The Diva's "A Knight's Tale" Review

(click here to skip to this movie's rating) A Knight's Tale (2001) Viewed at Pacific Place Rated PG-13; approximate running time of 132 minutes Directed by: Brian Helgeland Written by: Brian Helgeland Starring: Heath Ledger, Rufus Sewell, Shanynn Sossamon, Paul Bettany, Laura Fraser, Mark Addy, Alan Tudyk, Nick Brimble, and Leagh Conwell Genre: Action/Adventure WARNING - SPOILERS BELOW. The Digest 14th century Europe and Sir Ector (Nick Brimble) is dragging his faith squires from tournament to tournament. Sir Ector is a poor Knight who is doing horribly in the tourney. So bad, that his squires haven't eaten in 3 days. Then the unthinkable happens, Sir Ector dies. One minute he is on his horse, the next, he is under a tree drawing flies. Starving, they make a decision that could end their lives. William (Heath Ledger) , Roland (Mark Addy), and Wat (Alan Tudyk) decide out of desperation that William should finish out the tourney in Sir Ector's place. To their surprise, William wins. Once this happens he knows that he can be what he has always felt he was born to be - a Knight. Even though it is illegal for anyone not of noble birth to participate in the tourney, William is willing to risk it in order to pursue his dream. He then convinces Wat and Roland to pose as his squires. On the way to their first tourney the come across a naked man traveling down the road. This man turns out to be Geoffrey Chaucer (Paul Bettany). In exchange for food, clothes and a portion of the winnings, Chaucer agrees to write William's much needed royal pedigree as well as serve as his herald. Soon, William (Now known as Sir Ulric von Lichtenstein of Gelderland) is winning event after event. Over the course of his travels, he finds love and makes enemies. How long can his past remain a secret and will it matter? The Dish I'm still giggling. First of all, the movie is set in 14th century Europe and the peasants are rocking out and singing "We Will Rock You" and " Golden Years". Secondly, Chaucer announces Sir Ulric for each competition like Ulric is Hulk Hogan and says stuff like, "I'd like to send a shout out to Sir William, show him some love!" See, now that had me rolling. Paul Bettany completely stole the show. Everyone turned in a solid performance, but this is not to say there weren't flaws. It was predictable and at times, slow - But I enjoyed it nonetheless. A Knight's Tale - a funny and enjoyable tale, indeed. back to top Copyright Kamal "The Diva" Larsuel-Ulbricht, 2001 EMAIL: thediva@3blackchicks.com ICQ: 8690410 http://www.3blackchicks.com/ Use the feedback form below to send your comments to The Diva