born on the battlefield.

Conan’s one mission in life is to seek revenge for his father’s death. Along the way he encounters terrifying monsters and even finds time for a little romance with Tamara (Rachel Nichols).

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The impressively pumped Momoa makes an impressive Conan, with pecs to rival any of the female breasts often on display. Less camp than Arnie’s portrayal, Momoa can also deliver lines without inducing laughter.

There’s plenty of blood and gore but for all the action, it’s really rather tedious. Scene after scene, the story is set aside in favour of yet another sword fight so that even hard-core fans might find themselves yawning.