A Knights Tale is not a very good movie. There, I have officially written my most blunt opening sentence to a review ever. I was trying to think of a more delicate way to phrase the reasons why I don't care for the film, and that sentence seems to be the most honest and the most accurate one I could come up with. It's just not a good movie.

Last week the summer movie season kicked off with The Mummy Returns. Now, that is not even close to being a great film, but it was fun. It was a perfect summer film. A Knights Tale isn't fun, well it has it's moments, but they are few and far between. The film is totally forgettable, and is barely entertaining.

So what reasons do I have for being bored and bitter? Well let's first talk about Brian Helgeland, who has the writer/producer/director credit. Helgeland who wrote the amazing script L.A. Confidential, and wrote/directed the underrated Payback, shows he doesn't have what it takes to make a summer spectacle. He's doesn't bring enough energy to A Knights Tale. The movie never picks up. You would think a movie about jousting would be exciting, if it was in the hands of another film maker, it probably would be. The action scenes are poorly shot and rather dull. To be blunt, Helgeland is a bore behind the camera.

To make things worse, Helgeland has made a really long movie that takes forever to get going. The film has a terrible pace, and I'm sure it will bore most people. The film is so terribly cliched, you already know what's going to happen, you just want it to hurry up and move on to the next scene.

For all the complaints I have, I must point out what I liked. First and foremost, the soundtrack. I think the best move Helgeland made with A Knights Tale was giving it the super cool tunes that it has. Like We Will Rock You, Low Rider and The Boy's Are Back In Town. I was amazed how well the tunes worked with the film. I see why Helgeland put them in. If he didn't, A Knights Tale would be even more boring.

I also liked the cast. I think Heath Leader is a good actor, and is without doubt a bona fide movie star. Shannyn Sossamon could very well be the hottest chick you'll see in movies this summer, and she can actually act. That's always a plus. The real star of the film though is Paul Bettany. He's the loud mouth writer Chaucer. Yes, that Chaucer. He is funny, and steals every scene he is in.

Within the last twenty minutes, the film picks up and becomes interesting. It's too late though. It might have a good ending, but everything working up to it is a hassle. A Knights Tale fails the test for being a cool summer movie. Wait for video.


Recommended:
No

Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 9 - 12