Samson is an above-average attempt at capturing the spirit of fantasy films featuring mythological strongmen like Hercules. As far as the tale Samson is trying to tell, folks looking for more than the simple lesson that God is stronger than anything man can throw at us might not satisfy non-Christian viewers looking for a more universal message. The camerawork is average for the most part, but feels amatuerish when being tipped or shaken to simulate action sequences. I would consider the movie to have an adventurous and violent spirit, being what I would refer to as a budget Biblical epic.
The sound effects were effective and believable, yet the musical score feels thin and orchestrated or produced on a keyboard. Most of the special effects and CGI is sub-par, but not too distracting. The acting is rather off-balance, with veteran actors Rutger Hauer and Lindsey Wagner playing it straight, new ones struggling a bit, and Billy Zane and Jackson Rathbone both chewing the scenery whenever they appear onscreen.
When his youthful ambition leads to a tragic marriage, the all-powerful Samson embarks on a quest for vengeance that brings him into direct conflict with the Philistine army. As his brother mounts a tribal rebellion, Samson's relationship with a Philistine temptress and his final surrender to God will help turn imprisonment into a final victory.
Special features for the Blu-ray version of Samson include Includes a digital copy of Samson, The Heart of Samson featurette, and music videos
Samson was directed by Bruce Macdonald (The Perfect Wave) and Gabriel Sabloff (Revelation Road: The Black Rider). Jason Baumgardner (The League), Galen Gilbert (The Anxiety Variety Kids Show), Timothy Ratajczak (The Book of Esther), and Zach Smith (The Next Door Neighbor) wrote the screenplay. It stars Taylor James (Justice League), Billy Zane (Titanic), Jackson Rathbone (The Twilight movies), Rutger Hauer (Blade Runner, The Dark Knight), and Lindsay Wagner (The Bionic Woman, Warehouse 13). The movie is rated PG-13 for violence and battle sequences. The running time is 110 minutes.
Rating: Two and a half stars out of four.
