Hey folks, Harry here with a Woodpecker that was quite disappointed in A KNIGHT'S TALE. He had considered even walking out, except for the fight scenes and Paul Bettany's work as Chaucer. I'm actually quite looking forward to this weekend's nationwide paid sneak of the film, as I'm curious to see what the division of the audience is going to be on this one. In Austin, the audience really seemed to dig it, but one person in Indianapolis claimed half the audience walked out during the film. The approach is definitely non-traditional and takes an open mind to like, but I haven't talked to a single critic in Austin that didn't like it quite a bit. Hmmmm.... We'll see, there will be division on this one...
Hi Harry,
I just watched a preview of A Knight's Tale in Westchester Cty. NY. and would like to post a review.
First let me say that I haven't read your review (or anyone else's) and really didn't know what to expect, but I was hopeful. I was seriously disappointed. Basically, this movie was a cinematic rice cake: generally air, occasionally tasty, and utterly devoid of any real content. I won't comment on the modern pop music combined with the historical setting other then if you liked Queen's theme song to Highlander the series, you'll probably like this use of music as well.
Let me preface this by saying I am a Medieval recreationist and loved the set work and crafting of the armor, clothing, etc. Also, Prague looked great. Much money was spent on parts of this film; unfortunately the script was not among them. The plot, if you can call it that, is William Thatcher, a peasant squire, pretends to be a knight when his real knight dies. Naturally, he masters the art of jousting in amazingly short order and starts winning tournaments while hanging out with a growing number of misfits. He also courts a fair maiden while lying about his real status.
The overtone of reaching beyond one's birth, taking charge of one's destiny, etc. have all the grace of a baseball bat between the eyes. Basically, the story is a total sports movie cliche (with a middle ages twist) that left no already beaten to death trick unused. It has the underdog, the high and mighty villain who cheats, the chick they fight over, the supportive coaches (squires), the big game/joust, and the inevitable victory over the forces of darkness. Yawn. Also, the non-jousting plot points were entirely predictable: William's exposure as a peasant, the king rescuing him, etc. I never really believed William Thatcher was in any real danger on or off the field of battle.
Despite all this, the movie did have a few bright points: The jousting was well done and Heath Ledger and the character Chaucer, who is William's herald (press agent). He has the best lines in the movie. They rescue the flick, otherwise I would have left early.
Yours truly,
The Woodpecker
