Just Plain Fun!! (Knight's Tale, A (DVD))

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Product:	Knight's Tale, A (DVD)
Date:	01/09/01 (3 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: sountrack, loads of laughs

Disadvantages: seems a bit silly

A Knight's Tale is set in ancient Europe (despite music from the late 20th century, but more about that later). William is a squire, hired help for a knight who competes on the jousting circuit. When his master dies, William decides to take his place, passing himself of as Ulrich Von Lichtenstein. Accompanied by his fellow squires, Roland and Wat, they set off to the next tournament and William trains along the way. While en route, they encounter Geoffrey Chaucer, naked at the time, a writer who offers to provide the papers needed to document Ulrich Von Lichtenstein's lineage in exchange for clothing.

It works and William is accepted as a knight. There's a love story interweaved and a bitter competition with Adhemar, which fuels the plot of both the tournaments and the love story. I won't say more about that - I wouldn't want to spoil it for you!

Heath Ledger, is convincing as young William. Rufus Sewell portrays William's egotistical and unethical rival, Adhemar, with equally convincing arrogance. The love interest for both men, Jocelyn, is played by Shannyn Sossamon. This was her first acting experience, according to the studio's publicity, and it shows. It shows painfully. Unless Hollywood is as out of touch as many believe, we most likely won't be seeing her again.

The stand-out in the cast was Paul Bettany as Geoffrey Chaucer. The character is flamboyant and fun, bringing levity to William's team and to the tournaments. Bettany hammed it up perfectly. If each film had an award for "Best Actor," Bettany would win easily for this one.

The music was rock-n-roll - not exactly what I imagine when I think of ancient Europe, but it fit surprisingly well - and added to the laughter factor. I'm certain I'll buy the soundtrack.

The overall effect of the setting, the story, the music and the characters was funny. At times, especially early on in the film, I wondered if
the folks from "Monthy Python" had been involved in the production. It felt like a cross between "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" and "The Princess Bride," but I'm not certain that most of the humor was intentional. Somehow I never expected to see the crowd at a jousting tournament doing "the wave!"

Despite the flaws, A Knight's Tale was a fun movie. I laughed, a lot, and we all need to laugh now and then. It was certainly what I needed today! Unless you have a strong aversion to rock music and mutilated history, my bet is that you'll enjoy A Knight's Tale. I expected blood and gore and was pleasantly surprised that I didn't get it. A few scenes were tense, and jousting isn't exactly a Sunday afternoon game of miniature golf, but my hands spent virtually no time covering my eyes - a good indication that it's mild enough for most people. Despite the PG rating, I think most kids over 9 or 10 could handle it easily.

There'd be no harm in waiting for this to come out on video, or the discount theatres, but you won't regret the price of a first run theatre to see it now. Chances are good that you'll have some fun.

Summary: