Review: 'Conan the Barbarian' is a Harlequin Romance on Steroids

Conan the Barbarian is back. Bare chested, bloody, and brutal, it is everything you would expect from a franchise that helped launch Arnold Schwarzenegger's career 30 years ago. Move over "ah-nold" -- there is a new barbarian breaking new ground.

Hawaiian actor Jason Mamoa breathes new life into the role as Conan. Mamoa is best known for his role in the wildly popular HBO show "Game of Thrones" as Khal Drago. Now the long-haired actor, who looks as if he belongs on the cover of a Harlequin romance, brings his muscular physique to a whole new legion of fans.

The storyline for this movie is classic good guy/bad guy stuff. Conan is set on revenge after his entire village is massacred by an evil overlord. He basically picks up a sword and slays everyone who stands in his way.

The film is really a non-stop barrage of bloody battle scenes. One after another, after another. Ron Pearlman plays a decent supporting role as Conan's father, Corin, and Rose McGowan plays the evil Marique (you can't even recognize her).

Most of the acting is really all about action. Conan relies on his sword, rather than his words. I suppose it is hard to say much when you are really busy chopping people up. The flick-o-meter gives Conan the Barbarian a fair three out of five. Mystical Kingdoms, prophets, and soothsayers seem to be popular subjects these days and, with a bloodthirsty barbarian like Conan on the hunt, this film has a built in audience.

There is a good chance you will hear more about Jason Mamoa after this film. New eye candy for the ladies and some guys out there as well.

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