Yeah, I know this one's a couple years old, but we were watching it the other night so I thought I'd mention it.
For those who haven't seen it (or forgot the trailers), Heath Ledger, pre-Brokeback Mountain, plays William Thatcher, a poor boy from London's Cheapside apprenticed to a knight. Thatcher wants to "change his stars" and rise from a peasant to become an honored knight and win recognition on the jousting tournament circuit. The story begins as Thatcher gets his chance to rise above being just a squire, when his master passes away at a tournament and Thatcher steps into his place, taking his armor and his horse to finish the tournament. Realizing the opportunity he has received, Thatcher becomes Sir Ulrich Von Liechtenstein of the Gelderland and seeks his fortune on the jousting circuit, of course aided by the standard troupe of lovable supporting characters. And along the way, meet girl of dreams and arrogant ruling champion of tournament. Yeah, nothing really new plot-wise, pretty standard under-dog story, just set in medieval Europe.
Casting is great. I've been a fan of Heath Ledger's since 10 Things I Hate About You, and continued to be pleased here. And so many familiar faces in the supporting cast, lots of people that I love to see on screen. Alan Tudyk is adorable and hilarious as always. And as much as I like Rufus Sewell as a good guy (think Dangerous Beauty), he does make a great villain as well :) Mark Addy is in so many BBC productions I've seen, I've forgotten where I saw him first. He's just one of those good supporting actors that you just accept as belonging there, you know what I'm trying to say? He just fits whatever role. And James Purefoy is great in roles like this one - good guy, honorable but burdened. I first saw him in a similar role in the BBC Sharpe's series (he was Jack in Sharpe's Sword, if anyone else is familiar with the series).
A great part of the fun is the soundtrack. It's an interesting juxtaposition, 70s rock in medieval Europe, but it's handled well. I enjoyed listening to the words of the songs in relation to the story - they are definitely well chosen. Of course, if you're one of those people who'd be bothered by Queen at a jousting tournament... well, then this is definitely not the movie for you.
Casting is great. I've been a fan of Heath Ledger's since 10 Things I Hate About You, and continued to be pleased here. And so many familiar faces in the supporting cast, lots of people that I love to see on screen. Alan Tudyk is adorable and hilarious as always. And as much as I like Rufus Sewell as a good guy (think Dangerous Beauty), he does make a great villain as well :) Mark Addy is in so many BBC productions I've seen, I've forgotten where I saw him first. He's just one of those good supporting actors that you just accept as belonging there, you know what I'm trying to say? He just fits whatever role. And James Purefoy is great in roles like this one - good guy, honorable but burdened. I first saw him in a similar role in the BBC Sharpe's series (he was Jack in Sharpe's Sword, if anyone else is familiar with the series).
A great part of the fun is the soundtrack. It's an interesting juxtaposition, 70s rock in medieval Europe, but it's handled well. I enjoyed listening to the words of the songs in relation to the story - they are definitely well chosen. Of course, if you're one of those people who'd be bothered by Queen at a jousting tournament... well, then this is definitely not the movie for you.
And it has some good lines too. My personal favorite:
Wat: I don't understand women.
Chaucer: Nor do I. But they understand us.
Zach didn't find it quite as funny :)
I think the only part I really didn't like (other than minor things, like how drawn out the ending joust was) was the female lead. She just bothered me. Not as well written a character as William's band of supporters, and the costumer went overboard with her wardrobe. Like at the big dance scene after William's first tournament, her hair was just... bad. Twisted and spiked all over, with different colors all over. There are punk-y type hairstyles that do look very cute, or attractive, or edgy-glamorous, but the costumer just couldn't find them for this character. So, I guess it wasn't the love story itself that bothered me - that helped move the plot along nicely - it was just the girl.
Overall: 4 of 5. Yes, predictable and cliched, not a classic, but lots of fun. Rather in the same family as The Princess Bride - adventure, romance, witty writing, enjoyable time had by all (or most).
Wat: I don't understand women.
Chaucer: Nor do I. But they understand us.
Zach didn't find it quite as funny :)
I think the only part I really didn't like (other than minor things, like how drawn out the ending joust was) was the female lead. She just bothered me. Not as well written a character as William's band of supporters, and the costumer went overboard with her wardrobe. Like at the big dance scene after William's first tournament, her hair was just... bad. Twisted and spiked all over, with different colors all over. There are punk-y type hairstyles that do look very cute, or attractive, or edgy-glamorous, but the costumer just couldn't find them for this character. So, I guess it wasn't the love story itself that bothered me - that helped move the plot along nicely - it was just the girl.
Overall: 4 of 5. Yes, predictable and cliched, not a classic, but lots of fun. Rather in the same family as The Princess Bride - adventure, romance, witty writing, enjoyable time had by all (or most).
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