I heard that the 2011 Conan movie was a steaming pile of poop. Then I watched it and I quite enjoyed it. I do admit that the ending is not as epic as I would have liked, but the movie was good. Blood, boobs, and a Conan who's sort of a good guy, but will kill you if you look at him wrong? Sign me up.
I finally watched the new movie a couple weeks ago and I liked it. Still prefer the first Arnold version but Khal Drogo did good work. I got into Howard's work several years ago and absolutely love the stories and world he created. It is about time I read them again.
What timing! I only first saw the original Conan movie earlier this year, and tbh I hated it. Incredibly slow, virtually free of dialogue, it felt like it was as much a tourism promo for the Spanish countryside as anything else. There were some fun bits, but they were so few that felt like total non-sequitors. Now I just saw the 2011 one the other night on Netflix as well, and that was far more enjoyable. Much better pacing, enough dialogue to feel like an actual story was being told, and a mask with a sphincter. Ok, that last part may not be a plus, but it was funny. Haven't ready any of the books, but if I ever find myself without something lined up (ha!) I may check it out.
Nothing will beat the original movie. Even the soundtrack is epic. This movie is good if you look at it as a live action version of the cartoon show. If all I knew was that cartoon and then saw this, I would love it.