I suppose it's not that hard to see why this turned out to be a bit of a summer flop for Jerry Bruckheimer, though the movie is ultimately not as mediocre as it's first act suggests. Its two main leads are likeable and spirited, but a comic turn from Alfred Molina isn't enough to dispel the sense that Mike Newell (he of Four Weddings and a Funeral) has had to play this too straight.It might be 'from the producers of Pirates of the Caribbean' but it lacks the tongue in cheek pleasures of that franchise and at times reminded me of historically-contortionist 80s fantasy fare such as The Sword and the Sorcerer. Critically it seems to lack the required elements to properly thrill kids, adults or even adolescents, though there's certainly a little something in there for all these audiences.
I like Gemma Arteton and am looking forward to seeing her in The Disappearance of Alice Creed and Tamara Drewe. Her Kentish intonation however, whilst ideal for Tess of the D'urbervilles, is for my taste at least, a bit too Betty from Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em to project the sensuality and exoticism of an ancient near-eastern princess.
Grade: B
No comments:
Post a Comment