Entertainment Forums

Chris · Posted: Sat May 14, 2005 9:52 am Post subject: Kingdom of Heaven

I heard from a friend that this movie was pretty good. From what he said, it is similar to the Gladiator and almost as good. Funny thing is I have heard some pretty bad remarks about this one.

Here is some of what I have heard

Kingdom of Heaven is an unmitigated disaster from start to finish, offering up a level of sheer dullness that's shocking - particularly given the talent that's in front of and behind the camera. It's hard to imagine anyone other than the most hardcore history buff embracing anything that's on display here, as screenwriter William Monahan constantly (and consistently) eschews exposition and character development in favor of spectacle and set design (both of which are, admittedly, quite impressive). The end result is a film that's far from compelling, and seems to exist only for the enjoyment of an incredibly specific audience (it's clear that a heavy dose of foreknowledge on the Crusades is a prerequisite for sitting through the movie).

http://www.tribute.ca/aol/ From AOL Tribute. There is more if you would like to read it

and another

We're presented with lots of eye-candy (ancient cityscapes, desert sunsets, shimmering palaces, that are all vibrant and lush) and an engaging soundtrack. While Kingdom Of Heaven does have its share of problems (Balian is a little too goody-two-shoes and some of the dialogue is laughable), it's one of the first films in the genre to give a loaded critique of the frivolity of religious wars.

Seems like people didn't like it. Think I will wait until it comes out on videa. Since I purchased my 50" DLP TV I have become more discriminating with what I will go to the theater to watch.