A KNIGHT'S TALE

2001

Well, when you go into a movie with expectations this low, it can only be better than you thought. And it actually was. Heath Ledger is a commoner masquerading as a knight in order to compete in royal jousting tournaments, thus winning himself riches and glory. Loosely based upon one of the Canterbury Tales, KNIGHT'S TALE was scripted and directed by Brian Helgeland who attempted to mix medieval times with a sort of MTV youthfulness. Spectators sing "We Will Rock You" before the opening jousting match and royalty dances to a Billy Idol tune at a banquet after the games. It's too inconsistent when Helgeland chickens out, however, and abandons his rock music for a more classic score in the film's more serious scenes. BUT, the film is surprisingly enjoyable with a much better story and a lot more heart and laughs than you would expect. It may be just a rental, but it is worth seeing.

3.5 Stars

CDF