A Knight's Tale

Rating:
Summary: One of the year's best! Full of fun and excitement!
Review: Peasants chanting Queen's "We Will Rock You?" A medieval royal ball gone disco? You may think it's silly, and you'd be right: it's absolutely ridiculous. But "A Knight's Tale" dares to walk the tightrope of placing the old with the new, incorporating modern songs and phrases into an era gone by, and it succeeds in doing so. The perfect mix of grandeur, passion, and exciting action, director Brian Helgeland tells a likeable tale that, for me, is a real triumph of a film.

From the beginning, the movie puts forth its own set of rules, as peasants sing "We Will Rock You" during a jousting match; at this point, you either accept the movie's machinations, or turn away in contempt. At the center of the excitement is William Thatcher (Heath Ledger), a squire whose master has just taken part in his last match. Desperately in need of money for food, he and his partners Roland and Wat (Mark Addy and Alan Tudyk) decide to finish the match themselves, and William dons the armor and takes the arena by storm, giving new meaning to the phrase "natural born."

But that isn't enough for the ambitious lad, whose life-long dream of becoming a knight stems from his father's instillation of hope in him. After encountering Geoffrey Chaucer (Paul Bettany) and striking a deal with him to concoct a fictitious family history for William, they make their way to several jousting matches, where William takes a new identity, a new love interest in Lady Jocelyn (Shannyn Sossamon), and a new rival in Count Adhemar (Rufus Sewell), whose jealousy over William's fame and popularity stir his devious mind.

A somewhat formulaic plot, you might say, but when you're having so much fun in a film such as this, does it really matter? There is such a high spirit to the movie, an energy so exciting and full of joy that any inhibitions you originally had will be swept aside once the movie invites you on its trek.

Much of this enjoyment is due to the cast, which is stellar in all fields. Ledger is the ideal embodiment of a hero, and his character's mission becomes one of hope and strength through his forthright acting. He and newcomer Sossamon share a warm chemistry, one that is as vibrant as a medieval tapestry. Addy, Tudyk, and Bettany are riotous as William's cohorts, each of them possessing a warm spirit that makes this supporting cast one of the year's best. The rival Adhemar is played exquisitely by Sewell, who even has that cunning look and characteristic about him.

Director Helgeland, who also wrote the film, brings an upbeat feel to the movie, even in its more emotional scenes. His portrayal of a medieval setting is less articulate than something along the lines of, say, "Excalibur," but it's nonetheless breathtaking, if not exquisite. Helgeland also instills a high energy into the jousting matches, giving us many different points of view, and charging each scene with fast-paced editing and the roar of cheering audiences in the arena.

The movie's true high point is the comic relief, stemming from the mix of 14th century settings with post-modern culture. The "We Will Rock You" sequence is bursting with laughs and upbeat charisma, a successful opener to the film. A medieval ball that begins with harmonic melodies resonates into David Bowie's "Golden Years," and the scene practically takes flight. Some may sneer at the mixture, but it is purely nothing more than good-natured fun, and I fully recommend it.

While scenarios such as this are nothing new, they are rarely done so well, and that's what makes "A Knight's Tale" such a special movie. It's got everything you could ask for in a movie: genuine comedy, a believable love story, likeable characters, and a plot that never stops moving. It's brilliant combination of eras and culture is nonetheless upbeat and inspired, and I enjoyed every minute of it. One of the best films of the year.

Rating:
Summary: Good clean fun! Definitely worth watching.
Review: There's nothing particularly deep about this movie. No profound messages about exploring the darker side of the human soul, or any of that gobbledygook. Oh sure, there's a little socio-political jab at the idea of class distinctions and social elitism, but that's as serious as it gets. The rest of the movie is just plain fun.

The story centers around William Thatcher, a young peasant-born squire who has a natural talent for jousting and a dream to rise above his humble circumstances. With the aid of a small band of trusty friends, including the inimitable Geoffrey Chaucer, our young hero sets off to make his mark on a noble man's world. And what a mark he makes!

Of course, there's the obligatory girl to be won, and the dashingly handsome but utterly ruthless rival to compete with for her hand. The action scenes are well done if somewhat repetitive (there are only so many ways to depict a joust), but of course the focus is on the final meeting between the good guy and the bad guy. The plot is not particularly complicated, although there is one neat twist toward the end of the movie that makes you cheer for "our side." Some of the characters are extremely funny, and provide great comic relief throughout.

By the way, this one's suitable for the whole family. No strong language or blood-n-guts, but there are a couple brief scenes with some backside nudity. Overall, though, it's just good clean fun and extremely entertaining. It won't appeal to the deep intellectual or the movie critic in you, but who cares?

Rating:
Summary: Fun mix of Josting realism and Rock N Roll
Review: Good script, interesting characters, plenty of fun moments mixed with 1970s rock n roll make this a family favorite. It is family friendly and has the two things that make a movie great for my 7 year son.. swords. sword-fighting. Throw in a good love story and a dreamy star, according to my daughters when describing Heath ledger and this is an above average movie worthy of 4 stars - very good.

The story is about a commoner who pretends to be a nobleman. he gathers a "pit crew" of sorts and enters the josting circuit. I immediately makes a friend of an important person, but an enemy of another, creating the main tension in the story.

If you haven't seen this one yet, go rent it tonight.

Rating:
Summary: Fun! And some really good acting! (believe it or not)
Review: As others have already said, this movie is a lot of fun. Here's the surprise - Heath Ledger (William) can act. (sorry for the prejudice against his pretty face...I just assumed that's the reason he got the role.) He's got a spark that you can't deny and he's got some beautiful, honest moments. (SPOILER: Look for an amazing reaction at the end of the film when the prince speaks to him. You'll know what I mean when you see it. So honest. Gorgeous. I watched it over and over.)

Paul Bettany as Chaucer - brilliant. Be sure to watch the deleted scenes so you can hear more of his monologues. I'd see anything this man was in. Also, watch for Adhemar's herald. His character is influenced by Chaucer throughout the film. Really good stuff. For the best of this herald, watch the deleted scenes.

The rest of William's group (Kate, Roland and Wat) is delightful as well. I liked them and found myself cheering for them.

Two things didn't work for me - the villain (played by Rufus Sewell) is, well, too villainous. I think it was written that way and not Sewell's doing. The ladylove of William (Jocelyn, played by Shannyn Sossamon) is dreadful. But the Heath is so good that I found myself able to look past her acting and see Jocelyn through William's eyes.

Rating:
Summary: We Will, We Will, Rock You!
Review: The vision of a remarkably authentic looking 14th c. tournament audience chanting and clapping to Queen lets you know right off this is *not* a serious historical film but a fantasy set in a land-of-fable fourteenth century complete with punk dressing lady-fairs, disco dancing at banquets and jousting fans who paint their faces with the armorial devices of their favorite champions and do the wave. Geoffrey Chaucer must be spinning in his fancy, Westminster Abbey sarcophagus - or maybe not, his Canterbury tales aren't exactly noted for historical accuracy or logical consistancy either. This movie is eye candy for the ladies: the hero is blond and gorgeous; the villain dark, sinister and gorgeous; the humorous sidekicks are cute and cuddly and the gallant Black Prince noble and beautiful. 'Lady Jocelyn' isn't bad either, and her costumes get progressively more outrageous as the movie goes on. But the best joke is who the *real* Sir Ulrich von Lichtenstein was, (yes there was a real one!)

Rating:
Summary: Awesome for everyone
Review: My whole family loves the movie. Entertaining and exciting and real. The costuming may not have been for that time period but seeing it through a romantic eye or as someone who doesn't enjoy knights and ladies, this movie will draw you in. From the moment it starts to the end (my kids love the farting contest at the very very end), you won't turn away. I wasn't too impressed with the leading lady but everyone did fall in nicely together. I got this after watching a friend's DVD. I didn't want to like when I heard "We Will Rock You" but fell in love with it. The dance scene is fun. Watching William prove his love to Joceyln, "His Foxy Lady" by doing what most would not do for anyone. Get this movie. I don't think you will regret it.

Rating:
Summary: One of the year's best! Full of fun and excitement!
Review: Peasants chanting Queen's "We Will Rock You?" A medieval royal ball gone disco? You may think it's silly, and you'd be right: it's absolutely ridiculous. But "A Knight's Tale" dares to walk the tightrope of placing the old with the new, incorporating modern songs and phrases into an era gone by, and it succeeds in doing so. The perfect mix of grandeur, passion, and exciting action, director Brian Helgeland tells a likeable tale that, for me, is a real triumph of a film.

From the beginning, the movie puts forth its own set of rules, as peasants sing "We Will Rock You" during a jousting match; at this point, you either accept the movie's machinations, or turn away in contempt. At the center of the excitement is William Thatcher (Heath Ledger), a squire whose master has just taken part in his last match. Desperately in need of money for food, he and his partners Roland and Wat (Mark Addy and Alan Tudyk) decide to finish the match themselves, and William dons the armor and takes the arena by storm, giving new meaning to the phrase "natural born."

But that isn't enough for the ambitious lad, whose life-long dream of becoming a knight stems from his father's instillation of hope in him. After encountering Geoffrey Chaucer (Paul Bettany) and striking a deal with him to concoct a fictitious family history for William, they make their way to several jousting matches, where William takes a new identity, a new love interest in Lady Jocelyn (Shannyn Sossamon), and a new rival in Count Adhemar (Rufus Sewell), whose jealousy over William's fame and popularity stir his devious mind.

A somewhat formulaic plot, you might say, but when you're having so much fun in a film such as this, does it really matter? There is such a high spirit to the movie, an energy so exciting and full of joy that any inhibitions you originally had will be swept aside once the movie invites you on its trek.

Much of this enjoyment is due to the cast, which is stellar in all fields. Ledger is the ideal embodiment of a hero, and his character's mission becomes one of hope and strength through his forthright acting. He and newcomer Sossamon share a warm chemistry, one that is as vibrant as a medieval tapestry. Addy, Tudyk, and Bettany are riotous as William's cohorts, each of them possessing a warm spirit that makes this supporting cast one of the year's best. The rival Adhemar is played exquisitely by Sewell, who even has that cunning look and characteristic about him.

Director Helgeland, who also wrote the film, brings an upbeat feel to the movie, even in its more emotional scenes. His portrayal of a medieval setting is less articulate than something along the lines of, say, "Excalibur," but it's nonetheless breathtaking, if not exquisite. Helgeland also instills a high energy into the jousting matches, giving us many different points of view, and charging each scene with fast-paced editing and the roar of cheering audiences in the arena.

The movie's true high point is the comic relief, stemming from the mix of 14th century settings with post-modern culture. The "We Will Rock You" sequence is bursting with laughs and upbeat charisma, a successful opener to the film. A medieval ball that begins with harmonic melodies resonates into David Bowie's "Golden Years," and the scene practically takes flight. Some may sneer at the mixture, but it is purely nothing more than good-natured fun, and I fully recommend it.

While scenarios such as this are nothing new, they are rarely done so well, and that's what makes "A Knight's Tale" such a special movie. It's got everything you could ask for in a movie: genuine comedy, a believable love story, likeable characters, and a plot that never stops moving. It's brilliant combination of eras and culture is nonetheless upbeat and inspired, and I enjoyed every minute of it. One of the best films of the year.

Rating:
Summary: Fun fluff but poor history
Review: A lot of people seem to like this movie. I can't help but go against the grain here. As an action movie, it seems entertaining enough. As an historical action film, it left me feeling cheated.

The primary reviewer here said: "Upon witnessing a crowd of peasants at a jousting match, singing and clapping to the beat of Queen's "We Will Rock You," you're either going to love this movie or dismiss it altogether." I was one who dismissed it at that point. The "jarring anachronisms" were not only out of place, but they were unneeded and did nothing to benefit the film. The rock music is fine in itself, but did they really have to simulate the crowd dancing to it? Perhaps if they had just had a more "tongue in cheek" approach to this... witness Moulin Rouge and how they played up their use of modern song and dance in the late 1800's. But here the production seems to imply either one of 2 things: you the viewer are either so savvy about historical details that the anachronisms add a light-hearted comic touch, or the producers do not care a whit about how historical details may be judged by the viewer. Had this been a very funny movie I think I could have dealt with it better.

Rating:
Summary: 14th Century Meets Saturday Night Fever?
Review: This is one strange movie. It's set in the 14th century, yet when they put modern songs to certain scenes, it just doesn't seem right! I mean, they start dancing to David Bowie? The dancing's cool though! And what really freaked me out, is somehow I don't think that people in the 14th century (did history at school teach me nothing? I still want to say the 1400s, when it's the 1300s!) would not be doing the claps to "We Will Rock You"!

But this is turning into a "non-sense-making" review as some people would say.

The movie itself is OK. Not the best. But not the worst either. It's confusing when they're jousting, as you can never tell who is who. And normally you're rooting for the wrong one! I seemed to be spend a lot of my time thinking I was cheering for Heath, when it was his opponent. Oopsy!

There are some fantastic actors in this. Mark Addy is once again. He seems to light up the screen as soon as he appears, and always makes me smile! And in the comedic role once again is Alan Tudyk. It's so good to see him in a movie again, as he was terrific as the highly camp Gerhardt in 28 Days! And of course, the main attaction, Heath Ledger.

Included in the extras are: a theatrical trailer; Brian Helgeland and Paul Bettany (obviously Heath Ledger couldn't be bothered) commentary; deleted scenes; Making Of special; Robbie Williams & Queen "We Are The Champions" music video, and a couple of other bits and pieces. Not a lot to write home about really. The music video's quite cool though!

To be honest, I found this to be an average film. Heaven forbid you look away, cos you'll end up missing the dirty looks the opponents gave each other during jousting, or sometimes something important.

Rating:
Summary: KNIGHT MOVES
Review: You have to admire the bold twist director Brian Helgeland adds to this often meandering tale of the emergence of a new knight, Sir William Thatcher. Using rock songs from the eighties was risky enough, but the fact that they work so well is amazing: "We Will Rock You" can't help but infect you with its pulsating beat; the dance to "Golden Years" is priceless. Heath Ledger exudes an earthy manliness and a boyish naievete well; Rufus Sewell continues to play the villain with a cold aplomb; Mark Addy as Roland is also great; Shannon Sossamyn and James Purefoy (as Jocelyn and Edward the Black) also lend supreme support. But inevitably the movie falls into the hammish hands of Paul Bettany as the herald, Geoffrey Chaucer. Bettany is brilliant as the hawkster who is always losing his clothes to gambling debts and as the wordsmith who eloquently introduces his fair knight. Add Christopher Cazenove in a wonderful performance as William's blind father and Laura Tracy as the beautiful swordsmith and you have a cast that is perfect for a strangely entertaining movie!
It's well worth your time.