Rating: 
Summary: In Shining Armor
Review: "A Knight's Tale" is among the better films to come out in 2001, and certainly the highlight of the year's summer lineup. It is an irreverent take on Medeival jousting (and the Canterbury Tales) that is at once hilarious and inspirational. I have never seen a film that can juggle Python-esque humor and Gladiator-esque emotion so well - nor have I seen a film that has even attempted it, let alone met with success! Heath Ledger plays William Thatcher, a churl who disguises himself that he might enter the jousting championships and "change his stars" (for only those of noble birth are permitted to compete). He is joined by a wonderful cast of characters, including "Jeff" Chaucer, his "squires," and a female blacksmith. Other principle characters include William's noble love interest and the wicked Count who is his rival for her affections. Rarely does a film offer so many colorful players. Purists, of course, will not care much for a Knight's Tale given its incorporation of classic rock-and-roll music, but to everyone else, it will most likely be a welcome addition. Given the tone of the film, it does not seem at all out of place - not even when things take a turn for the dramatic. A Knight's Tale is a wonderful, fun-filled two hours of viewing, and it's as simple as that.
Rating:
Summary: Not your Classic Medieval Managerie
Review: Excellent period reproduction with today's modern dialogue! The centrical serious moments are countered with hilarious banter of merry men on a journey of true life. This life is displayed in Love, Jealousy, Rage, Comradrie and most of all Honor. The gift of being anything you can imagine is portrayed beautifully. Watch and enjoy, for you to can change your stars if you'll only try.
Rating: 
Summary: Exciting and Enjoyable "Knights in Armour" Romance
Review: It had to happen eventually - Hollywood updating mediaeval European Chivalry complete with Jousting, Heraldry and Fair Maidens. But fear not, dear reader, for this is a finely crafted and handsomely presented tale! Never taking itself too seriously "A Knight's Tale" manages to pull off a presentation which is lighthearted, exciting and also amusing. I particularly enjoyed the inclusion of Geoffrey Chaucer, roving poet and wit, who finds himself employed as Herald to our hero Knight with amusing effect. The film moves along at a fair pace and keeps the level of action and interest high as well as bringing in a frisson of romance. Top marks to the Director and Cast for having created exactly what they set out to do. In short this is a film which is very enjoyable though one which will not set the earth alight with originality. I enjoyed it immensely and recommend it for an enjoyable night in.
Rating: 
Summary: Boys with horses and sticks
Review: "A Knight's Tale" is reasonably entertaining as a pseudo-postmodern story, but it never overcomes its main problem. The movie tells us that William wants to become something other than a peasant (and inherent in the class system is the assumption that if he isn't a peasant or artisan then he must be a noble), but it apparently hasn't occurred to anyone (writer, director, producer, etc.) that he doesn't actually want to become a *knight* -- knights rode off on Crusades and died in battle and were responsible for the oversight and taxation of people like William and his friends. What William wants to achieve has nothing to do with honor. No, William wants to be a star. Wrap a thick layer of honor-speak around this and it becomes a bit much. The music is fun. The anachronisms are fun. Watching Chaucer introduce Sir Ulrich as though he were WWF fodder is fun. But in the end, there just isn't enough fun to hide the empty core of the film. When his squires rouse William's ire against an opponent by mentioning the opponent's excesses and crimes against the peasantry, William knocks the man from his horse. Go William! That'll show him to be fair to his servants! Inexplicably, William turns his righteous anger against Jocelyn and her lifestyle while still unable to see the hypocrisy of his own choices. Her riposte is memorable, almost as if the screenwriter was letting us in on what he was unconsciously thinking about the story. Watch it for grins and Heath Ledger (if you like somewhat vacuous blonde men). But that's about it.
Rating:
Summary: An O.K. Film
Review: First of all, you shouldn't take this movie too seriously. The opening rock and roll music suggests just that, even though I was quite disappointed by it. Before I watched this movie, I had expected it to be somewhat historically realistic. As it turned out, I found that I enjoyed the movie more when I relaxed my original expectations. But let me start with my criticisms. I'm sure many people find the music, although good by itself, to be out of place of the given setting. Queen's rock and roll music was disturbing at first, but I let it blend into the movie as it progressed. I fully enjoyed the first part of the dance scene, but I felt quite uneasy when it switched to "Golden Years". The music, "Shook Me All Night Long", in the ending credits was quite absurb. "Knocking me out with those AMERICAN thighs"??? Finally, some of the things the characters say and some of the clothes they wear was made too modern. I strongly disliked the main lady. The way she giggled, her clothing, and her hair style was inappropriate. I personally liked Kate, the blacksmith, immensely. But like I said, if you relax your expectations, you will find this movie to be uniquely entertaining. The jousting tournaments, although somewhat gruesome, was nicely done. The breakages of the lances was very graphical, and they were beautifully executed. I had no idea that the debris was actually spaghetti until I reviewed the behind-the-scenes section. The little acts of humor here and there was interesting--like reflecting a beam of sunlight straight into one of the heralds' face while he was making his presentation. I enjoyed each and every scene of the heralds' presenting their respective knights to the audience, but I marveled at Chaucer's presentations. He was, without a doubt in my mind, the biggest hit in this film. The way he acted, the words he spoke, everything...Paul Bettany brought what I had pictured Chaucer in my mind to life. Finally, I couldn't help myself to relating some elements of this film to Chaucer's Cantebury Tales. Simon the Summoner and Peter the Pardoner have indeed been stripped naked for eternity. All in all it's a great film, minus the music and the modernization. It is, by far, a smart investment of two hours of your time.
Rating:
Summary: Rock and Roll Jousting
Review: The soundtrack is a character all its own in this film. This is the story of a poor young boy who grows up in the shadow of a jousting champion, who like all champions must one day face the fact that he can no longer be the best. The boy's father is his hero, even though he basically sells him into servitude. He tells his son he can change his destiny, that nothing should stand in his way. This boy lives by those words. This is a typical story of society boundaries and poor boy meets rich girl. With the added character of classical rock and roll matched with medieval backdrop, you'll sit rivoted to your seat anticipating the realistic jousting matches and playing name that tune!
Rating:
Summary: GET READY FOR THE TALE OF TWO CENTURIES!!
Review: This movie is one that you can watch 2002 times and never get tired of it. At first, I thought that the slight modern twist that is added to it was stupid, and a bad idea. After about 5 minutes of watching, however, I realized that it made was great idea. Language used, music, and dances from both the present and the past combine to give this movie an edgy and sort of magical feel. The sets and extras are equally stunning. With the extras fully costumed and sets like the times, one watching might feel like they are right there in the jousting arena. Heath Ledger gives such a confident and remarkable performance, I would watch it just to see him act! The rest of the cast features old and new faces that help this movie become better and better. Although the actress who plays William's(Heath Ledger) love is dreadfully disappointing, the "comic releifs" are very amusing. This movie may have little suspense and is fairly predictable, but I think that anyone who watches it will smile at least 2 or 3 times and admit that they enjoyed it. But enough reading. I suggest you back up to the top of the page, add this video to your cart and enjoy being taken back to medieval times right from your chair in the 21st century!
Rating:
Summary: GET READY FOR THE TALE OF BOTH CENTURIES!!!
Review: This movie is one that you can watch 2002 times and never get tired of it. The tremendous suspense that this movie has, strategically woven into it's magnificent plot, is there everytime I watch it. It combines all different genres of movies; comedy, action, romance, not to mention a brilliant soundtrack to go with it. Heath Ledger gives such a confident and remarkable preformance, I would watch this just to see him act. The rest of the cast features both new and old faces that help this movie become better and better. Aside from the inspiring and daring plot, the sets and extras are absolutely amazing! With all the extras fully costumed and sets so much like the times, one watching this will feel like they're sitting right there in the jousting arena. One of the best aspects of the movie, however, is the slight modern twist that makes it an edgy, superb, and in a sense, magical film. But enough reading about it, I suggest you go back to the top of the page, add this outstanding video to your cart, and enjoy being taken back to medieval times right from your chair in the 21st century! And remember, my stars for this rating, will NEVER change!!
Rating:
Summary: I liked it -- easy to watch
Review: This is not a deep, serious film from the crusades. It's a fun, sports-oriented film. It seems to have the premise, "What if jousting etc were organized like sporting competitions are today? What would it look like?" As a modern sports enthusiast, I enjoyed the parallels between modern sporting and this view of the past. The movie is FUNNY. I laughed so much. The movie doesn't pretend to be historically accurate, so don't go there if that's what you want to see. It's a fun movie, a funny movie. And I expect I'll sit down and watch it every now and then to enjoy a good laugh.
Rating:
Summary: Purely fun and entertaining
Review: I loved this movie for the simply reason that it is fun to watch. It is full of action, humor, and romance. The modern music fits in so perfectly that you don't even really notice it. The interaction between the supporting characters is hilarious, and who can forget the naked Chaucer strolling down the road. The jousting scenes are interesting. This is not one of the best movies ever made by any means, it is just entertaining.
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