What we flagged
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Our take
This spin-off is a straightforward sword-and-sorcery action romp set in the ancient world, following a hired killer who ends up fighting a tyrant. It is less about scares and more about combat, with constant sword and arrow fights and a steady stream of kill-them-all dialogue. There is some blood, a seductive bath scene, and a fair bit of drinking, though nothing is especially explicit or gory. Language stays mild, and the magic and monsters are light touches around the action. Fans of old-school action fantasy in their early teens are the audience, and younger kids may find the relentless fighting wearing.
Uplifting themes
Under the action there is a familiar arc about a mercenary finding a cause worth more than a paycheck, plus loyalty between unlikely allies. Courage and standing up to a bully come through. It is simple but clear The hero grows from a paid killer into a protector, and the sorceress is clever and capable in her own right. Plenty of characters are thieves and brutes, so it is a mixed bag. The change of heart is the part worth talking about
Story (may spoil tone)
In ancient Egypt, peasant Mathayus is hired to exact revenge on the powerful Memnon and the sorceress Cassandra, who are ready to overtake Balthazar's village. Amid betrayals, thieves, abductions and more, Mathayus strives to bring justice to his complicated world.
What we flagged
Details
Violence Fighting is the backbone of the film, with sword duels, archery, ambush…
Fighting is the backbone of the film, with sword duels, archery, ambushes, and a lot of talk about killing for hire. Combat is frequent and energetic, and some blood shows, though deaths stay more stylised than gory. The body count is high in a comic-book way
Language Swearing is mild and fairly rare, mostly b-word and the odd curse tosse…
Swearing is mild and fairly rare, mostly b-word and the odd curse tossed out mid-fight. It fits the rough-and-ready tone without ever piling up. Families sensitive to language will find little to flag
Sex / nudity Romance builds between the hero and a sorceress, including a steamy, su…
Romance builds between the hero and a sorceress, including a steamy, suggestive scene by the water and some kissing. It leans on implication and bare shoulders instead of anything explicit. There is also a bit of cheeky innuendo
Drugs / alcohol Drinking is a regular background note, from tavern scenes to jokes abou…
Drinking is a regular background note, from tavern scenes to jokes about a character knocking back rough wine. It is played lightly and never glamorised. No other substances come into it
Frightening This is more rousing than scary, but a few moments bite, including a to…
This is more rousing than scary, but a few moments bite, including a torture scene using biting fire ants and some menace from the warlord and his sorcery. The threat is real without being grisly. Sensitive younger kids may find those bits tense
Gore / death / weapons Swords, arrows, and spears do steady damage, and talk of blood and cutt…
Swords, arrows, and spears do steady damage, and talk of blood and cutthroats runs through the script. A handful of on-screen deaths show a little blood, but wounds are kept fairly tidy. It is weapon-heavy without being graphic
Flashing lights We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
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Talk after watching
- The hero is paid to kill before he picks a side. What changes his mind about right and wrong?
- The sorceress is treated as a prize to be won. How does the film handle its women?
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