Blogcritics: Comments on Movie Review: Kingdom of Heaven

Comment by Chris Beaumont

Thu, 12 May 2005 23:06:11 EDT

Perhaps. I am thinking it is my exception to Bloom's ability. He was good in this role, but there is still something that leaves me flat. That said, he has displayed a world more ability than Hayden Christensen who is so flat an uncharismatic. I cannot lay claim to the sword and sandal epic, I read it somewhere, I think it may be an Ebert phrase. I see where you're coming from with the action. I think Kingdom may have a cross between the two styles. There was a point I was near groaning with the catapults. I was reminded of the awful Timeline where there was a nearly interminable catapult sequence. Braveheart has more, uh, heart than Kingdom, but I think Kingdom sports a more complex story. Ridley does a good job of avoiding labeling the Muslim's as being bad and the Christians as good. There is a nice balance of the good and the bad to the portrayal of the two sides.

Comment by Eric Berlin

Thu, 12 May 2005 22:48:47 EDT

Maybe darice wrote the right comment in the wrong place? Anyway, great job, Chris. I love the term "sword and sandal" epic -- very cool. I think Gladiator is a very good movie, but I have some major problems with it: particularly the cut away nature to the action scenes were shot... so much so that you never really see anything. Compare this to Braveheart, which is a far more visceral and exciting film action-wise. I also think Gladiator is a very good candidate to have films that will badly attempt to emulate it, as we have seen. I may yet check out Kingdom of Heaven based upon your review.

Comment by Chris Beaumont

Thu, 12 May 2005 21:42:44 EDT

It must be really exciting to think you are all knowing,when it comes to movies. Huh? I never claimed to be "all knowing" nor would I ever make such a pompous claim. And what's the hang up with wasting time? I thought it was a wonderful movie and said so. I am assuming you are taking exception with my comments regarding Bloom. I think he has potential, but doesn't quite hold his weight yet as a lead. I would also like to see him range a bit, perhaps do something with a modern setting. Ah well, to each their own.

Comment by darice

Thu, 12 May 2005 19:52:47 EDT

It must be really exciting to think you are all knowing,when it comes to movies.I didn't feel I wasted my time at all.The entire cast including Orlando Bloom did a first rate job.I didn't miss mr. crowe at all.I think if Ridley Scott had wanted to do a Gladiator 2,he would have don't you think? If anybody is wasting their time, it's with star wars b.s