Based on the comic book character first published by Marvel and now Dynamite Comics  “Red Sonja” has always been more a traveling, ferocious barbarian than a nomadic swashbuckler. A raging woman of few words with a weakness for the drink and stealing treasures. She’s completely void of decorum or chivalry, and always under-estimated by the mythical and devilish characters that rival her. Red Sonja as a character is ripe for a reboot since many changes have occurred with her principle story since her first film premiered in 1985. No longer an origin of a rape that is the catalyst to marauding ways. This time it is seeing her homeland forest animal inhabitants being kidnapped and taken for gladiatorial. She takes upon herself to challenge the emperors men to only herself be taken to also participate. It was where her quickly learn her combat and weapons skills from other gladiators. 

Directed by M.J. Bassett (Solomon Kane, Deathwatch) the film begins proudly much like  “Spartacus”, or  ”Thor Ragnarok” in the first part then goes, “LOTR”, and “Willow”  in the second part. There are some moments in the film that work. Especially outside and in natural light reminds us of her occasional partner,  Conan The Barbarian and his films of the 80’s. The weakest part is a pompous underdeveloped narcissistic antagonist, with no other motivation than his avarice. 

The  film wants to be many things with a great deal to say, and that’s the problem, it is loaded in exposition, almost suffocating in it- taking away what she is known best for- unbridled warring. Which we are promised at the end but never shown. 

Presenting  her long arch of untrained fighter to a completely combative berserking warrior seems correct, but it’s missed doing so by the many different tones it has. The film wants to be a buddy team of variant rebels,  a quest story, an origin story, a revenge story and a love story. It might have been more successful if it were  a series than a single film. There’s a great story to be told of “Red Sonja” some day. But that is her greatest talent. Bad reviews, bad sales, different owner rights, against the greatest odds- in some way she always prevails. 4.5/10