Movie Review: Kingdom of Heaven
Published May 12, 2005
I know, I know, that is a rather poor description of the film. But for some reason I just don't have it in me to recap it. It is a remarkable film on many accounts. But I do feel it has one significant failing. For as enthralled as I was with the scenery and the action and the story, not all of the characters rang true. That is not to say they are bad, I just did not always feel a connection with them.
My main complaint is with Orlando Bloom, who has not yet convinced me that he can really act. Not that anyone ever asked, or wanted, my opinion. Bloom seems to be content with to play these medieval type roles. His acting is slight, and barely holds his own against the likes of Liam Neeson and Jeremy Irons.
Outside of that, I find little to complain about. There is some spectacular action in large and small scale. An interesting story which does not so much tell you who the good guys and bad guys are, as they are placed on both sides of the battle and besides that, looks can be deceiving.
Bottomline. This is a wonderful return to form for the epic, and yet another potential classic for Scott. I still can't seem to put my finger on why this works so much better than other recent epics.
Highly Recommended.
Visit me at Draven99's Musings.
Christopher Beaumont spends much of his time writing about entertainment when he isn't sitting in a movie theater. He is known around the office as the "Movie Guy" and is always ready to talk about his favorite form of entertainment and offer up recommendations. Interests include science fiction, horror, and metal music. His writings can be found at Draven99's Musings. 
- Movie Review: Kingdom of Heaven
- Published: May 12, 2005
- Type: Review
- Section: Video
- Filed Under: Video: Action, Video: Adventure, Video: Drama
- Writer: Chris Beaumont
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Comments on this articleComments
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.
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.
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.
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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