Review: ‘Vikingdom’ looks like Comic-Con, plays like Medieval Times

Dominic Purcell of “Prison Break” stars in “Vikingdom” as Eirick, king of Jomsborg. Exiled since his death and miraculous resurrection, Eirick is on a quest to prevent Thor (Conan Stevens) from opening the gates of Valhalla and connecting the earth with heaven and hell. Yes, that would be the same Thor character assumed by Chris Hemsworth in various Hollywood Marvel tent poles. The god of thunder turns villainous here, but that doesn’t mean “Vikingdom” is any less removed from Norse mythology than is Stan Lee’s take.

The Western cast lends credence to this Malaysian production only on paper and does little to distract from the film’s limitations. Granted, there’s very little for the actors to work with, as the Viking stuff is merely a vessel for gory fight scenes. Why else would Eirick rescue and recruit some random Chinese guy (played by Jon Foo, a Brit whose Mandarin is as heavily accented as his character’s English) with kung-fu chops?

Comic-Con costumes make the proceedings seem like mere cosplay: The butt-kicking Brynna (Natassia Malthe) insists on baring her midriff even in a snowstorm. Once you look past the carnage, special effects and colossal locales, all you’re left with is the supper show at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament.

“Vikingdom.” No MPAA rating. Running time: 1 hour, 50 minutes. At Landmark Regent Theatre, Westwood. Also on VOD.