Starring: Heath Ledger, Mark Addy, Rufus Sewell, Shanynn Sossamon
Director: Brian Helgeland
Category: IIA
The film: Aussie actor Heath Ledger (left) is a star on the rise, and A Knight's Tale is his film, and his alone. Taking the lead from productions such as Plunkett & Macleane (1999), we have here an old tale with a new twist. It's set in 12th-century England but the characters' language is littered with modern phrases and the soundtrack thumps to a modern beat. Ledger plays William Thatcher, a lowly squire-turned-jousting champ. When his boss dies, he takes a false name and plays above his station in life. He's joined by sidekicks Roland and Wat (Mark Addy and Alan Tudyk) who are supposed to be amusing but are little better than annoying. As Thatcher wins his way to fortune and fame, he captures the heart of the lovely Jocelyn (Shanynn Sossamon) as well - and here's where the conflict enters. Count Adehmar (Rufus Sewell) has his eyes on her - and on revealing our hero's true identity. Ledger tries hard and this one too often clangs along like rusty chain mail. But, if you let yourself go, it's an enjoyable enough romp.
The extras: A bit lame - you don't get much more than the 'making of . . .' docmentary, some deleted scenes and the director talking through the film. The DVD-Rom promises more but again, it's nothing flash, just a screensaver and a few featurettes.
The verdict: Ledger's growing legion of fans will be delighted but the rest of the world won't be interested much at all.
