A Knight’s Tale

A Knight's Tale
Cast: Heath Ledger
Studio: Columbia
Rating: 6/10

A Knight’s Tale in all its glory sounds like a medieval tale of intrigue complete with swords and armor, gallant heroes and dubious villains. Now what A Knight’s Tale is in reality is actually quite different, to say the least. Though it contains the swords, armor, hero, and villain, it also adds a modern flare that either revs up the scenery or distracts from it immensely, depending on which way you want to look at it.

Hulky Aussie Heath Ledger (who is making his mark with drawn-out period pieces) is our squire-hero Will. He, along with co-squires (Alan Tudyk and Mark Addy), discovers their master has died before competing in his final jousting match. In a valiant effort to do what’s right, Will straps on his master’s armor and enters the fighting ring. Winning the tournament and claiming the prize is not enough, so Will and his buddies devise a plan. He will assume the identity of a phony knight and enter jousting tournaments across the land. Thus begins Will’s journey: A Knight’s Tale.

Other characters met along the way are Geoffrey Chaucer (yes, the poet laureate whose Canterbury prose can be caught sparsely displayed through the film) played wittingly by Paul Bettany, Will’s love interest played earnestly by Shannyn Sossamon, and of course the shifty-eyed nemesis played by Rufus Sewell. Though the script lacks any meaty lines and doesn’t offer actors room for character dimension, it still gets its simple message across and allows some fun to be had while doing it.

Director Brian Helgeland does a surprisingly good job of capturing the essence of the period and mixing it with modern undertones. With a rockin’ soundtrack, you’d think it would rob the medieval world of its graces. Instead it enhances the mood and if nothing else it gives the audience a jolt of dumb-founded entertainment. Though the deadpan script is brain numbing, the action is still full force, and the likable characters make it all worthwhile. Simply stated: A Knight’s Tale, though not quite worthy of reaching critical acclaim, is still a downright good time.

+ Ashley Adams


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