The 13th Warrior

Rating:
Summary: The 13th Warrior Rocks the Mike!
Review: If you want to see a somewhat authentic snapshot of viking life, then see this movie! One of the best parts, I think, is that although Antonio Banderas, as much as I like him, isn't the star of the movie... that part belongs to the Norse king. Banderas' character is simply the narrator in this epic legend of the battle hardened Norsemen against the creepy and mysterious Eaters of the Dead. My favourite part of the movie is when the Norsemen are making fun of the Arab's horse from the saddles of their huge Clydesdales saying: "Only an Arab would bring a dog to war!" and then they spend the next few scenes actually barking at the horse, who is an Arabian charger. Then the small horse totally blows them away with it's speed and agility.

Rating:
Summary: Mediocre Action Movie
Review: 13th Warrior is a "just OK" action film. It falls victim to repetitive "action" editing, such as sweeping close-ups and dark shadows to cover silly costumes. The plot was an after thought, and Antonio Banderas is far too Spanish to play a Muslim. The action scenes where fine, and it was no better or worse than average. This movie really could have been more.

Rating:
Summary: Very, Very, Good movie
Review: This movie kept me on my feet all the way through. It had a great amount of action and was very exciting. It told the story of a man becoming a warrior. I say buy this movie, I am glad I did.

Rating:
Summary: Don't listen to the critics . . .
Review: This movie could have been longer, true, but as it was it displayed so many things that are lacking in today's world (honor, courage, humor) that I started wondering how one might become a viking. Now, usually, I hate these "guy" flicks--my husband had to force me to go see this one, but it said something to me, if that makes sense to anyone. It said that how you face danger and death defines how you live. I left the theater repeating to myself, "Lo there do I see the line of my people . . .". It was a very moving film in a quite unusual way. Oh, and lest I forget--Antonio Banderas usually steals a movie, but the guy who really shines in this is Dennis Storkoi (hope I spelled that right). Loved it!

Rating:
Summary: Conflicting Interests
Review: This film would seem to be a case study regarding conflicts of creative decision-making. Though clearly a lavish, big-budget production, one can easily see that a drastic "reduction" of the film's epic scope has taken place. Sub-plots seem to have been severely truncated or removed altogether. Furthermore, there is a significant disparity between the way the film seems to have originally been intended to be presented, and the way the film was ultimately edited. Never before have I witnessed a production with so many stunning shots juxtaposed with so many banal ones. It would clearly suggest to me that the director was not on hand to guide the editing of this film through to the final cut. As a result, you have a disconcerting pastiche of visual concepts and storyline structure. Does this hamper the enjoyment of the film? It certainly does! The quality of the narrative rises and falls like the tides during a storm. The actors, including Banderas, have moments during which moments of personality break through the cinematic clouds, but ultimately, the opportunity for a fully satisfying experience is lost.

Rating:
Summary: Storyline was weak
Review: The movie lacks a strong storyline and I thought it wandered without focus. I did think that some of the characters were interesting but since their adversaries were not developed the sense of accomplishment by the protagonists was not truely appreciated.

Rating:
Summary: Good Solid Action Movie
Review: The Amazon.com review above is right on the mark. This is theclassic (and ancient) story of Beowulf, with Ahmed Ibn Fadlan (AntonioBanderas) added to the mix. A great story, solid acting (everyone but Banderas are basically unknowns - even better) and thrilling action sequences make this a good movie. The only problem, however, is that this movie could have been an epic (like Braveheart), but the movie executives messed around with it too much. Now this movie will never get its due. Beowulf was never as exciting as this movie. I am sad, for this movie could have ranked among the greatest action epics of all time.

Rating:
Summary: Scenary is only thing going for it...
Review: Definetly not worth buying, maybe a rent if nothing else is available. There was no character development at all. Disappointment in plot. If you want middle age swashbuckling, I would stick to Conan.

Rating:
Summary: 13th Warrior
Review: Mainly a man's movie, but the ladies might like it because of A. Banderas who is a great talent. Very rich atmosphere and classic story of a quest movie. Great adventure and action. Good history and insight into two cultures. Also a good look into Norse mythology and the fight against a real boogey man. Don't miss it.

Rating:
Summary: 13th Warrior
Review: Great action movie, excellent performances by all and in particular Antonio Banderas. When are the critics going to give Banderas due credit. He is a classic trained actor, of immense talent. He combines a natural athletic ability, with passion and commitment to all the roles he plays. His potrayal of the Arab was convincing and exciting. The Vikings were just awesome. Beautifully filmed with an amazing music score. If you enjoy this movie, go see Play It to the Bone, now playing. Again the critics were wrong. Maybe its an American thing. Can a great actor from another country join the great melting pot of America and have a fair chance. This man will win an Oscar, you can bet on it in the not too distant future.